Hi Ken,

Thanks for your question. 

In terms of the \'new road\', the Westchester Drive Extension is starting this year.  Unfortunately it has taken longer then we would have hoped as it was subject to an appeal in the Environment Court.  An agreement was reached through mediation earlier this year so we can now proceed.  My understanding is that the road will be completed within the next 18 months (I am happy to get you some more detailed information regarding the construction timeframe if you would like).  This road is going to be a key route for residents of Churton Park, as it will provide a direct connection from the Churton Park Motorway off Ramp through to the new suburban centre. 

The developers have applied for consent for the development of a suburban centre in Churton Park, hopefully this will be consented soon, however they hope to have the centre open by 2012 (so we should see some progress soon).

Work has been done to understand what community facilities the Churton Park community want.  It has become clear that the community wish to see some form of community rooms available within the new suburban centre.  The Council are currently speaking with the developer to establish an appropriate space within the centre.  The Council are also talking with the establishment board of the new school to see if we can work with them to develop a school / community partnership which may see the Council investing in the playground or school hall and in return the Board would allow public access to these facilities (as happens with the Tawa Recreation Centre).  Money has been included in the budget for some scoping work and community building this year, the Churton Park Community Association is in charge of this aspect.  Further money has been provided in the budget for next year, so we should hopefully see a clear lease agreement or MOU emerge soon.

In relation to the Johnsonville Mall Development, the Mall applied for Resource Consent last year and received it.  I understand that the Mall owners are currently trying to raise capital for the redevelopment, but due to the recent tough economic conditions they have not been able to raise enough to get the project started.  As this is a private development there is not a lot the Council can do at this stage, however I am as keen to see this development go a head as anyone, as the Mall is in need of an upgrade. 

I can understand your frustrations with how long things take to get done, as unfortunately it is frustrating for us as Councillors as well.  However, we have managed to secure funding for the upgrade of the Johnsonville Pool, funding for Westchester Drive extension, funding for Churton Park Community Facilities, money has also been included in our long term budget for roading in Johnsonville (we hope to be able to bring this funding forward).  It has also been identified that the Johnsonville library will need to be upgraded as the current library will not be appropriate as the area continues to grow.  We have requested that feasibility work is undertaken to investigate if the library should be built next to the pool and community centre to provide a community facilities hub.  This work should be complete by the middle of next year, which will be in time for the Council to allocate funding for this project in its long term plan.  Alex Moore Park in Johnsonville is also on the list for consideration of the installation of an artificial pitch.

I apologise for the length of my response but please be assured we are making progress but with the likes of the mall sometimes we are reliant on other parties. 

I would be happy to discuss these further or provide you with further detail if you would like.  Feel free to give me a call or an email.

Kind regards,

Hayley Wain