Ruakura plan key for city's future

The development of Ruakura, the tract of land between Claudelands and Waikato University, to the east of Hamilton, is seen as an area of great potential.

Feedback on the Ruakura Structure Plan stage of the Draft District Plan is now being sought and must be received by Hamilton City Council by June 1 for consideration.

The draft plan will be released by the council for formal submissions in late October.

Last week, Ruakura residents and landowners were invited to three open days to learn more about and comment on what is being considered for the area.

The district plan is essentially the rulebook for development in Hamilton and outlines where different kinds of activities, such as residential, commercial and recreational, can occur.

The open days follow two earlier workshops in December to introduce what is known as the Ruakura Structure Plan - a plan that will guide long term, future development.

About 800 hectares is involved, with large amounts owned by Tainui Group Holdings and Chedworth Properties.

Both companies are working closely with the council on developing the plan.

The land is a mix of rural and rural residential land, and includes AgResearch and Waikato Innovation Park.

The area is significant because of its scale, strategic links to existing and proposed road and rail infrastructure and has great potential as an area of significant new employment.

A range of land uses are proposed for the area including:

Inland port with freight handling and distribution

A new innovation and research precinct

New residential neighbourhoods

Small-scale retail to support new employees and residents

Open spaces, parks and cycleways.

Development at Ruakura is set to take place during the next 40-50 years with the first stage being an inland port and freight handling area.

This is expected to start within the next decade.

District plan review steering group chair Cr Pippa Mahood says Ruakura is a vital area for development, not only for Hamilton, but for the region.

"It will create jobs and build on what is already a substantial existing employment base.

"We look forward to sharing our plans and encourage anyone within an interest in Ruakura to tell us what you think," Cr Mahood said.