Ferrybank Precinct

Hamilton's fledgling Ferrybank Precinct, (formerly Kirikiriroa Pa) is a pilot in the City Council's young and bold agenda (Hamilton City River Plan) for turning the city towards it's asset, the mighty Waikato River.

The source of much fog in the winter, but also the force of life for the entire district, the Waikato is an overwhelming feature in the cityscape but business has always physically faced away from it.

The defining vision of the River Plan is: People (Ka tauawhi i te tangata) Economic Opportunity, (Ka tauawhi i te aaheinga oohanga) Healthy River (Ka tauawhi i te awa me tona ora)and Cultural Celebration (Ka whakanuia ngaa momo ahurea katoa)
Council has an expert panel overseeing plans and a team including Athfield Wraight Landscape Architects have designed the new Ferrybank Precinct.

The plan for the entire riverside area of the CBD from before the Victoria Bridge through to the Fairfield bridge includes six transformational initiatives: a bustling riverside promenade, a river cycle and pedestrian bridge linking Hamilton East to the city centre, a Waikato River Centre featuring visitor information and function space, a destination playground, an enhanced amphitheatre shaped event lawn and a variety of commercial sites. Many city facilities back onto the area for proposed development, including the planned Waikato Regional Theatre, which is as yet still at the concept stage.

Primary in the regeneration of the relationship between man and river are the river's oldest friends, Waikato -Tainui) the Iwi who have lived here for over 400 years and consider it a sacred tupuna (ancestor). Tainui were first out of the blocks to contribute to the Ferrybank Precinct, with a Pou (post carving) named Hoera after Hoera Taonui, the last Ngati Wairere chief to live at Kirikiriroa Pa. This is located on the riverbank near to the Tainui Novotel Hotel.

Several other areas of riverside regeneration are planned for suburban parts of the city, plans not yet finalised or published.

So far, just a plan. Which is why we call it a virtual attraction. If you see some action here please, send your images to NZPlaces.

Image Credit: Concept Images - Hamilton District Council