Taupō District Council has selected a joint proposal from architectural design firm Warren and Mahoney and landscape architectural company Boffa Miskell to deliver a masterplan for Taupō's Central Business District.
The council decided earlier this year to develop a masterplan around the preferred site for its civic administration functions by the Great Lake Centre, including provision for cultural, arts, and heritage facilities to replace Taupō Museum. This followed the need to vacate its former Lake Terrace site mid last year, due to health and safety concerns with the building. The building has since been demolished.
The master plan will encompass a specific area located on Tongariro Domain including the Great Lake Centre, library, museum, I-site, Superloo, Rotary House and bowling club as well as the town's main thoroughfare, Tongariro Street. It will not look at any development on the north part of Tongariro Domain.
Mayor David Trewavas said Taupō District Council had a unique opportunity to create a cultural precinct in the town centre and it was important it was 'done right first time'. This project would enable increased vibrancy in the CBD and improve connectivity between it and the lake and river. Engaging the community in its development would be pivotal to its success, he said.
"The master plan is expected to deliver a suite of options for future development of the area including what efficiencies can be made, what opportunities can be capitalised on and future proofing going forward."
The project officially kicked off last week with a workshop with the Mayor and councillors, and a site visit. The master planners also had a workshop with invited stakeholders. A public engagement session is planned for Tuesday, July 31, at the Lake Taupō Yacht Club on Ferry Road, with the community invited to come in to learn more about the project anytime between 4pm and 7pm.
