The Hamilton West Town Belt Masterplan is a 30-year vision setting the direction for the future of the West Town Belt. Click here to view the plan.
At 54 hectares and 3 kilometres in length, the West Town Belt (WTB) is one of Hamilton's largest continuous open spaces. The WTB has a range of open space functions, including active and passive recreation, community use, elite sports and sports tourism as well as heritage sites such as the Hamilton West Cemetery and Waitawhiriwhiri Gully. It stretches from Hamilton Girls' High School to Edgecumbe Park, linking the Hamilton Lake Domain to the Waikato River.
Why we developed the MasterplanThe
Masterplan outlines a 30-year plan to guide development of the WTB. It aims to:
- create a place for all people to enjoy
- "stitch" the WTB back together so open spaces values can be enhanced
- ensure the WTB is a fit-for-purpose open space in the face of future demand and growth in Hamilton
- improve integration of uses and access across the entire WTB.
The vision
The vision for the WTB is to create "a dynamic, connected and treasured inner-city destination for everyone".
The key design moves
To progress towards the vision for the WTB, the Masterplan has five key design moves, which provide an overarching framework for future development:
• Integrating the Belt
• Connecting the Belt
• Greening the Belt
• Enhancing the Belt
• Activating the Belt
Character areas and projects
The WTB is organised into six character areas, which provides a focus for future developments and projects. These projects will be further refined through Council's future budgeting and planning processes.
The Masterplan contains design guidance and the Te Aranga Maaori design principles for each development and project.
How the Masterplan was prepared
The Masterplan was developed in consultation with a broad range of stakeholders including mana whenua. It has been informed by a wide range of information, including community input and best practice landscape and urban design. It takes a "placemaking" approach to development, meaning places are designed with and for the community.
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