South Taranaki council seeks feedback on plan to close Pātea’s Cambridge St

South Taranaki District Council wants to make part of Cambridge St in Pātea a pedestrian-only space.

South Taranaki District Council wants to permanently close part of Cambridge St in Pātea to vehicles.

The council is seeking public input on the proposal to make the section between Egmont St (State Highway 3) and Dorset St pedestrian only.

The proposal is part of the Pātea South Development stage in the Pātea Town Revitalisation Programme, which aims to increase the town’s amenities, safety and community connection.

“This proposal supports the community’s long-term vision for Pātea by creating a more people-friendly town entrance,” community services group manager Rob Haveswood said.

The proposal would create a positive change for the community, he said.

“It’s about improving safety while giving locals and visitors a more attractive public place to gather and connect.”

The idea for the proposed pedestrian space at Pātea’s southern gateway was first identified in the 2019 Pātea Town Masterplan.

It suggested safer pedestrian areas, better public spaces and stronger connections between the town centre, river and beach.

The project details were developed by Pātea Co-Design Group – a collaborative group of iwi, hapū, community representatives and council staff.

A July traffic assessment found there would be minimal effect on traffic flow if the section of Cambridge St were closed because alternative routes were available.

The study found safety would be improved by the replacement of two crossroads with safer T-intersections included in the project.

Earlier this year, the council consulted local businesses and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, which supported the proposal.

People can give feedback online at the South Taranaki District Council website, at Pātea LibraryPlus or the council’s administration building, Albion St, Hāwera.

Consultation closes at 5pm on February 14.