Echo Place is now complete
Echo Place, a link road from Port Street East to Turoa Street and eventually through to Roots Street East is complete with water, wastewater and stormwater service, provision for telecommunications, electricity and gas services. Echo Place exemplifies Council’s role in enabling residential growth in the north end of Feilding.
Travelling the 200m of new roading, the chip seal is fresh and the line markings gleaming but like many infrastructure projects it’s what’s beneath the surface where the manpower is evident. Echo Place, a link road from Port Street East to Turoa Street and eventually through to Roots Street East is complete with water, wastewater, stormwater and provision for telecommunications, electricity and gas services. MDC worked with Higgins Contractors to complete the work.
When the Manawatū District Council had the vision for this area of Feilding to be developed residentially, the work began without specific developers signed on. Yet as the plans were shared and the visions were taking shape, developers took interest and worked alongside the MDC team while the infrastructure was constructed.
“When Council develops new roading and utilities, it opens up potential for subdivision developments in the adjacent lots. If these developments take place after the new road is constructed there are additional associated costs,” Michael Taylor Utilities Delivery Manager explains.
“To work alongside developers at the time we were installing the infrastructure at Echo Place helped to fast track the overall completion and add efficiency and quality for both sides.”
With 20 houses currently in construction, and two neighbouring developments established, Council’s vision for earmarking this area as part of the Urban Growth Framework has been well received. Echo Place exemplifies Council’s role in enabling residential growth in the north end of Feilding.
Echo Place and Turoa Street are named after Echo and Turoa Haronga, prominent landowners that Council obtained the land from for this development.
Turoa and Echo Haronga have lived on Churcher Street since 1979. They raised their 8 children, 23 grandchildren and a growing number of great grandchildren. As well as looking after whānau and many other people at Churcher Street, they have supported many local schools, sports teams, events and community groups.
Their connection to Ngāti Kauwhata has endured over the years and their support for local marae and Kaupapa Māori has always been welcomed.
Michael Taylor and Luke Wolter stand in between representatives from Higgins Construction at the completed Echo Place road.