Contractors Campbell Infrastructure began the Long Mile Road upgrade in late February this year and it has largely stayed on track and been completed as planned.
The upgrade has included an improved intersection at Tarawera Road, improved and safer road markings, formalising of footpaths, the creation of a 3m wide shared path down the length of Long Mile Road, improved car and bus parking, upgraded stormwater management including planted swales, improved kerbs and planting, and an improved connection to Scion.
The very last part of the upgrade will involve constructing new bus and equestrian parking at the Scion end of Long Mile Road. This work was scheduled to begin this month but has been rescheduled for January/February to ensure the area is available for use over the busy holiday period.
The Long Mile Road upgrade is part of the wider forest development project that aims to enhance this much-loved recreational area and spark future private investment and economic benefit for the district.
Council's Sports, Recreation and Environment Manager, Rob Pitkethley says, We're really pleased with how this first stage of the forest development has progressed. Feedback to date has been exceptional and reflects the community's appreciation for Long Mile Road's fresh new look and improved functionality, as well as the efficient and friendly manner in which Campbell Infrastructure has completed this work.
Partnership has been a crucial part of this process. Without mana whenua granting permission for the development to go ahead, match funding from Central Government's Provincial Growth Fund to ensure the work could be completed and collaboration and understanding from surrounding businesses throughout the duration of construction, this work would not have been possible.
It's been a great start to the project and we're looking forward to seeing the next elements of the forest development come together and enhance the amenities available in the forests.
Scion is one of the neighbouring organisations that has collaborated with Council and CNI to ensure this upgrade could go ahead. As part of this upgrade, Scion has leased land to Council to enable more car parking space and has worked closely with Council on the design of the new roundabout to ensure it is fit for purpose.
Scion's General Manager Finance and Corporate Services, Rob Trass says, Scion is very excited about the Long Mile Road development by Council and CNI. The work enhances access to this special forest, which provides a place to relax, exercise and create employment. It is another step closer to welcoming the public to the Scion campus in mid-2020 when our Innovation Hub building opens. The hub will showcase what's possible with forests, wood and biomaterials.
This week, to mark the completion of work, a thank you breakfast was held for Campbell Infrastructure and all other parties who have been involved in the construction.
At the breakfast, Chair of Te Komiti Nui o Ngāti Whakaue, Kingi Biddle expressed his gratitude to all those who have helped bring the plans to life.
As mana whenua we want to ensure everything in the forest reflects the wairua and flow of the forest and Tāne - you have done this.
I want to say thank you to those who have taken the plans from the paper and turned them into reality. You've created something that will stand the test of time.
