Strategic spotlight coming soon to Woodend, Pegasus

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From local democracy reporter David Hill:

The future of Woodend and Pegasus is set to be high on the agenda after next month’s local government elections.

Work has begun to review the Woodend-Pegasus Area Strategy and Waimakariri District Council staff plan to engage with the new Woodend-Sefton Community Board before the end of the year.

Strategy, engagement and economic development manager Simon Hart says the existing strategy was adopted in 2013 and had a lifespan of 10 years.

Staff have been busy reviewing the outcomes of the existing strategy, and considering the rapid growth of the area.

‘‘From a timing perspective, we are mindful of the upcoming local body elections in October.

‘‘We have consciously held off launching into the more significant parts of the review until the new council and Woodend-Sefton Community Board is in place.’’

He anticipated the reviewed strategy would consider key issues such as transport and connectivity, ongoing population/residential growth, key activity areas for community facilities, businesses and community services.

The council previously signalled the review would take place in the 2023-24 financial year.

But the Woodend-Sefton Community Board pushed for the review to happen sooner.

‘‘There’s exciting times ahead for the area and it means a plan can be developed to help give some direction for the future,’’ board chairperson Shona Powell says.

‘‘Bringing it forward slightly was needed given the rapid growth this area has experienced and to provide some vision.

‘‘A lot has happened in the area since then (2013), it is growing significantly and rapidly and work on reviewing and formulating a new strategy needs to be a priority.’’

The 2013 strategy identified the need for a Pegasus roundabout, Gladstone Park redevelopment and a Gladstone Road cycle/walkway, which have been completed.

The board was also continuing to advocate for safe pedestrian and cycle access between Woodend, Ravenswood and Pegasus.

Powell said the revised strategy would need to consider population and commercial growth.

‘‘This would help with the direction going forward and would help co-ordinate everything including community facilities, youth spaces, roading, greenspace and business areas.

‘‘This is the third largest urban area in the district and perhaps because it doesn’t have the ‘traditional’ town centre, it can get overlooked.’’

The council anticipated opening up a revised strategy for public consultation next year.