Our Place Balclutha Community Plan Progress

Transforming the Balclutha War Memorial Hall into a community hub was the second-highest priority in the Our Place Balclutha Community Plan.

Initially a steering committee was formed, comprising local councillors and members of the community. The steering committee subsequently formed a Charitable Trust to progress the project, including the creation of the business case and to represent the community as a legal entity.

The Trust raised more than $21M to fund the construction of the new community facility - Council’s contribution was $10M, with another $11.3M from Central Government.

After more than four years of planning and construction work, the official opening of Te Pou Ō Mata-Au, the Clutha District War Memorial & Community Centre, was held on 25 August 2023.

The new facility is owned, governed and managed by the Trust on behalf of the community. More information about how Te Pou Ō Mata-Au came into being can be found on the Trust website: https://tpoma.nz/our-story

Improving and extending the network of walking and cycling links within Balclutha was identified as a priority for the community. Upgrading the trail along the Clutha River floodbank was the first focus area for many people. The floodbank is an Otago Regional Council (ORC) asset, and ORC have made some provision in their Long Term Plan to investigate a trail in 2029-30.

Meanwhile, the local community have been busy developing their own cycling facilities. The Balclutha Mountain Bike Club have developed a downhill bike trail that is very popular. Their bike park is located on a Council reserve, and provides opportunities for riders of all ages, with great views out over the river and Clutha Delta.

Work to develop walking and cycling links to neighbouring communities has yet to commence.

Despite being ranked as a key priority by the community, there has been little progress on this project. Key objectives identified in the Our Place Balclutha Community Plan are to improve user safety, and the appearance and function of the bridge, particularly its entrances. Potential work items which were identified include:

• Improving the flow of traffic at both ends of the bridge,
• Improving the road and pedestrian entrances,
• Bridge lighting, and
• Improving the appearance at each end, including fences and plantings.

In 2024, Council upgraded the safety fences which separate the footpath from the state highway. The Balclutha Bridge forms part of the State Highway network and is operated and managed by New Zealand Transport Agency - Waka Kotahi.

The aim of this project is to enhance the Balclutha Pool, in order to increase usage and improve customer satisfaction. Potential improvements identified through consultation for the Our Place Balclutha Community Plan include:

• Improving the overall customer experience – e.g., a water slide, café, playground, or an outdoor BBQ / picnic area.
• Enhancing the pool service – e.g., increased opening hours, school holiday programmes, and increasing the water temperature.
• Complementary activities- e.g., a bike park, fitness trail or dog park, and improved connections to the cycling and walking network.

Since 2018, the pool opening hours have been extended, and new play equipment has been purchased. A range of complimentary activities have also been developed nearby (see Project 7), and the pool infrastructure has continued to be upgraded. An outdoor BBQ/picnic area is currently being investigated, dependent on available funding.

The Community Plan includes a priority project to “Maintain or increase the level of toilet facilities in the central retail area”. Council led this project, and the new Balclutha Destination Toilets were opened in August 2023. This project was part funded through Central Government’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund ($234K).

Council approved funding to complete landscaping work and signage for the new toilets in the 2024/25 financial year.

The Balclutha Reserve Management Plan was adopted by Council in 2017 and can be found here. The RMP is due for review in 2027.

The development of Naish and Centennial parks is a major undertaking, spanning several years, and with multiple stages. The Clutha Parks Trust was formed in 2019 to lead the development of various projects within these two parks. The Trust is made up of local councillors and community leaders.

Work completed so far includes:

• Ongoing improvements to the gardens and green space areas
• Construction of the Clutha Vets Dog Park in 2022
• Completion of the Junior Bike Park in 2022
• Completion of stage 1 of the Centennial Park Playground in 2022.

Other projects the Trust are looking to develop include a pump track, multi-purpose half court, additional landscaping, stage 2 of the playground, and sealing of the car park beside the South Otago Athletics Club.

The development of the Balclutha Bridge Playground as a destination park is included as a priority project in the Our Place Balclutha Community Plan. Improvements to the park include a new perimeter fence to address safety concerns, new signage, and a series of murals on the timber fort.

Balclutha Rotary are leading a project to improve the fort and to reinstate the flying fox. The Clutha District Youth Council has supported this project through fundraising.

The Arthur Strang Reserve provides pleasant river and bridge views from a landscaped area which includes native and exotic trees and mowed grass. The reserve provides access to the Clutha River boat ramp, and the parking area is well-used by boaties and other visitors. There is also a connection to the park on the north side of the bridge.

The community identified a range of enhancements they would like to see on this reserve, through consultation for the Our Place Balclutha Community Plan. These include extending the reserve area, providing a designated area for freedom camping, improving access to the river for water recreation users, extending the walking track, and upgrading the toilet facilities. This project has not yet commenced however.

The Rosebank Triangle is a highly visible and attractive site at the southern entrance to the town. Enhancements to this reserve identified through consultation for the Our Place Balclutha Community Plan include enhancing the picnic area with furniture, a pedestrian crossing, and bollards to prevent parking on grass. This project has not yet commenced however.