An Urban Design Framework aimed at protecting the special heritage character of Helensville has been adopted by Rodney District Council.
The new design framework identifies a number of improvements that could be made to Helensville to retain the town’s historic atmosphere, redevelop facilities and provide adequate space for areas to live and work in.
Extensive consultation has been undertaken to develop the framework. The South Kaipara Forum, which represents local ratepayer associations and interested residents, assisted with the development of the framework.
More than 90 submissions were received on the draft framework. Specific proposals which received a high level of public support through submissions included using Creek Lane as a market square at certain times and as a location for new public toilets. Submitters also supported concentrating retail activity along Commercial Road to reduce retail sprawl and to create a village atmosphere.
Projects identified in the framework as priorities include a streetscape upgrade of Creek Lane and development of new public toilets there.
The projects identified in the Urban Design Framework will be included in the Council’s Long Term Council Community Plan for public consultation. Consultation on this document will occur in April 2009.
The Council will also investigate creating heritage rules to guide future development on the northern end of Commercial Road which would allow for retail development along this road, while retaining the area’s heritage character.
A further concept identified in the Urban Design Framework, which will be further investigated, is to provide mixed living and working areas that would allow people easy access to shops and other retail areas from their homes.
“An issue which was raised in the consultation process was that currently there aren’t enough homes in the area that are suitable for older people to move into when they want to downsize their properties,” says Gavin Flynn, RDC’s Western Sector Project Manager.
“Providing mixed living and working areas would address this problem by providing areas where residential and retail development can occur side by side. This would mean that people living in these areas will have access to shops and other services near by.”
For further information and comment please contact:
Gavin Flynn
Rodney District Council
Phone 0800 426 5169
gavin.flynn@rodney.govt.nz