Bid to beautify town entrance

Community groups are calling for avenues of trees to be planted to make the northern approach into Warkworth more attractive.

Warkworth Area Liaison Group (WALG), One Mahurangi and Forest & Bird say there is a serious need for good urban design at both main approaches to the town, but particularly to the north from the motorway to the showgrounds.

In a joint submission to the Rodney Local Board 10-year plan, the groups said the new multi-lane section of road looked like the “totally auto-centric” approach to Westgate.

“Is it inviting? Is this the future for Warkworth? We must do better than this,” they said. “Maybe we could at least start with an avenue of trees at this site and later add another avenue at the Warkworth South development.”

Native titoki, commonly used for berm planting and already doing well in Kowhai Park, was suggested for the proposed scheme.

They made the point that urban design needed to be a consideration for all consents for development on the approaches to Warkworth, both north and south, as the town continued to expand.

WALG member Roger Williams said there was a serious need for good urban design to create a people-friendly environment.

“We ask that Rodney Local Board actions the need for quality urban design and landscaping in the approaches to Warkworth,” he said. “And that the local board considers avenue planting such as titoki trees, along the north and south approaches to Warkworth.

“Your support would be appreciated.”