$40m Regional Rail Hub investment will fast-track growth in city and region

Palmerston North City Council welcomed today’s announcement by Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones of a $40 million investment from the Provincial Growth Fund towards the development of a Regional Rail Hub.

Mayor Grant Smith says the creation of a Regional Rail Hub, alongside the development of the Regional Freight Ring Road, will unlock significant opportunities for Palmerston North and the whole region.

“This is another step in the development of an integrated, multi-modal transport network for the Central North Island, which will position the region as a major logistics hub. By significantly enhancing freight and vehicle movement, we create tremendous growth opportunities for regional business.”

Mayor Smith says that in addition to economic benefits, the Regional Rail Hub will also enhance Palmerston North’s liveability.

“The Hub will see rail freight operations move away from the city itself, solving growing traffic constraints around the current site and allowing better movement for residents through the city. It will also open up much-needed land for development within Palmerston North.”

Mayor Smith says the strategic infrastructure developments, including the Regional Rail Hub and Regional Freight Ring Road, are a fantastic example of Government, local government and other regional stakeholders working together to deliver a network that will genuinely enhance regional economic development.

“From our perspective, it’s very satisfying to see the years of master planning by Council’s commercial investment team and city planners being realised through a sustained strategic partnership approach with other stakeholders, including central Government.”

Mayor Smith says the region’s collaborative approach will continue to bear fruit as it seeks to maximise the opportunities unlocked by the new infrastructure projects.

ENDS

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