Hamilton Gardens Management Plan Review

Closed 9 Aug 2020

Opened 11 Jul 2020

Contact

07 838 6782

haveyoursay@hcc.govt.nz

Feedback updated 1 Sep 2020

We asked

As part of the review of the draft Hamilton Gardens Management Plan, we asked what you thought about a new layout concept for Hamilton Gardens. This was a revision of a concept put to the community in 2019. The changes allow for further development of the Gardens and address issues such as congestion, traffic flow and improving the Gardens’ connection with the river.

You said

We received 875 responses with 84% of respondents in favour of the new concept.

Some people asked to make an oral submission to the Council. You can read more about the Hearings and Engagement Committee meeting and some of the ideas presented by the public here. The committee agenda includes a full report on the community engagement, which identifies common themes such as parking, alternative modes of transport and developing pedestrian access across the river.

We did

The Community Committee will consider the draft Hamilton Gardens Management Plan again later this year, including feedback from the community on the Gardens layout and other aspects of the draft management plan. We will update this page after that meeting.

Published responses

View submitted responses where consent has been given to publish the response.

Overview

Hamilton Gardens has exciting development plans and we want your input.

Creating a world-class experience

We listened to your initial feedback and we have developed a new layout concept for Hamilton Gardens that retains the Rhododendron Lawn. Now we want to know what you think – have we got it right?

Parking is currently fragmented throughout the Hamilton Gardens site.  The two entrances are disconnected and the carparks are not easily accessible. On busy days traffic backs up and there isn’t enough parking. Options to safely enter and move through the site on foot, cycle or other means are limited and path gradients are steep. We need to address these issues so we can deliver on our ambitious plans for Hamilton Gardens. Our goal is to be recognised as one of the world’s best gardens and that includes the whole visitor experience. Development of Hamilton Gardens is a long-term project.

Features and highlights

  • The Rhododendron Lawn remains and the white gum tree continues to be a key feature of the lawn.
  • A carpark is created at the top of the site and the carpark beside the rose garden is extended.
  • A proposed treetop walk adds a spectacular new entry point.
  • New shared paths for cyclists and pedestrians.
  • The Little Bull bronze sculpture is retained.
  • The main carpark is removed, freeing riverfront land for future gardens.
  • A new through road creates two-way traffic flow through the Gardens and relieves congestion.
  • Visitor access to the Victorian Flower Garden glasshouses is eventually removed due to their condition and proximity to the new road and to enable Hamilton Gardens to turn towards the river.

Original concept features and highlights

  • The main carpark is relocated to the Rhododendron Lawn, closer to the main entrance to provide more direct access.
  • The white gum tree remains as a key feature of the Gardens.
  • A new Governor’s Green lawn replicates the Rhododendron Lawn.
  • The Little Bull bronze sculpture is retained.
  • Riverfront land freed up for future gardens.
  • A new through road creates two-way traffic flow through the Gardens and relieves congestion.

The images below show the proposed new concept, a treetop walk to be potentially added and the original concept put to the community last year. (Use the plus and minus icons to zoom images, use scroll bars to navigate pages.)

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Events

  • Open day

    From 19 Jul 2020 at 10:00 to 19 Jul 2020 at 16:00

    We’re holding a community open day on the proposed layout at the Hamilton Gardens Information Centre on Sunday 19 July from 10am to 4pm, so come along if you would like to know more.

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