Peace Street in Whakatāne will soon be the site of major road and infrastructure improvements over the next few months as important upgrades are rolled out.
The project will enable key safety issues with Peace Street’s busy four-way intersection with McGarvey Road to be addressed. The intersection, which serves as a key connecting link to the CBD, lacks safe crossings points, and experiences stormwater drainage issues after heavy rain.
Whakatāne District Council’s General Manager Infrastructure, Bevan Gray, says the improvement project, which launches this Monday (9 October), aims to reduce instances of flooding, and increase safety of all road users and pedestrians travelling through the area.
"Works will include the installation of a roundabout at the intersection with raised pedestrian crossings, an additional raised crossing near Brabant Street, and stormwater upgrades which will include the development of a recreational reserve."
Bevan says strengthening stormwater infrastructure in the Peace Street area will be a two-pronged approach.
“Firstly, wider, deeper kerbside channels will be constructed along Peace Street, with improved gradients so water flows into the Peace Street Reserve to take more water off the road surface.”
“Secondly, in a progressive move toward more sustainable stormwater management, Peace Street Reserve will be transformed in to Whakatāne District’s first official ‘sponge reserve’.”
A 'sponge reserve' is essentially a wetland designed to absorb and filter rainwater, helping to reduce the risk of flooding and pollution in nearby water bodies while replenishing groundwater. The design incorporates green spaces, native planting, wetland areas, open channels, walking paths and seated areas, and applies modern stormwater practices which use natural systems to manage stormwater.
Bevan says the transformation of Peace Street Reserve aims to strike a balance between community needs, including recreation, environmental sustainability, and flood management.
“We’re excited to watch a previously uninspiring, unutilised park transform into a vibrant recreational space, with enhanced connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists, while at the same time operating as a fully functional, efficient stormwater reserve.”
The stormwater upgrade and safety improvement projects will occur in tandem to minimise disruption to residents and motorists. The roundabout development which was outlined in the current Long Term Plan is funded by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency as part of its ‘Road To Zero’ programme. The project also feeds in to Active Whakatāne which seeks to improve safety and access for active transport modes.
Work commences this Monday, 9 October and is expected to be completed by 1 May 2024. Work willbe completed in three phases, between 7am-5pm Monday-Friday. The public are advised to expect closures to sections of Peace Street and temporary disruption to off-street parking during this time. Access will be maintained for residents.
“We understand that road closures can cause inconvenience and disruption to daily routines,” notes Bevan. “However, the long-term benefits of this entire project will outweigh the temporary disruption.”
For more information, including a list of FAQs see www.whakatane.govt.nz/peacestreet
Peace Street Park will be transformed into Whakatāne District’s first official, ‘sponge reserve’.