Media release

Council announces signature subdivision project

Posted On: Friday, 7 July 2006

Council this week gave its approval for a unique subdivision concept to be developed on surplus Council land located in Rotokauri adjacent to the Lake Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park.

The development is a signature project that embraces principles of urban design and sustainable development that have been articulated through Council's CityScope strategy. CityScope delivers a framework for sustainable development of the city's built environment through visionary and strategic urban design.

Hamilton mayor Michael Redman says that this project represents a showcase development for that strategy.

"The Rotokauri subdivision represents a unique opportunity to set a high standard in sustainable urban design, and should represent an influential case study for planners of future developments in Hamilton's growth areas."

The development is modelled from an environmental, transport and sustainability viewpoint and low impact urban design features define the projects uniqueness. These features include devises such as swales, rain gardens and 'green roads', all designed for superior management of storm water.

Other features of the project are centred on CPTED principles (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design), such as the requirement for properties to be built facing onto reserves, rather than backing onto them, thus delivering passive community surveillance. Additionally, the incorporation of green spaces in the form of open and shared village greens deliver better outlooks for homes as well as creating a sense of space and community.

Council plans to undertake the physical subdivision of the identified 5 hectare area into 63 sections and form contracts with independent residential property developers to complete the housing in compliance with the concepts outlined in the project brief.

General manager of corporate services, Mike Garrett says that Council will work closely with the contracted developers to incorporate progressive and sustainable concepts into the built design brief.

"These may include energy efficient initiatives such as solar water heating, passive solar design elements, such as large north facing window design and water tanks."

Council plans to have the physical subdivision development completed by March 2007, with construction work commencing in September 2007. Completed dwellings are expected to be available on the market by late 2007.