Ministerial visit to Peacocke gateway with key stakeholders
Phil Twyford, Minister for Economic Development, Urban Development and Transport, joined Mayor Andrew King, iwi representatives, local elected representatives and other key stakeholders to mark progress of the Peacocke Housing Infrastructure Fund projects.
Effective partnership of various agencies to support growth of Hamilton’s biggest project was the key theme of the event, hosted by Hamilton City Council on Sept 4 at a site overlooking the planned new bridge over the Waikato River.
The development of this new neighbourhood in the south of the city is supported by $290.4m of government funding through the housing infrastructure fund. This has the capacity for 3750 homes to be built within the next decade, and will be a home for more than 20,000 Hamiltonians in the years ahead.
Mayor Andrew King said the occasion was an opportunity to express appreciation for government support which has enabled the long-planned growth area in Peacocke, an area of land which became part of Hamilton from Waipa in 1989.
Mayor King acknowledged the support of the Minister Phil Twyford and Government, MBIE, and NZ Transport Agency for the significant funding ($290.4m) partnership with the Council through the Housing Infrastructure Fund.
“Partnerships and collaboration are vital now and will be even more so in the future. It’s been almost 30 years since Peacocke became part of our city and now, through effective partnerships, it’s an integral part of our future,” he said.
“Peacocke is more than just housing – it’s a community which enhances our culture, our environment and our social connections. Sustainability is at the heart of our plans for Peacocke, a unique environment with more than 100ha of open space, gully and river esplanade,” Mayor King added.
The vision for Peacocke is to enable the development of an attractive and sustainable community. A 10-year interest-free loan through the HIF will save the city $65M in interest costs, and NZ Transport Agency subsidies within the HIF total $110M. When complete, the area will be home to 21,000 new Hamiltonians.
By 2028, Hamilton will need enough serviced sections for 12,500 more homes; by 2038, we will need 31,900 more houses just to accommodate all those people who want to call Hamilton home.
Spread over 720-hectare, the Council wants to develop Peacocke as a series of connected city neighbourhoods, a place where residents and their families can enjoy their home and their sense of place within our city.
When completed, the aspiration “Peacocke is more than just housing – it’s a community,” would be truly achieved.
