E tu! Strathmore Park stands tall

Wellington City Council, along with Housing New Zealand, New Zealand Police and other agencies are behind a community-led development approach to transform the eastern Wellington suburb of Strathmore Park.

Councillor Paul Eagle, Chair of the council committee responsible for social development acknowledged that revitalising Strathmore Park was long overdue with poor lighting making some areas unsafe, limited transport services and poor urban design resulting in a sense of disconnection across the suburb.

“The people of Strathmore Park are standing up and wanting to voice what matters most to them. They want us to listen – and help set a vision so they feel valued and can determine what they want their suburb to look like in the future.”

Strathmore Park locals had recently been asked to identify strengths, challenges and opportunities for the suburb at a range of community meetings, gatherings and events.

“Locals want to engage face-to-face and Council, Housing New Zealand and Police see the benefits in meeting them in their own backyard. They want to take the lead in their suburb’s development and it’s important we support them to sustain momentum” says Cr Eagle.

Locals have identified a number of ways to improve Strathmore Park, including improved housing options, a safer and connected suburb and their own spaces for the community to congregate.

Councillor Sarah Free, Council’s Community Facilities Portfolio Leader, says that a number of local projects are already underway and are strongly supported by many organisations and individuals.

“However, a coordinated approach to breathing new life into Strathmore Park is needed. We want to work together with the community. Council, Housing New Zealand and the Police will support groups and members of the community who want to get involved and make projects happen”, she says.

Further consultation is planned during December. Residents can share ideas on how to improve Strathmore Park by:

• Sending an e-mail: LoveStrathmorePark@gmail.com;

• Coming along to the “Christmas in the park” event at Raukawa Reserve on Wednesday 9 December from 5.30pm (ideas will be collected at the caravan onsite);

• Popping along to the community caravan that will be located at the Raukawa Street carpark area on 5, 9, and 12 December.

ENDS

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