Waiting for improvements to Public Beach

| 03/04/2017

OK, so the Kimpton hotel has opened but when are we getting the dog park plus walking and cycling paths in the area that Dart promised as part of the deal for government closing the road by Public Beach?


Auntie’s answer: The short answer is that those changes are coming, but the final plans have not yet been approved. I can offer a pretty good description of what improvements are on the way based on a very detailed response from the Ministry of Planning.

To start, the plans for enhancements to Public Beach have been reviewed and are being revised based on input from “relevant agencies and/or neighbouring properties”. These plans include the extension of the bicycle and walking path that begins at the Kimpton Seafire Resort and continues south through Public Beach.

The upgrade also includes recreational courts, improved restroom facilities and enhanced landscaping, said the ministry.

But wait, there’s more: “In addition, Public Beach will feature a designated vendor area with standardised market stalls that will be allocated to vendors licensed and regulated by the newly created Public Lands Commission. Other possible considerations include changes to the carpark area that will centralise vendor load-in and a relocated bus stop.”

The ministry official further explained that when deciding on the plans, a prime consideration is to make sure different groups of people are accommodated when they use the beach, which means visitors on weekdays and residents on weekends, and that the areas for the various activities are efficiently designed. The overall goal is “a much improved experience”.

As for the timing for all this work, I cannot give you an exact date, but was told that the ministry is directing Dart Realty on executing the plans according to the agreement with government. The official added, “Once the planned improvements are agreed/approved, works will commence this spring.”

Let me know in a few months if you see signs of work being done.

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Comments (2)

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  1. Anonymous says:

    After all the moaning, wasn’t the Kimpton so worth it? Fabulous food, a great spa and a suitably expensive bar to keep the moaners away. Sooooper.

  2. Anonymous says:

    Wasn’t it made clear that Dart would be building it, but wouldn’t actually be financing it?