Targeted improvements are planned for Te Puke's main street to give drivers and pedestrians better visibility, enhance safety, and make the streetscape easier to maintain into the future.
The project will see sections of median planting along Jellicoe Street removed and replaced with grass, while established trees and other key landscaping features will remain in place, preserving the character and appearance of the town centre.
This follows feedback from the Te Puke community about overgrown vegetation affecting sightlines at intersections, roundabouts and pedestrian crossings, and concerns about the ongoing maintenance of some planted areas.
Most of the work will be carried out in autumn 2027, when conditions are more favourable for establishing grass. However, work starting this week will address immediate safety and visibility concerns and prepare the area for the main programme of works.
The streetscape improvement project is being funded by the Te Puke-Eastern Community Board, with Western Bay of Plenty District Council funding the initial maintenance and safety work under its maintance budgets.
Community Board Chair Dale Snell says the project will ensure the town remains tidy and welcoming for both residents and visitors.
"Since the town centre upgrade in 2017, the gardens have played an important role in transforming the look and feel of Te Puke, but some areas have become increasingly difficult to keep tidy," she says.
"Maintaining the gardens to the standard the community expects requires ongoing pruning, weed control, irrigation, plant renewal and mulching, and the cost of this has grown beyond what can realistically be delivered within existing budgets.
"The main street is at the heart of Te Puke and one of the first things people see when they visit. It's important that it feels safe, welcoming and well cared for, while continuing to reflect the character of our community.
"These changes will help focus resources where they will have the greatest impact while continuing to keep Te Puke looking its best."
The work will include selected garden beds, roundabouts, and planted areas along the length of Jellicoe Street. In some locations vegetation will be removed and replaced with lawn areas that can be more easily maintained. Other areas will be trimmed, replanted or refreshed, while some minor concrete improvements will be made to address safety concerns and trip hazards.
"The aim is to strike a balance between maintaining an attractive streetscape and ensuring it can be cared for to a consistent standard in the years ahead," says Dale.
Work this month will include the removal of some shrubs from roundabouts, pruning and removing dead wood from the larges trees in the central median strip, and replacing two small bark areas with concrete.
Eight trees at the western end of the town centre (11 Jellicoe Street), which are posing a risk to pedestrians and traffic, will be removed completely. This is not part of the streetscape improvement project, but Council has taken the opportunity to do the work now, to avoid further disruption later.
To undertake this work safely, temporary road closures, lane restrictions and traffic management will be in place at different locations and times. Electronic message boards at either end of town will give advance notice of any traffic changes.
Calum Mclean, Western Bay of Plenty District Council Director Transportation, says the work, which will take place over three days and two nights, has been staged to reduce disruption as much as possible.
"We know these works will cause some inconvenience, particularly for businesses and people travelling through the town centre. By completing the work in stages, including some overnight activities, we're aiming to minimise disruption while getting the improvements completed as quickly and safely as possible," he says.
"Maintaining access to businesses is a priority. Pedestrian access will remain available during business hours wherever possible, although temporary restrictions may be necessary when work is taking place immediately beside a property entrance."
Key dates, times and traffic arrangements
- Friday 13 November, 6am – 6pm, shoulder closed at 11 Jellicoe Street, with pedestrian management
- Sunday 15 November, 6am – 6pm, lanes closures at 11 Jellicoe Street, major delays expected, please avoid the area if possible
- Wednesday 18 November, 9pm – 5am, road closure overnight between Boucher Avenue and Oxford Street, with detours in place
- Thursday 19 November, 9pm – 5am, overnight road closure between Boucher Avenue and Oxford Street with detours in place
- Sunday 22 November, 6am – 6pm, lane closures at 11 Jellicoe Street, major delays expected, please avoid the area if possible
- Tuesday 24 November, 9pm – 5am, overnight lane closures at the Jocelyn Street roundabout, with detours in place
Dates and times may be subject to change due to weather, site conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.
During the works, people may notice:
- Temporary road closures and detours
- Lane restrictions and Stop/Go traffic management
- Temporary loss of some on-street parking
- Changes to vehicle and pedestrian movements
- Noise from chainsaws, woodchippers and other maintenance equipment
Please follow the directions of the traffic management and tree crews while moving through or around the work areas.
For more information visit yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/te-puke-streetscape-improvements
