$23.5m works to unlock critical housing begin
Western Bay Mayor James Denyer and Pirirakau hapū kaumatua Peter Borell turn the first sod on the Prole Road Urbanisation Project, along with the Higgins construction crew, Western Bay councillors and staff and project consultants.
Construction of a $23.5 million roading upgrade that will enable the development of 2500 new homes in Ōmokoroa begins this week.
Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s upgrade of Prole Road is key to unlocking critical housing for the sub-region, as well as supporting the planned Ōmokoroa Town Centre and two future schools.
Contractor Higgins will begin construction today following a blessing of the site by Pirirakau kaumatua Peter Borell this morning.
Council’s project manager, Raj Sumeran, says the Prole Road Urbanisation project, part of Council’s Ōmokoroa Peninsula Projects, will be transformational for the Peninsula.
“This upgrade is central to all of our work to prepare Ōmokoroa for the expected growth ahead.
“It’s the first major step towards seeing the town centre and highly anticipated housing and schools come to light.”
The upgrade will see Prole Road transformed from a rural road to one fit for a future as a busy urban environment.
It includes the reconstruction of 1.7km of road, from Ōmokoroa Road to Waipapa River, new shared walking/cycling paths on both sides of the road, on-road cycle lanes for experienced cyclists, safe pedestrian crossings, and a dual-lane roundabout at the intersection of Prole and Ōmokoroa roads.
Additional infrastructure is also included to support development, such as watermain and wastewater mains, power, fibre, stormwater, new street lightings and landscaping.
Council’s Environmental Planning Manager, Natalie Rutland, says the urbanisation of Prole Road will enable the development of approximately 2500 new homes.
“These homes will be a mix of terraced housing, townhouses, apartments and standalone dwellings – with a range of section sizes available to cater to different needs and wants.”
To support the development, Council is also investing in open spaces and walking and cycling connections within Ōmokoroa, says Natalie.
“We will be creating a large open space area at the corner of Prole and Ōmokoroa roads, which will be accessible through walking and cycling connections. We envisage this will become a wonderful central point for the community.”
Council is funding $16m of the project, with the remaining $7.5 secured through the Government’s Infrastructure Reference Group.
Construction of the Prole Road upgrade is expected to be complete in late 2024/early 2025.
For more information visit our Prole Road Urbanisation project page
