People pore over the Tamahere Racing Proposal
Waikato Thoroughbred Racing’s application to buy 150 hectares south of Hamilton to consolidate the region’s racing and trotting activities south of Hamilton has been given Fast-track approval by Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop.
Inside the old board room at Te Rapa Racecourse last year, racing club chair Bruce Harvey, left, and chief executive Andrew Castles planned the purchase for months. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
The decision marks an important milestone for the world class training and equine hub planned for Pencarrow Road in Tamahere, said the club’s chair Bruce Harvey.
“We are pleased that the minister has recognised the potential regional and national benefits of this proposal and has agreed that it should proceed through the Fast-track process,” Harvey said.
Referring the project to the fast-track approvals process would facilitate the project, including by enabling it to be processed in a more timely and cost-effective way than under normal processes; and is unlikely to materially affect the efficient operation of the fast-track approvals process, the decision says.
Waikato Thoroughbred Racing now has two years from Monday this week to lodge the substantive application but Harvey said they planned to lodge in early October this year.
“This is an important step, but it is only one step. There is still a considerable amount of work ahead before any approvals are granted,” he said.
“That application will contain significantly more detail than the referral application and will address a wide range of planning, environmental, transport, infrastructure and community considerations.”
The location of the new greenfield site.
The proposed development would consolidate existing racing facilities into a single purpose-built hub while also providing supporting equine services, retirement living, residential development, commercial activities and community amenities.
Bishop has directed that a future Fast-track panel invite comments from a number of organisations, including Hamilton City Council, Waipā District Council, Waikato Regional Airport Limited and the Minister for Seniors.
“This proposal represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a modern racing and equine precinct that supports jobs, investment, housing and long-term industry sustainability in the Waikato. As we move into the next phase, we are committed to ensuring people are informed, have opportunities to participate, and understand both the benefits and the impacts of what is being proposed,” Harvey said in a statement to The News.
The minister’s decision to refer the project does not constitute approval. The proposal must now proceed through the Fast-track approvals process, including assessment by an expert panel before any final decisions are made.
See: Tamahere looks at race plan
See: New racing home eyed
See: Super club looks for home
Racing club chair Bruce Harvey, left, and chief executive Andrew Castles have planned the purchase for months. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
