Progress on new Haast town

Press, 15 November 1977, Page 25

Progress on new Haast town

Greymouth reporter The new township of Haast is well under way, according to a spokesman for the Lands and Survey Department. The new town is being developed about 6km south of the Haast Hotel, on the main highway, and about 11km from the old township, the site of which was not considered suitable for development. Stormwater drainage, piping, and sewerage are expected to be completed by Christmas for the first stage, which will provide 38 residential sections and seven commerical lots. Seven hotises are under construction and are expected to be ready for occupation by Ministry of Works and Development staff in January'. Six existing houses of modern construction in the old township will be shifted and should be ready for occupation in March.

Among the 38 residential sections, six will be offered to members of the public who wish to become permanent residents, and many

of the rest will be taken up by staff of Government departments, such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Ministry of Works, and the police. Housing sections have been reserved for Westland County Council staff, the West Coast Hospital Board, and the Canterbury Education Board.

A school site has been chosen, and in the commerical area a site will be allocated for a post office. An offer of a site for a general store will be made, and provision made for other types of business. ’’Generous” open space has been allowed for recreation purposes, and a landscaped open-space concept in the township has been planned. Eventually an information centre will be provided by the Mount Aspiring Park board for tourists using the Haast Pass road.

The Lands and Survey Department Commission let the subdivision and the Ministry of Works has put it into practice. The departments combined on planning work.