Locals can hardly keep up with all the changes around Turangi. A big report today for your long weekend study.
First in the “CBD” (?) three new shops – one for Bayleys Real Estate – are being developed on the corner beside Doyles accountants office – fronting on to the large car park.
Many regular inmates have questioned the viability after considering the number of vacant shops in the main mall but the local real estate agents must know something they don’t.
Turangi shopping centre was originally designed by the Government (MOW – Ministry of Works) to cater for about 10,000 residents but as less than 3000 live here it is now over-shopped.
Perhaps the attraction is the closer vehicle parking and access as this is where Turangi’s infamous taxi stand is located.
Turangi does not have any taxis (yet?) but that just shows how forward thinking local business is.
Next to that is the continuing conversion of the old vacant supermarket into two more new shops. One of these is to be a new bar.
Then there is the proposal for a new service centre on the Parklands Motel site on the eastern side of SH1 opposite the existing Z petrol station and Burgerking complex. This will follow a similar theme with eight pumps, heaps of parking for a 24 hour fast foods (Wild Bean Cafe and McDonalds?) outlet.
This proposal has really stirred up interest from residents on the eastern side of SH1 opposing and the rest of Turangi located on the western side of SH1 supporting the proposal.
The opposition (NIMBY”S ?) are mainly upset about any potential detrimental commercial impacts in the residential zone. The supporters are more motivated about any new jobs. More info from local paper and in advertisements and protestors website below…
Other not so obvious developments are the conversion of the Council offices to house DOC (Department of Conservation).
Only a couple of years ago DOC deserted their offices in Turangi to new offices at Taupo. Now they have wisely returned and will be sharing Council space until new offices are developed on the site of the Information Office (iSite). Meanwhile the information office has been repaired to fix leaks and converted during the winter to accommodate the Volcanic Activity Centre.
But already the far sighted local Community Board are planning complete redevelopment of the iSite corner as their most important future project to incorporate the Council and DOC and another still confidential (watch this space) tourist facility in a major new building at the main entrance to the Turangi CBD.
But we saved the best for last –
By far the most talked about and admired major construction project located on the banks of the Tongariro River.
Immediately at the back of Creel Lodge, beside the famous walking/biking trail, the Lodge have erected a much admired seat for tourists overlooking the Island Pool.
What a perfect stress free place to sit and ponder and listen to the tuis.
Thank you to Peter and the team from Creel Lodge.
Anglers seen from the seat on Friday confirm summer has arrived on the Tongariro River.
Spawning trout could easily be seen from the seat teasing the anglers.
Image on right is the only other river bank seat overlooking the Major Jones Pool.
This is locally referred to as the “Courtney Place” bus stop. Whenever fishos stop there to watch the action from anglers casting into or playing trout in the Major Jones Pool the tourists cannot help but ask “Caught any?”
Hence the Courtney Place bus stop?
Local humour…
(Local newspaper report:)
Multimillion-dollar commercial development planned for Turangi
A new multimillion-dollar commercial development incorporating existing motel accommodation with a new truck stop, service station, restaurant and drive-through off State Highway 1 is in the offing for Turangi.
But the proposal is already leading to concern among some locals and businesspeople worried that it will draw traffic away from the town centre and impact negatively on the riverside residential area.
The proposed development is on a 2.9ha block of land on Te Arahori St where the Parklands Motor Lodge is situated, off the main SH1 intersection to the Turangi town centre.
Entry to the service centre would be by way of a slip lane off SH1, with traffic exiting from the site of the existing motel exit on Te Arahori St about 40 metres from the highway.
The project is dependent on the Rotorua-based developer gaining resource consents.
Parklands Motor Lodge owner Craig Morey, who has owned the motel complex for the past 19 years, confirmed this week that a sale contract had been drawn up with Holmes Group conditional upon resource consents being approved.
Following a meeting at the weekend, the Turangi-Tongariro Ratepayers Association has set up a subcommittee to act on behalf of concerned parties.
The prospective new owners intend to retain the 31-room motor lodge and undertake further expansion.
That would include a 24-hour eight pump service station and retail store with a quick service restaurant and drive through.
The plan also makes provision for 63 car parks with three coach/truck parking spaces, camper van and trailer parking and two loading zones.
Once operating, the proposed new facility is forecast to create between 55 to 60 new fulltime jobs in the town.
Holmes Group spokesman Ryan Holmes told the Taupo & Turangi Weekender that the site had a lot of great attributes.
“We see Turangi as a beautiful spot with lots of potential, especially around tourism with the Tongariro Crossing, walking and biking tracks, whitewater rafting and the skifields close by.”
He said the company was working with NZTA on options for upgrading the main intersection at the SH1 turn-off to the proposed complex.
Planning was in the early stages with consultants still working through various reports but the company was keen to let locals know what was envisaged.
A meeting was to be held last night in Turangi at Parklands Lodge with immediate neighbours to outline the proposed development and time-lines.
Mr Holmes said he was happy to set up meetings with other groups wanting information.
“Turangi is a small town and we want to let people know who we are, what we have done and what we are proposing to do.”
He says people they have spoken to already have been very positive. “We believe it’s got to be a good thing for the township.”
The company is planning to lodge resource consent applications in the next two months.
All going well it is hoped to make a start on the development in mid 2018.
The Holmes Group is a family-run company that has been involved in commercial and residential developments from Titirangi to Queenstown.
One of its most recent developments is Motion Entertainment, a 6000sq m indoor entertainment mall on a 2.7ha retail development in Rotorua.
(Real Estate Agents advert:)
Parklands Motor Lodge sale a rare opportunity for investors
Turangi motel on SH1 halfway between Auckland and Wellington
The sale of Parklands Motor Lodge offers owner-operators and passive investors alike the rare opportunity to acquire a freehold motel with vacant possession in the highly desirable area of Turangi.
Parklands Motor Lodge is a 31 unit, 4.0 star Assure motel occupying a prominent 2.78ha road-front site on State Highway 1, at the halfway point between Auckland and Wellington.
Enjoying an average of nearly 6,000 vehicle movements per day, the outstanding location of the Motor Lodge, alongside its ongoing corporate relationships, means that approximately 80 per cent of its current guests are domestic.
For new owners of the property, the potential to increase the number of international guests is substantial, thanks to New Zealand’s booming inbound tourism market which is in the middle of a strong growth cycle and showing no sign of slowing down.
Danny Blair of Colliers International says: “Parklands Motor Lodge is in the premium position to take advantage of New Zealand’s thriving tourism sector and growing adventure sector, situated immediately adjacent to the Turangi town centre – the ideal location for investment.”
At the southern end of Lake Taupo, Turangi is known as ‘The Trout Fishing Capital of the World’ and is in close proximity to the Whakapapa and Turoa ski areas, New Zealand’s largest catering for 10,000 skiers per day.
The region is often utilised as a base for excursions into the Tongariro National Park, which has been internationally recognised as a natural world heritage area and a cultural world heritage area, one of only 15 such sites in the world. The Tongariro Crossing, situated within the park, is the most popular one day walk in New Zealand.
Offering quality accommodation through its 19 one bedroom units and 12 studio rooms, the property offers a range of supporting amenities including a restaurant and bar, swimming pool, games room, barbeque facilities and complimentary onsite parking.
“Income generated from the property holds great potential for growth, through increasing occupancy rates as well as the continued refurbishment of the guest rooms,” Blair says.
This is leading to improved room rates, particularly in the FIT and corporate segments of the market.
Parklands Motor Lodge is currently operated on an owner-occupied basis, with the owner and their family living in the dedicated, gated owner’s area which includes a four-bedroom residence, storage shed, smoke room and tennis court.
“It is a perfect property investment for a wide range of purchasers, including those seeking to own and operate an accommodation asset, or looking for a lifestyle change,” Blair says.
“Alternatively, a passive investor could enlist a manager to operate the business, or the business component could be on-sold.”
The property retains large amounts of vacant land which could be used for a range of future development, expansion or subdivision options.
Colliers International has been exclusively appointed by the owners of Parklands Motor Lodge to offer the property for sale by negotiation, freehold going concern.
Meanwhile the objectors have organised a petition etc. – following from their website:
- 24hr BP service center (8 pumps), Wild Bean retail store, two-lane truck stop / Bus campervan parking
- Fast food restaurant with a drive-through facility
- This development entrance would be via a slip road from State Hwy #1, and additional entrance (north bound State HWY#1 traffic) and exit would be off onto a residential street (Te Arahori Street), in the Riverside Area.
The development will incorporate 114 parks, not including coach/truck, campervan/trailer parking spaces. With a minimal estimated vehicle exits 800+ per day (motel, service center, fast food, service vehicles)
Only the residents that were deemed as directly affected received those letters. However, the community is in disagreement regarding who is affected.
As a group, we support and encourage responsible commercial/industrial developments designed to enhance this unique region. Turangi is the gateway to Tongariro National Park, a World Heritage site containing the world famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The Tongariro National Trout Centre is located on the pristine Tongariro River, another internationally known feature of the town.
It is our responsibility to ensure that this natural environment is protected for the future and believe the proposed plan made by the Holmes Group has the potential to ruin this distinctive area of New Zealand. Holmes Group are submitting a plan to Taupo District Council to change land from residential to commercial on the corner of State Highway 1 and Te Arahori Street, on the Tongariro River side of SH1. A positive response from Taupo District Council will allow the Holmes Group to build not only a BP Service Station including 103 carparks, campervan parks and a truck stop. They also intend to build a fast food drive through outlet at this location and all traffic will be driving in from and exiting the facility back on to a quiet residential street.
- A lack of notification and consultation with the wider community regarding the change of zoning from residential to commercial.
- The negative impact on businesses and livelihoods in the Turangi town centre when potential visitors discover the dangers of attempting to cross into highway traffic to access
- Impacting on businesses (job losses) and the potential growth of the town centre (commercial area)
- 24 hour noise and light pollution into the neighboring residential areas of the proposed facility
- The negative impact on immediate residences and the wider residential community of Taupahi Road as this will be a 24/7, 365 day per year business
- Environmental considerations of our world famous fishery and its continued water quality
- Health and safety risks of bunkering of fuel and natural gas.
- Unsightly welcome into town for visitors, one large petrol/fast food and grocery outlet already exist on the west side of the highway
- Increased traffic on residential streets, creating public safety issues
- Dangers associated with traffic and pedestrians attempting to cross SH1 from Te Arahori Street into Turangi town Centre
- Limited access for trucks in and out of Te Arahori Street back onto the highway
- STATE HWY 1 ROADING ISSUES AND CONCERNS
- JOB LOSSES IN TOWN
- HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES
- CLOSING OF SHOPS IN TOWN CENTER
- DRAMATIC CHANGE TO RESIDENTIAL STREET
- DEVASTATION OF RESIDENTIAL AREA
- NEGATIVE EFFECTS ON TOURISM
- TURANGI BECOMES THE BP TOWN