Plans for a multi-million dollar, integrated coastal residential, retirement and marine precinct development in Whakatāne will take shape over the next six months, following the signing of a heads of agreement between the Whakatāne District Council and developers.
The agreement signals a commitment to investigate a ‘masterplan’ approach utilising the Council’s large Piripai and adjoining Bennett’s Block landholdings for a major new lifestyle development. Signatories to the agreement are the Council (WDC), Hopper Developments Limited (HDL) and Whakatāne Marina Limited (WML).
The Mayor of Whakatane, Tony Bonne, says each partner brings unique strengths to the table. “HDL has a successful history of coastal subdivision and marine infrastructure development, as well as involvements in the development and operation of retirement villages. They are known not just for the uncompromising quality of their developments, but for their ability to work co-operatively with local government and communities to create hugely desirable lifestyle destinations. The Council is excited to be working with a developer of this status.”
He says WML and its shareholders have had a long-held desire to develop a marina and associated facilities. “This move will provide real impetus to those plans and all of the partners are confident that the synergies offered by the masterplan approach will significantly enhance the prospects of success.”
HDL Director Leigh Hopper says his company immediately saw the potential of a coastal residential development combined with a retirement village facility and adjacent marine precinct. “Whakatāne is strategically located in both a regional and national sense. It offers more sunshine hours than anywhere else in the country, a fantastic marine playground to enjoy them in and all of the lifestyle advantages needed to make the proposed development very attractive for prospective property buyers,” he says.
“The land holdings involved also present a unique opportunity in that they have the scale required for a major development, a desirable, north-facing aspect and coastal and river views, all in close proximity to a town which can provide a full range of services.”
Mr Bonne says the proposed development represents a “real turning point” in the drive to achieve the District’s growth aspirations. “As part of its commitment to economic development, the Council has employed staff with specialist business expertise to better manage our assets and seek out growth opportunities which will bring new investment, people and jobs to the District. This agreement is certainly a significant step in the right direction.”
He says the Council is acutely aware of the cultural significance of the land and river to Tangata Whenua. While Te Runanga o Ngati Awa has reserved its position on the proposed development, the Council is committed to involving Ngāti Awa in discussions with the developers.
“It’s important to note that if the masterplan approach does prove feasible and the project comes to fruition, the entire development, including the marine precinct, would be based on freehold Council land.”