Consultation opens on Rototuna Village

The new Rototuna library could have a similar design to the Te Awamutu Library. Photo / File

The development of the Rototuna town centre is moving ahead with the council inviting people to have their say on the new village being developed.

"Following the council decision last year to set aside funds for the development of community facilities in Rototuna, the project has been moving forward at a rapid pace.

There has been a huge amount of work undertaken in quite a short space of time – and now the community is able to have their say," said project manager for Rototuna, Natasha Ryan,

The Council set aside $19.6 million in 2018 for the development of community facilities which will include a community centre and library, with bookable rooms and meeting places, a village square and carparks. Both proposals feature space for a potential pool/fitness centre which would need to be developed in partnership with a commercial operator.

One of the options for the proposed Rototuna Village, involving a larger carpark.

While recognising there have been high community expectations an aquatic centre would be built in Rototuna, the council is being clear at the outset of this engagement process, a potential pool is only viable if a commercial operator can be attracted to invest.
Initial engagement with people of the north-eastern suburbs early-on, expressed their desire for "a welcoming community village with flexible, inviting, connected and usable spaces".

"We are presenting two proposals to start a conversation, each with different strengths and weaknesses. It's very important that the people of Rototuna have their say, so we have a better understanding of their needs, and how we can best design the village to strengthen the community within the parameters we have," Ms Ryan said.

Another option for the proposed Rototuna villages involves a larger space for the library. Photo / Supplied

"The council has no preferred proposal – we genuinely want the people of Rototuna to talk to us about what they like about the proposals."

The area for the village development is on North City Rd, to the north of Borman Rd.