Maketu community hub a step closer

Plans for a future multi-purpose community and recreational facility in Maketu are one step closer for the beach-side community.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council has purchased a vacant 1690sqm section of land on Little Waihi Road which is being earmarked for a future community hub.


An aerial view of the block of land purchased by the council.

The multipurpose community hub could host a combination of activities and groups, such as meeting places, a youth centre, gymnasium, sports and office facilities.

Mayor Ross Paterson says a community hub is one of the key projects put forward in the 2014 Maketu Community Plan.

'When Council reviewed Maketu's Community Plan in 2014 the strongest theme from the community was the demand for a multi-purpose hub in the future.

'Part of this involved finding a suitable piece of land. When this land became available we knew that it would fit the bill perfectly.

'We want to continue to show our communities that we're listening, and helping them to achieve their goals. This land purchase is the first step in achieving one of Maketu's key goals.”

Maketu Community Board chair Shane Beech says this is great news for the community.

'The people of Maketu have great pride in the way Maketu looks and feels and now we have the ability to utilise this property to enhance the atmosphere and feeling of the CBD area.

'The land was the only large piece of commercial freehold land available in Maketu's CBD area; its location and size mean there are great opportunities for future development.”

He says a steering committee will look into the pros and cons of establishing the new facility. The current community centre is old and unfit for future needs.

The purchased site sits adjacent to the current Council-owned community centre and the Maketu Information Centre.

Te Puke/Maketu Ward Councillor Karyl Gunn says the land purchase 'will be an important community asset for Maketu, and a great start towards building a Community Centre”.

Te Puke/Maketu Ward Councillor Kevin Marsh wishes to thank everyone who made the land purchase happen.

'There are many organisations working quietly under the radar to enhance this special place. It really is ‘Magic Maketu'.

'I am delighted that we have secured this land for the future needs of the Maketu community. This is the only piece of commercial land available for purchase within the Maketu CBD, and it was a unique opportunity.”

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