Waiouru Landscape And Public Toilet Renewal Project Underway

The first major project of the Waiouru Main Street Upgrade is underway with the start of the street landscaping and public toilet redevelopment on SH1.

The street landscaping and redevelopment of the public toilets is the first part of a much larger vision for Waiouru as being a key gateway to the volcanic plateau and the Ruapehu District.

Ruapehu District Council (RDC) Economic Development Manager, Warren Furner, said that that project forms part of Council’s larger economic development strategy for Ruapehu based around a broader concept of Destination Management Planning.

“By taking a ‘destination management’ approach to infrastructure investment Council is integrating support for local business with destination marketing and economic development activity,” he said.

“RDC together with the Waimarino-Waiouru Community Board (WWCB) see Waiouru has having untapped potential as part of Ruapehu’s visitor and tourism offering.”

“Waiouru has a key role in the development of Ruapehu tourism as a starting point for the Volcanic Loop and the Adventure Highway Heritage Trail.”

Mr Furner said that the redevelopment will necessitate the toilets being closed for around 12 weeks.

“Unfortunately this is unavoidable and Council will be installing port-a-loos to cover this period,” he said.

“In order to minimise any inconvenience over the upcoming holiday period the toilets will not be closed until after Easter.”

Mr Furner noted that the public toilet upgrade plan also includes the development of an amenity area which includes a rest area for travellers with provision of space for a playground in the future.

“The landscaping for the amenity area has started and this part of the project is likely to be completed before the toilets are operational.”

“It is hoped that the street scape redevelopment will be completed by ANZAC Day.”

Mr Furner added that Council’s thinking around Destination Management Planning for Ruapehu townships was covered in its Economic Development Strategy – Growing Ruapehu which is currently open for public comment.

Anyone wanting a copy of the Strategy should see Council’s website; www.ruapehudc.govt.nz or drop by their local Council office.

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