Media Release: Thursday 7 July 2016

Community feedback sought for Levin town centre development strategy

Horowhenua District Council is seeking community input to help shape a development strategy for Levin’s town centre.

Significant population and economic growth has been forecast for the District due to state highway upgrades that will see Levin become the first town centre on State Highway One north of Wellington.

The Wellington Northern Corridor, a Roads of National Significance project, has been described as an “economic catalyst” for Horowhenua, according to the New Zealand Institute of Economic Development. It predicts another 10,000 people will move to Horowhenua within 20 years, bringing with it new businesses, commercial and residential development.

Council’s urban designer Anna Wood says the Growing Levin Town Centre Development Strategy will identify opportunities to make improvements to public spaces, streets, buildings and activities.

“It will be the guide to support positive change as our town and district grow. It’s very exciting,” she said.

“We need to decide what sort of place we want Levin, as our largest town, to be; and how it should change and grow over the next 20 years,” Miss Wood said.
“So, we want members of the public to share their observations about the town centre as it is now, to contribute their aspirations and ideas for its future, as well as provide feedback on a few of our thoughts.”

Between Friday 15 July and Monday 1 August a series of community engagement drop-in sessions will be held. People will be able to learn information about the Levin Town Centre Development Strategy and ideas and opportunities that Council has identified.

The drop-in sessions dates, times and venues are:
· Friday 15 July, 12.30pm - 2.00pm, in the open meeting room at Te Takere, Levin

· Tuesday 19 July, 5.00pm - 6.30pm, in the open meeting room at Te Takere, Levin

· Wednesday 20 July, 7.30pm – 9.00pm, at the Manakau Hall, Mokena Kohere Street

· Thursday 28 July, 7.30pm – 9.00pm, at Te Awahou Masonic Village, 79 Main St, Foxton.

· Saturday 30 July, 2.00pm - 3.30pm, in the open meeting room at Te Takere, Levin

· Monday 1 August, 7.00pm – 8.30pm, in the open meeting room at Te Takere, Levin

“Community members’ input into the future of Levin’s town centre will be invaluable, so please come along to one of the drop-in sessions, or share your thoughts and ideas via our online questionnaire at www.horowhenua.govt.nz,” Miss Wood said.

ENDS

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