Marsden Point and Ruakākā Structure Plan

The Marsden Point and Ruakākā Structure Plan identifies the outcomes for living, working, playing and protecting the area based on the growth of work opportunities.

This plan illustrates the ultimate development potential over time of an area in Ruakākā. It would create a satellite for Whangarei based on the requirements of the port at Marsden Point. Sufficient industrial land is proposed and zoned to cater for the growth of imports and exports as well as ancillary industrial uses.

The plan also recognises that people working in the area should be able to live, shop and play there. Large residential areas, open space and business development should be available to support this.

Implementation of the Structure Plan proposals is directly linked to the uptake of industrial land and creation of work opportunities. This will determine the growth rate.

Key elements of the plan

The key elements of the structure plan are:

Port Marsden

Sufficient land for port and port-related land is identified.
With the move of the Whangārei City Port to Marsden Point, the area becomes a satellite of Whangārei .

Population projections

Population projections have been made based on potential work opportunities that can be accommodated in the industrial area. It is estimated that up to 18,000 work opportunities can be created which could result in a population of 40,000 people.
This growth is directly related to the uptake of the industrial land which will come in growth cycles resulting in staggered population growth. Triggers of population growth will trigger the release of land and provision of services.

Residential development

Residential development is separated from industrial development and will occur in One Tree Point and Ruakākā.
Areas of medium density and areas of higher density are identified to accommodate all the workers and to provide choice.
The residential areas will include community facilities such as parks, schools, clinics etc.

Open space networks

Creates the separation between industrial uses and residential areas.
Provides for the low impact stormwater management system. Much of the stormwater attenuation has to occur within this system.

Retail centres

One central primary town centre will accommodate retail, light industrial, warehousing, office space, high density residential and institutional development.
Two local centres in One Tree Point (One Tree Point and Marsden Cove) and the Ruakākā Town Centre will service their respective local communities.

Social, community and civic services and facilities

Most of the social and civic functions will be found in the primary and local centres.
Education facilities should generally be located adjacent to the main open space and access networks within the residential areas.
A public cemetery site has been identified but further investigations will be required.
The unique location and function of the racecourse has been identified to become an Equestrian Centre and master planning will be undertaken.

Future urban

Due to the function of State Highway 15A through the area from State Highway 1 to the Marsden Port, noise and vibration along the route can be expected as well as the exposure of companies along the route.
Land uses will be determined with proposals to release the land.

Transportation and services

The Structure Plan shows the proposed railway connection between Oakleigh and Marsden Port which will also dissect the primary centre.
Roads are shown on the Structure Plan with a detailed traffic analysis as a separate report.
The services reports will be undertaken as land is released for development.