Mahara Place improvements to begin

Mahara Place in Waikanae is set to be a hive of activity over the next few months as improvements to create a plaza begin.

Group Manager Infrastructure Services Sean Mallon says it’s about making Mahara Place a lot more vibrant.

“These improvements are about making Mahara Place a place where people want to go and spend time and that’s well connected to other areas of the town centre. We’ve worked alongside the community, including community and business representatives, to make sure the improvements suited what people want to see in the area.”  

Construction work in Mahara Place starts next week (Monday 28 January) from 7am-5pm weekdays through until August 2019. Any additional evening work or weekend work will be notified in advance.

Councillor Michael Scott welcomes the creation of a new heart in Mahara Place where people can get together to socialise and relax.

“It’ll be great to see people making the most of the new sunny sheltered areas, enjoying the reading gardens and relaxing on the new seating.”

Group Manager Infrastructure Services Sean Mallon says work will start with the formation of an entranceway between the Library and Gallery so construction machines and materials can be brought onto site. 

“During the first couple of weeks, we’ll be removing existing pavers and prepping the ground for concreting outside the shops to the east of Mahara Place. We’ll also be setting up a fenced-off area in the middle of Mahara Place and removing the synthetic grass to form an area for our equipment and materials.”

“There are bound to be a few disruptions during construction in Mahara Place and we’ll be working hard to minimise any issues for retailers and people visiting the area. Pedestrian management will be in place to help keep everyone safe as they enter and move around Mahara Place.“ 

For more information visit the Council website.