Hi,
I am keen to understand what you are going to do to accelerate the development of facilities in Churton Park (specifically the community/shopping centre and better access to the motorway) and ensure speedy development of the new Johnsonville Mall.
When I moved to Churton Park in early 2006, there were promises to have a new road, new community facilities and a revamped Johnsonville Mall in the near future. Nearly 5 years on, the only sign of progress is with the excavation of the new school - everything else is unchanged. This is extremely disappointing given it is in, arguably, the fastest growing suburb in Wellington City. Council focus is required and, to date, it seems to have been elsewhere.
Thanks,
Ken
Candidate Answers
Candidate
Answer
Hi Ken, thanks for your question.
I'm really pleased to be able to say that both the extension to Westchester Drive and the Churton Park town centre are now fully consented. The road extension is a WCC project and is fully funded and I'm expecting the diggers to start digging any day. I suspect that commencement of the project has been delayed due to the wet weather we have been having. You are quite right this project should have begun about 12 months ago, however the resource consent was appealed to the environment court which added further delay to construction. In relation to the town centre, the plans were approved by council on the 10th of May this year and are now awaiting construction by the developers Rodney and Guy Callender. It is my understanding that they have been working with prospective tenants including Foodstuffs and plan to have the centre completed about the same time that the road opens.
Councillors approved funding of $812,000 for community facilities in the 2009 - 19 LTCCP which is available aligned to the constrction of the Churton Park centre and school, and a further $845,000 in 2012/13. Earlier in the year we ran focus groups and undertook a survey of Churton Park residents to get an understanding of the views of the community as to how this should be spent. In summary there was a desire for an Indoor Recreation Space and Community Rooms. In progressing this we have been in discussions with the BOT of the new school and we are working toward a partnership to provide indoor recreation space on the Amesbury Drive site. In relation to progressing the community space we are currently both looking at various options for a site near the future town centre and in early negotiations with the Callenders to secure long term space at the new town centre. This work we have been undertaking in close connection with the Churton Park Residents Association. I have attached a link to a press release that provides a bit more detail on the funding etc. for the community facilities. http://www.wellington.govt.nz/news/display-item.php?id=3934 I'm just checking if the plans etc. are public documents and if they are I will post them on my website (hopefully later in the day).
In relation to the Johnsonville Mall, once again this is a private development which is fully consented by council and is now, as I understand just short on tenants and funding to get it off the ground. We (Council) have been working very closely with DNZ for some years now on this project and I like you are really disappointed that it has (as appears) ground to a halt due to the economic recession that (despite what we are told by the economists) we are still in. In response to this situation, ward councillors have requested officers investigate what roading improvements can be made in the Johnsonville triangle outside of the overall redevelopment project.
I hope that this reassures you that I, as your representative have been hard at work, ensuring that council policy aligns with community needs and expectations. But the wheels grind slowly and unfortunately, I like all local body politicians are unable to speed up those wheels.
I would encourage you to check out my website www.ngairebest.co.nz and feel free to give me a call to discuss any issues that arise.
Thanks again for your question.
Ngaire Best
Awaiting response
Dear Ken,
Thank you for your question. Some of the details of what has or has not happened in Northern Ward has already been covered by other candidates\' responses.
However, one glaring factor is that the lack of progress in Churton Park and Johnsonville Mall is largely because the existing councillors have not been successful in pushing forward this agenda at council. I can understand your frustration as I too live in the Northern Ward for the past 12 years and am equally disappointed at the lack of progress and development in the Northern suburbs in the last 12 years.
That is why you need to consider having a new set of councillors for Northern Ward to investigate and expedite the matter, and set Northern Ward development as a priority over the next 3 years and onwards.
I am a sensible, proactive and tenacious person, and I believe in getting things done efficiently.
Vote for change, Vote 1 for Camilia Chin!
Warm Regards,
Camilia
Hi Ken,
I agree with you, it has taken too long to get things moving but there is some good news on the way.
Roadworks for the Westchester Drive extension will commence in late October / early November. The project is definitely going ahead this year with three contractors shortlisted and the successful tenderer to be announced shortly. Construction will start at the Middleton Road end in Glenside.
Regarding the Churton Park amenities, I met with Rodney Callender, the developer of the retail precinct a couple of weeks ago. I went through the concept plans for the new supemarket (New World) and community centre with him and indications are that building will start on the New World in 2011. This is a private development so the timing is subject to change, but if I'm elected I'll be doing everything within my powers to help facilitate the timely commencement of the development.
I agree that advocacy for Churton Park and the northern suburbs needs to be stronger and that's why I'm running as a first time candidate.
To help build a sense of community Churton Park needs its own local amenities. In particular I've spoken to a lot of young mums in the area that are frustrated that there isn't a cafe to meet friends at or a local shop for nappies, milk, bread etc within walking distance, and based on your comments this obviously has a wider application.
Hopefully I'll be elected and will do my best to put the Northern suburbs back on the map.
Best Regards,
Justin Lester
Dear Ken,
Thank you for your question.
I am sorry that you were promised a number of things by somebody. Perhaps you need to go back to whomever promised you.
There has been significant progress in the Northern Ward and Churton Park.
More needs to be done-that is why I am standing as a Candidate-to continue reversing the neglect of Northern.
You can access my website, http//heleneritchie.org.nz for some of the information you are seeking.
I reply now to the questions you raise:
1. NEW ROAD
Westchester Drive is now consented and you will get further access to the motorway
2. TOWN CENTRE AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES
The town centre is also consented. The community facilities there depend on the developer who in any discussion I have had with him is keen to proceed. Council itself has approved the plans.
Additional community facilities will be at the new school.
3. JOHNSONVILLE MALL
This is a private development and its progress depends on the finances of the company proposing it and the market.
Council has completed its responsibility in consenting it.
4. OTHER SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS
There has been other significant progress in Churton and Northern.
i. A Principal has now been appointed for the new school, and in the Northern Ward,
ii. 61 reserves are going to be classified, including the Skyline walk and Outer Town Belt,
iii. There has been approval for a new library for Northern co-located with upgrades of Keith Spry Pool. I was pleased to be able to make sure that this happened by my action at Council to secure funds to make a start.
iv. We’ve just had the good news that NZTA has agreed to fund its share of our proposal to have a walk and cycleway along Porirua Stream to Tawa, and eventually to Johnsonville.
v. There are funds set aside for some community development-I had endeavoured to achieve more-some $32,000, but the Council pared that back for this year to $10,000.
I hope you agree that Churton with its infrastructure of roads, sewage, water reticulation, parks, new school, community facility planning, private and public gardens, places to play and walk in, is a pleasant place to live in and to bring up a family.
Again I suggest you look at my website for further relevant information regarding Northern: http://heleneritchie.org.nz
Please do not hesitate to email or phone me.
Kind regards
Helene Ritchie
Thank you for your question.
While I may be mistaken, I believe that the council has done some work or consultation regarding the community shopping centre for Churton Park.
As your Councillor I would do the following for the residents of Churton Park:
- firstly, check on progress to date regarding planning and resource consent, if any
- secondly, consult with affected residents & interested parties
- thirdly, support and promote the advancement of this project to be undertaken and completed as soon as possible.
Regarding the Johnsonville Mall development. Resource consent has been given, however construction by the developers has been placed on hold no due to financial factors.
As your Councillor I will look at options that would assist the developers to advance their starting dates and commence reconstruction of the Mall for our residents.
I am not familiar with the improvements to motorway access you mention. I am aware and have used many times the off ramp/on ramp access that has been added allowing better access to Churton Park and Granada Village, however as your Councillor I will available and accessible to all residents of the Northern Ward by actually being in the Ward in an office so that your concerns can be addressed and actioned quickly. Therefore you will be able to see me personally and discuss the access concerns you have.
I hope this has helped answer your question/s
Thank you
Gary Roberts
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
