Community To Have Their Say On Central City Water Reservoirs Design
The two new 25 million litre water reservoirs, to be built next to the existing reservoir on Ruakiwi Road, will support growth in the central city, increasing the supply of water for drinking and firefighting, while continuing to supply Waikato Hospital.
The first reservoir is planned to be constructed by 2028, while the second is expected to be needed from 2040. The project is funded through the Government's Infrastructure Acceleration Fund, which supports various projects that will enable around 4000 new homes and 10,800 new residents in the central city by 2035.
Public feedback earlier this year helped shape the proposed design and layout of the reservoirs, and since then Council has been working with residents surrounding the site. Now the community are being encouraged to have their say on design elements like materials, public access, and landscaping until Sunday 13 July.
Unit Director Design and Deliver Kelly Stokes said community feedback, amongst other considerations like cost and maintenance, will help shape the design and site features, including potential connections to the lake.
'This is a significant project for Hamilton, it's more than just a piece of new infrastructure, it'll be a landmark for years to come. We're encouraging the community to get involved, we want to hear people's thoughts on our proposed design, which includes public access and a viewing path.'
To find out more and have your say visit hamilton.govt.nz/haveyoursay or chat with the project team at the public drop-in session at The Verandah Café, Wednesday 9 July 2025, 5pm – 7pm.
What happens next?
Public feedback and staff recommendations will be presented to Elected Members at the Community and Natural Environment Committee meeting 5 August 2025.
To enable the construction of the reservoirs, later this year applications will be made to designate land under the Resource Management Act 1991 and reclassify land under the Reserves Act 1977.
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