Coromandel Town locals got their first chance to provide input on the design guidelines for the town at an informal public forum recently.

The guidelines being drafted focus on pedestrian connectivity and accessible routes along with traffic management and parking, says Thames-Coromandel area manager Greg Hampton.

'It was great to see so many people turn out for the open day. Much positive feedback was received and will be collated early in the New Year.”

It's intended the guidelines will help inform and influence the Thames-Coromandel District Council, community organisations, businesses and private property owner decisions in relation to the town centre precinct development.

They will also be a useful resource for both existing community and potential developers intending to invest in the area, adds Greg.

In the New Year the Coromandel-Colville Community Board will work with the Coromandel Streetscape Stakeholder Working Group to consider the feedback received and make any amendments required to the draft Design Guidelines.

Following this the document will then be formally accepted by the Community Board as the Coromandel Town Centre Design Guidelines 2017.

The stakeholder working group was established to assist the board develop guidelines that will provide clear reference and direction for the on-going preservation and development of Coromandel Town's unique CBD environment and heritage character.

For more information on the Coromandel Town Centre Design visit the Thames-Coromandel District website at: www.tcdc.govt.nz/corostreetscape

THE KEY AREAS OF FOCUS AROUND COROMANDEL TOWN:

• Southern and Eastern Gateway
• The Western Gateway
• The Southern Town Centre Precinct Gateway
• Kapanga/Tiki roads Intersection
• Northern Gateway and Karaka Stream Reserve
• Hauraki Reserve House Reserve
• Woollams Avenue Reserve car park
• Charles Street
• Pottery Lane and Samuel James Reserve.

An outline of the concept plans that will be incorporated into the Coromandel Town Centre Design Guidelines. Image: TCDC.