Formal consultation has begun on plans for a new adventure park in Porirua following approval by the Council last night.
Porirua City Mayor Mike Tana says this is another great opportunity to find more detail about the Porirua Adventure Park and give feedback on what is proposed at Spicer Botanical Park/Te Rahui o Rangituhi.
This includes a gondola ride, zipline, wave simulator and cafés plus walking and cycling tracks.
“Because this is public land, we will be inviting community views on the Adventure Park proposal as a whole.
"This is a high-profile proposition attracting a lot of speculation on what Council, and ultimately ratepayers could be asked to pay for, so knowing exactly what is being proposed and on what financial basis, should attract both questions and comments."
Council Chief Executive Wendy Walker says before construction can start, the developers, Porirua Adventure Park Limited Partnership, need to acquire various permissions.
This consultation is being sought under the Local Government Act to enable the Council to make a decision about leasing the land at Spicer Botanical Park.
The developers are also waiting on a Department of Conservation concession and Greater Wellington Regional Council resource consents.
Land-use resource consent has already been granted, subject to an appeal period.
Ms Walker says that if the lease is granted Council would be the landlord, with the developers paying to lease the land.
Council would supply the infrastructure up to the boundary of the park.
All development costs would be met by the developers who will also foot the bill for any associated amenities such as car parking and toilets.
Because the land is publicly owned, the Council has agreed to provide a bank guarantee of up to $4 million to support developers fundraising and banking credit facilities, but this is subject to strict conditions being met.
The Council has mitigated any risks by ensuring they have step-in-rights in certain circumstances.
A MartinJenkins Economic Impact Assessment says once operational, the park is expected to contribute $9.6million to Porirua’s local economy with up to 150 people employed and an additional 80,000 visitors to the city each year.
Mayor Tana says most of the 1400 responses in the earlier public engagement on the Porirua Adventure Park were positive, with general enthusiasm for the concept and with suggestions for adding other features such as a luge.
Concerns expressed included scepticism over feasibility and patronage estimates and concerns about Council bearing any risk.
Mayor Tana is encouraging people to have their say online through the Council’s website, by email or by post.
Everyone is welcome to drop-in sessions at the City Hub at 7 Serlby Place on Wednesday 29 May. There is a lunch-time drop-in (12 noon to 1.30pm) and an after-work opportunity (5.30- 7pm).
People who have submitted can also speak at a public hearing on Wednesday 3 July 2019. Feedback from the community is due by Friday 7 June.
For more information on the Porirua Adventure Park proposal, visit www.poriruacity.govt.nz.16 May 2019
