Te Awa Lakes development blessed as earthworks get under way

The proposed Te Awa Lakes housing and recreation development at Hamilton's northern gateway. Photo / File

The long awaited $1 billion Te Awa Lakes development near Horotiu, which will include over 1000 homes and a water park, is under way as the site was officially blessed last Friday.

The Te Awa Lakes development, which will deliver mixed-type housing including at least 10 per cent affordable housing and a village centre with cafes, restaurants, hotels around lakes-based recreation activities, was signed off by Hamilton City Council over a year ago, however there were hiccups along the way which delayed the start.

Perrys Group, which is leading the development, first applied for a private plan change, but then switched course and applied for a special housing area application which was initially approved by the Hamilton City Council but declined by the Government.

They then returned to a private plan change but had to get an independent commissioner's approval.

Perrys' private plan change application, heard by commissioners in November, attracted 61 submissions, 42 generally supporting it because it would create an attractive northern gateway to Hamilton and support the Te Awa River cycleway.

Their opposition to the plan change came in the form of neighbouring established industrial operators including Fonterra, Ports of Auckland, Open Country Dairy and meat company Affco, who were concerned new residents would complain about industrial activity (reverse sensitivity), about a perceived threat to their economic viability and investment decisions, and that approval would set a precedent for further changes in the area.

However, after a drawn out hearing the commissioner sided with Perrys Group and approved to change industrial zoning to residential on 50 hectares of land beside the Waikato River at Horotiu.

Perry Group chairman Simon Perry said the vision for Te Awa Lakes was to bring people together through recreation and to promote a healthy lifestyle.

"We love the Waikato and we want Te Awa Lakes to celebrate the Waikato River and rejuvenate it both environmentally and recreationally," said Perry, whose family has long supported Waikato growth through philanthropy and community developments.

Official 2019 study results showed the region needed 51,000 more houses in the next 25 years and a shortfall of 7500 homes, 4500 of which were in Hamilton alone.