(Hamilton is growing and by 2035, city’s population is expected to rise by more than 50,000 people, requiring at least 18,000 new homes. Peacocke is the third residential area to be developed after Rototuna & Rotokauri. In this exclusive write-up, Hamilton’s Dy Mayor outlines the progress in spite of challenges- Ed).
Last week, I had the chance to see how close the Peacocke growth cell is to being open for business.
Although the new roads and bridges are really impressive, the real key to unlocking Peacocke is hidden inside them. The main barrier to residential development in Peacocke was not having wastewater connections.
Over the last five years, from a near standing start, Council, its advisors and contractors have managed to build a very large strategic pump station and over 7.5km of dual pipelines that will not just service the Peacocke community as it grows, but will also divert wastewater from Hamilton’s western network, enabling development and making the system more resilient. By 2025, there will be strategic services to the centre of the growth cell and the subdivisions off Ohaupo Rd.
The Peacocke programme is an awesome demonstration of how well Council can deliver core infrastructure in challenging circumstances. Within a few months, the Peacocke growth cell will be open for residential development for up to 20,000 Hamiltonians. Peacocke is ideally located to support Hamilton’s strategic objectives for economically and environmentally sustainable growth, close to the central city and strategic network connections. This is the result of more than 30 years of hard work from many different groups, including past councils.
We are on track to open up Peacocke within the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) timeframes and agreed budgets despite huge challenges from pandemics, cyclones and global supply chain challenges. We have shown that Hamilton, in partnerships with NZ Govt, can deliver major infrastructure projects more effectively than many other agencies. This success has already been reflected in our success in other funding opportunities such as the $150M Infrastructure Acceleration Fund grant to support development in the central city. Read More...
Angela O’Leary, Deputy Mayor, Hamilton. Email: angela.oleary@council.hcc.govt.nz
Editor’s Note: The views expressed in this column, ViewPoint are the personal opinions of the writer, and do not reflect the views of NewsViews nor does it ascribe to these in any manner.
– from NewsViews
Peacocke’s development has been far from ideal with land being taken under the Public Works Act and an expensive road where it did not need to go. Interest-free loan is due for repayment,I believe, & homes havn’t sold or are slow to sell which has leveraged huge debt to ratepayers. The huge cost of a bridge and ongoing budget blowouts and lack of infrastructure are not to be lauded. I only hope development costs are reflective of this & that this may serve as a reminder that not all developments are good.
You could be right, & for that reason I suggest providing feedback to Council is essential. There is a link to have your say in this story:https://www.newsviews.co.nz/council-seeks-feedback-to-help-shape-hamiltons-long-term-future/
Leveraging off ratepayers through LTP growth funding is never a great idea, with housing becoming collateral for debt repayment. These partnerships are based on top-down assumptions from imported overseas models. Regarding sustainability claims, steel production creates a huge carbon footprint, which takes the city further from achieving net-zero emissions reductions. Pukete wastewater treatment plant is across town from Peacocke & infrastructure deficiencies there have created angst.