Great Lake Walkway upgrade gets underway next month

Construction on the Great Lake Walkway upgrade will begin next month, with council giving the project the green light following detailed design, tender and consultation processes with hapū and affected landowners.

The final costs of the project will be $4,160,000 and will cover widening and improving the walkway surface, important erosion control work and improved design that will reflect the values of hapū.

Chief executive Gareth Green said the upgrade will provide significant long-term benefits.

“The upgraded walkway will be a valuable addition to the district that will benefit our community, our visitors, our lakefront environment and our economy.

“From next year’s IRONMAN world championships event alone, which relies on an upgraded path to accommodate the number of participants competing, we will see $19.5 million brought into our district.

“The upgrade will also ensure we are accommodating the changing use of the walkway.

“At today’s meeting, council agreed to additional funding of $690,000. This includes specific engineering solutions identified as part of the detailed design phase as well as added design elements to reflect hapū values and to ensure beach access is maintained along the lakefront.

“The majority of additional funding will come from other projects scheduled for 20/21 in the long-term plan. The erosion control works will be 45 per cent funded by Waikato Regional Council.

“We will be working to minimise disruption for users of the walkway, with alternative routes included where possible.

“The work will begin in January 2020 and is expected to be complete by August 2020 – weather permitting,” he said.