Greytown Wheels Park and Martinborough Street Lighting

MEDIA STATEMENT
10 February 2023

The Greytown Wheels Park is poised to become reality after the South Wairarapa District Council voted to enter into a construction contract this week.

At a meeting this week, Councillors heard how a tender process had been completed and a preferred provider selected. They voted to allow the Council to enter into a contract and begin construction.

The Wheels Park has been proposed for some years to fill a gap in recreational facilities for older children and families in Greytown. Many of the design ideas were inspired by submissions from the public and local school children.

A modular approach will be taken for the build, enabling the Council’s $1million contribution to fund the first stage that will deliver the core elements of the wheels park, suitable for use by our rangatahi. This approach allows for additional new features as the community requires and as community funding becomes available.

The staged construction will mean the park is usable at the completion of each stage, with additions to the park being made as more funding becomes available. Initial estimates put the total costs of the project at $3m.

The park will be sited opposite Tararua Junction subdivision and adjacent to the Greytown Dog Park on the corner of Cotter and Pierce streets.

Cr Alistair Plimmer, who is leading governance on the project, said the park was expected to be a big hit when completed.

“The wheels have been in motion for almost 20 years, and it’s great that we can finally bring it to fruition. Earlier consultation has shown the community is right behind it.”

At the meeting on Wednesday (8 February), the Council also accepted a recommendation from the Committee to fast-track the lighting of unlit pedestrian crossings in Martinborough’s town centre.

The Council agreed to bring all non-compliant pedestrian crossings in the district into line with current lighting standards, starting with Martinborough Square, where there are long-held public safety concerns.

Work would start with lighting at all non-compliant crossings on Council roads around the Square and at the Jellicoe/Venice Street corner. Funding would be drawn from an appropriate reserve, to be determined by the Chief Executive and General Manager Finance.

Council officers have been asked to present a report on funding and an implementation plan.

Other non-compliant crossings in the district would be considered as future budgets allow, by adding them to Waka Kotahi’s 2023/2027 Land Transport Plan, meaning they might be eligible for subsidisation.

Cr Aidan Ellims, chair of the Infrastructure and Community Services Committee, said the Martinborough community would be pleased that their safety concerns were being addressed.

“This recent decision by the Council underpins its intention to pay attention to what residents are telling us.”

Media contact:
Sheil Priest, General Manager, Communications & Engagement
Mob: 027 252 2863
Email: media@swdc.govt.nz

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