A long-planned transformation of the Taupō town centre has been given a $20 million shot in the arm. Taupō Mayor David Trewavas welcomed the “huge boost” saying the council and district were incredibly grateful for it, but also that much work had gone into the planning. The $20 million will be used for a reorientation of the street network to make it more attractive to pedestrians and cyclists.
The work involves shifting through-traffic from the current main route of Lake Terrace and Tongariro Street to Titiraupenga St and Spa Rd instead, allowing a freer flow of people between the central business district and Tongariro Domain, with its cultural centres like the Great Lake Centre, library and museum.
Upgrades to Spa Rd, Paora Hapi and Titiraupenga Streets would allow for this flow while encouraging pedestrians and cyclists to access the town centre. The project will revitalise the existing intersections along Ruapehu St to address pedestrian and driver safety issues and turn Tuwharetoa St into an “eat street” destination providing, said announcement material, “inviting and commercially viable alfresco dining opportunities.”
It is expected to create the equivalent of 92 full time jobs.
The money is one of a series of Infrastructure Reference Group (IRG) handouts announced on Wednesday by Finance Minister Grant Robertson and Infrastructure Minister Shane Jones from $3 billion set aside for infrastructure in the Covid Response and Recovery Fund.
