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Kerikeri Domain revamp ready to go

Friday 6 February 2009, 9:15AM

By Far North District Council

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Kerikeri domain
Kerikeri domain Credit: Far North District Council

KERIKERI

Kerikeri Domain user groups have given the thumbs up to a concept plan put together by the Kerikeri Domain Trust, paving the way for work to begin on the redesign this month.


Design elements (please see attached) include one playing field at the centre of the domain, the generously donated Chris Booth sculpture near the Procter library and children’s playground, civic space, shade tree planting, pathways, and grassed viewing mounds.


The existing skatepark remains and the Rugby clubrooms will see out one more season before being removed and replaced with a smaller change and ablution facility for sports teams using the field and possibly a catering facility. The Kerikeri Rugby Football Club will relocate to the new sports complex on Waipapa Road.


There is plenty of pedestrian access to, around and across the Domain and the linkage with Kerikeri High School is retained.


The effect is a restful, green open space with multi-use areas that everyone – children and young people, families, runners, walkers, athletes and sports people - can enjoy.


Far North Mayor Wayne Brown says the concept design marks a milestone in the somewhat turbulent journey to achieve a revamp of Kerikeri’s prized central greenspace.


“There has been considerable compromise by many people, including the trustees, to reach this stage and I want to acknowledge the goodwill shown by all parties,” he said.


“We are very pleased to have reached the point where we have consensus from user groups about the future look and feel of the Domain. On behalf of the council, I want to thank all those who have helped get to this point, especially the Kerikeri Domain Trust which has made a dedicated effort to bring the design elements together.



Mayor Brown said the next steps were to finalise the concept plan, get costings and start the work as soon as possible – probably this month.


“We’ve spent enough time talking about what we might do with the Domain,” he said. “Now we can get on with the job and if we get on with it fast enough, I’ve been advised by Northland Rugby that we can have at least one NPC game there this season.”

 


The concept plan will be displayed at the Procter library and can be viewed through the council’s website www.fndc.govt.nz