GUILDFORD TIMBER LAND SWAP Land Swap Discussion Document Prepared for Guildford Timber Company Limited

21 OCTOBER 2015 Document Quality Assurance

Bibliographic reference for citation: Boffa Miskell Limited 2015. Guildford Timber Land Swap: Land Swap Discussion Document. Report prepared by Boffa Miskell Limited for Guildford Timber Company Limited. Prepared by: Sarah Edwards Senior Planner Boffa Miskell Ltd Reviewed by: Rhys Girvan Principal Landscape Planner Boffa Miskell Ltd

Reviewed by: Robert Schofield Partner Senior Environmental Planner Boffa Miskell Ltd

Status: [FINAL] Revision / version: 0 Issue date: 21 Oct 2015

File ref: W14023_Benefits_v1.indd CONTENTS

Contents

1.0 Introduction: a vision for Pinehaven �� 1

2.0 Guildford Timber: a local business �� 1

3.0 The ridge �� 2

3.1 Land ownership 2

4.0 The vision in brief �� 4

5.0 The proposed land swap �� 6

6.0 The vision: benefits and opportunities �� 8

6.1 Landscape character 8 6.2 Catchment management 10 6.3 Natural and heritage values 12 6.4 Outdoor recreation hub 14 6.5 A residential community with a difference 16 6.6 Access and connections 18

7.0 A strategic future �� 19

Boffa Miskell prepared for Guildford Timber Company Limited | Guildford Timber Land Swap |Contents page i

page ii |Boffa Miskell prepared for Guildford Timber Company Limited | Guildford Timber Land Swap

1.0 The next legacy 2.0 Guildford Timber: a local business The Upper Hutt City Council’s urban growth and resource management objectives could be significantly The Guildford Timber Company is a advanced through the integrated family-run forestry business, long residential, open space and recreational associated with Upper Hutt and, in development of the ridge southwest of particular, with Pinehaven. Silverstream and Pinehaven. The company first began tree planting in This discussion document outlines the Pinehaven area in 1928, using mostly how that could be achieved through a pine trees. From the beginning, it had a vision proposed by the Guildford Timber strong environmental and sustainable Company. The vision involves developing management ethic. Beech, kamahi and suitable areas of the ridge in residential other native species were planted, as well hamlets designed to fit sensitively as pines, and native bush was preserved alongside large areas of proposed public in the gullies for fire breaks. The Guildford reserve land that would be managed to Timber Company still continues the enhance natural, heritage and recreational tradition of planting native trees to enrich values. the forest.

The Guildford Timber Company owns As Pinehaven (named after the plantations) much of the land on the ridge and proposes gradually grew, land from the Guildford working in partnership with the council estate was sold for subdivisions and the to realise the vision. Key to the Guildford capital put back into the forest area, which proposal would be an exchange of land is now known as the ‘Guildford Block’. with the council to enable road access Consequently, the Guildford Timber to be developed from Silverstream. In Company has a long-standing and valued this document, the vision and proposed relationship with the local community land swaps are outlined, together with a including helping with the start up of the discussion of the many benefits that would Pinehaven and Blue Mountains Progressive potentially flow to the local community, Upper Associations by providing land and Hutt city and the region. resources.

Whilst the block continues to offer some ongoing forestry prospects, Guildford Timber has, in more recent times, had to consider diversifying its land interests in response to changing economic and social conditions. The Guildford Timber Company recognise that the local community feels a deep sense of stewardship over Pinehaven’s green spaces and natural character including Guildford Timber Company land: an appreciation that the family shares.

As part of its vision for the future, the Guildford Timber Company wants to enhance and restore the area’s natural spaces, building on the long Guildford history of consistent land management and strong community ties.

Boffa Miskell prepared for Guildford Timber Company Limited | Guildford Timber Land Swap | page 1

3.0 The ridge

The Guildford ridge extends from the Hutt valley floor near Silverstream up to the Blue Mountains and defines the southwest side of the Silverstream and Pinehaven communities. The steep eastern slopes are visually prominent within the Silverstream / Pinehaven valley, providing a sense of enclosure and a valued green backdrop. Parts of the Guildford land is already used informally by locals for walking and mountain biking.

At a wider scale, the ridge is also prominent. It juts into the Hutt River valley between Pinehaven and Stokes Valley, forming a ’threshold’ between Upper and Lower Hutt and a physical link from the valley floor to the summit of the ridge that runs down the entire eastern side of the Hutt valley.

3.1 Land ownership

At the time when the Guildford Timber Company first began purchasing land in the area in the 1920s, it was largely made up of grass and scrubland thought to have been cleared by early settlers. Nowdays, the Guildford Block comprises 300+ hectares on the ridge, including substantial areas of the steep eastern slopes and the more rolling ridgetop land up to the summit of the Blue Mountains but excluding the lowermost spur at the Silverstream end. Pines cover most of the block, although native bush, including kamahi forest, is regenerating through the older parts of the plantation. Pockets of remnant native beech and podocarps also occur.

At the lower end of the ridge, Silverstream Aerial photograph showing the land prior to forestry Spur, which is owned by the Upper Hutt City Council, is a prominent local feature, visible in parts of Silverstream and from the nearby historic Silver Stream Railway Museum and Hutt River corridor. Like the surrounding hills, historically the spur was cleared of it’s original vegetation and used as farmland. The grassland has since been replaced with mainly pine forest and some regenerating native vegetation, especially on the steep 1. Upper Hutt City Council Silverstream Spur Ecological Values 1 Assessment 2015 side slopes and in the gullies .

page 2 |Boffa Miskell prepared for Guildford Timber Company Limited | Guildford Timber Land Swap

Boffa Miskell prepared for Guildford Timber Company Limited | Guildford Timber Land Swap | page 3

4.0 The vision in brief

In developing its proposal, the Guildford Timber Company has stepped back to consider the wider context, taking into account the entire ridge landform (including the council-owned Silverstream Spur), its strategic location in the Hutt valley and the long-term sustainability of any land use changes that might occur.

Bearing these considerations in mind, the company is proposing to set aside the steeper, highly visible slopes on the sides of the valley as potential open space and deliver a new destination park in recognition of the high community values attributed to this area. This outcome would protect important natural values and deliver an important recreation hub within Upper Hutt and the Hutt Valley. Figure 1 shows this in the wider context.

To ensure that the forested hill backdrop, much loved by the Pinehaven community would be retained, residential housing would be developed on parts of the ridge beyond the forested slopes. A series of discrete although interconnected settlements would nestle into the landform in such a way as to minimise disturbance to the land and the existing forested character and deliver an integral part of Upper Hutt’s Urban Growth Strategy.

page 4 |Boffa Miskell prepared for Guildford Timber Company Limited | Guildford Timber Land Swap

AKATARAWA REGIONAL FOREST

BELMONT REGIONAL PARK

PAKURATAHI FOREST PARK

Guildford Block Existing Regional Park/Forest 1:75,000 @ A4 km Potential New PublicBoffa Reserve Miskell preparedExisting Open for Space/Recreation Guildford Timber Zoning Company Limited0 | Guildford1 Timber2 Land3 Swap | page4 5 5

FIGURE 1 OPEN SPACE CONTEXT

5.0 The proposed land swap

Enabling road access onto the ridge from the valley floor will be the keystone to achieving the proposed vision.

The council-owned Silverstream Spur is the most suitable location to develop a road link from the valley, as the contours allow for a route that would sidle up the south side of the spur to join the rolling ridgetop land in the Guildford Block.

It is therefore proposed that all or part of the 35-hectare Silverstream Spur be transferred to the Guildford Timber Company and, in return, 132 hectares of the Guildford Block, on the slopes south and east of Pinehaven, would be transferred to the Upper Hutt City Council. Figure 2 shows the areas of proposed land swap.

In proposing this land swap, the Guildford Timber Company seeks to work in partnership with the council and other stakeholders to achieve a range of mutually beneficial outcomes for the company, the council and the Upper Hutt community. This could include the establishment of a community trust which could assist in the design and development of the park for environmental and heritage conservation, public recreation and enjoyment. The trust could take on partnership role made up from representatives from the community, iwi, the Guildford families, the Council and other stakeholders.

page 6 |Boffa Miskell prepared for Guildford Timber Company Limited | Guildford Timber Land Swap

s Kiw y e i a

r S sw t es Perry St C Elizabeth Ave c c ru Y A River Rd u o e R r v d Hood Ave k A M r R County Lane Nepoui Cres d e cDrv e d R s za iv Courtenay Rd e R oli s An R m lip in SH 2 m al e d So G s tt R P A u Stream Grve i v n H Coates Grve nehill Cres e ster Heretaunga Sq We E ve Cres inu rg reen SH 2 rm s ResinosaSt Te S Fer t gusson Drv Eunice Lane Gard St Pempsey St d Freyberg Rd

o R a Millw odP Accessway rth Raynh

l e o m

v w r s

Marlborough St at W G h Field St ay d Tiniroa GrveC R W g Kenilworth Grve

tt n u i H h l rn it te P e w as m o E St ro D ns u a un s n D e s

G R

v d r

r v

e D Kiln St

c a S

B Silverstream Spur y

s l ld v o a n n Clinker Grve y y e e e Wa v v r r R G y es

r a r G

e W th C r

o r e e e K E l t u n cclesi ion n fe P e a l l r L e d r e rv e ci o G G S v l D

r e r

d n v A

a e cc S s

n e u s

craig v s r un D wa D S D y

t G

e l e ra

n Sunb r

a e lt Grve enda on C F re s e Grv

Birch ot n Way n

Freemans Way u e a Rd Av T m r rv a te er D dh es est yn h ich ne W inc Ch La W Pinehaven Rd bit ob H

No 1 Line

Fo r e s t Rd

J o c el yn C r es

E lm slie Rd

Wa y Sie rra

Horoeka St Cres vian Rd ian A Av Av ro R d

Ta wh t ai

S S e t

r e Ngah

Aratika Grve

d R s in

a t

e lu B

Land Swap Areas Guildford Block 1:20,000 @ A4 Currently owned by Upper Hutt City Council (35 ha) Other Upper Hutt City Council Land km 0 Hinkley Way 0.5 1 Currently owned byBoffa Guildford Miskell Timber prepared Company (132for Guildfordha) Timber Company Limited | Guildford Timber Land Swap | page 7 Johnsons Rd FIGURE 2 POTENTIAL LAND SWAP AREAS

s Kiw y e i a

r S sw t es Perry St C Elizabeth Ave c c ru Y A River Rd u o e R r v d The Hoodvisibility Ave analysisk Ais based entirely on ‘bare ground’ topographic data, it does notM take r R County Lane Nepoui Cres d e cDrv e into account the screening effects of interveningd vegetation or structures in the landscape.R s za iv Courtenay Rd e R oli s An R m lip in SH 2 m al e d So G s tt R P A u Stream Grve i v n H Coates Grve nehill Cres e ster Heretaunga Sq We E ve Cres inu rg reen SH 2 rm s ResinosaSt Te S Fer t gusson Drv Eunice Lane Gard St Pempsey St d Freyberg Rd

o R a Millw odP Accessway rth Raynh

l e o m

v w r s

Marlborough St at W 6.0 The vision: benefits and opportunities G h a Field St y d Tiniroa GrveC R W g Kenilworth Grve

tt n u i H h l rn it te P e w as m o E St ro D ns u a un s n Numerous community benefits and opportunities would flow from the land swap. D e s

G R

v d r

r v

e These are outlined in this section. D Kiln St

c a S

B y

s l ld v o a n n Clinker Grve 6.1 Landscape character y y e e e Wa v v r r R G y es

r a r G

e W th C r

o r e e e K E l t u n cclesi ion n fe P e a l l r L e d r e rv e ci o G G Upper Hutt residents identify the surrounding hills of the district as a key feature of the city’s v S l D

r e r

d n v A

a e cc

S s

character. The city’s southern hills, extending from Pinehaven and the Blue Mountains north to n e u s

craig v s r un D wa D S D y

t G

Kingsley Heights and Mount Marua, form an important visual backdrop to the central city and its e l e ra

n Sunb r suburban surrounds. a e lt Grve enda on C F re s e Grv

Birch ot n Way Given the importance of the hill backdrop, the Guildford Timber Company has carefully considered n

Freemans Way u e a Rd Av T how its vision for a forested residential lifestyle development could fit within the existing landscape m r rv a te er D dh es est yn h ich ne character of this wider setting and ensure that the green visual backdrop is retained in important W inc Ch La W Pinehaven Rd it (! bb views of the ridge and its hillsides. Guildford Timber’s vision is for any future residential housing to o H be developed on the areas that are largely unseen from the valley floor below. As Figures 3 and 4 No 1 Line

Fo show, the ridgetop land above the proposed open space is largely screened from sight in views from re st the valley below. Rd

J o c el yn C The hillsides facing the Pinehaven valley are the most visible areas, when viewed from r es

Pinehaven Reserve, and these are the areas proposed for transfer to the Upper Hutt City E lm Council. The proposed land swap offers the opportunity to protect, in perpetuity, the open slie R space on these eastern slopes and the sense of place they give to the Pinehaven community. d The land swap would be a means of formalising, through public ownership, this visual backdrop as a ‘green belt’ for residents to enjoy as both a landscape feature and as a recreational area (see 6.4 below).

The steep slopes around the Silverstream Spur are also an important landscape feature because, although of comparatively low elevation, they provide a similar green backdrop in the Wa y immediate locality of the Silver Stream Railway Museum, the Eastern Hutt Road and the rail Sie rra and road bridges crossing the Hutt River. These slopes would also be retained in open space on which regeneration of native bush would be encouraged – for both visual amenity and to bring the ecological corridor described in section 6.3 as close as possible to the Hutt River corridor and western escarpment. This would effectively extend the destination park concept Horoeka St Cres vian Rd ian A into the heart of the Hutt Valley. Av Av ro R d

Ta wh t ai

S S e t

r e Ngah

Aratika Grve

d R s in

a t

e lu B

Figure 3: Potential Open Space (Yellow) Visible from Pinehaven Reserve - a future green belt protected Potential Open Space (! Viewpoint - Pinehaven Reserve 1:20,000 @ A4 km Guildford Block Visible from Viewpoint 0 Hinkley Way 0.5 1 page 8 |Boffa Miskell prepared for Guildford Timber Company Limited | Guildford Timber Land Swap Johnsons Rd FIGURE 4 VISIBILITY ANALYSIS

s Kiw y e i a

o R a Millw odP Accessway rth Raynh

l e o m

v w r s

Marlborough St at W G h Field St ay d Tiniroa GrveC R W g Kenilworth Grve

tt n u i H h l rn it te P e w as m o E St ro D ns u a un s n D e s

G R

v d r r v

Silverstream Spur e D Kiln St

c a S

B y

s l ld v o a n n Clinker Grve y y e e e Silverstream Spur Wa v v r r R G y es

r a r G

e W th C r

o r e e e K E l t u n cclesi ion n fe P e a l l r L e d r e rv e ci o G G S v l D

r e r

d n v A

a e cc S s

n e u s

craig v s r un D wa D S D y

t G

e l e ra

n Sunb r

a e lt Grve enda on C F re s e Grv

Birch ot n Way n

Freemans Way u Silverstreame Reservea Rd Av T m r Pinehaven rv a te er D dh es est yn h Reserve ich ne W inc Ch La W Pinehaven Rd (! bit ob H

No 1 Line

Fo r e s t Rd

J o c el yn C r es

E lm slie Rd

Wa y Sie rra

Horoeka St Cres vian Rd ian A Av Av ro R d

Ta wh t ai

S S e t

r e Ngah

Aratika Grve

d R s in

a t

e lu B

Potential Open Space (! Viewpoint - Pinehaven Reserve 1:20,000 @ A4 km Guildford Block Visible from Viewpoint 0 Hinkley Way 0.5 1 Boffa Miskell prepared for Guildford Timber Company Limited | Guildford Timber Land Swap | page 9 Johnsons Rd FIGURE 4 VISIBILITY ANALYSIS

s Kiw y e i a

o R a 6.2 Catchment management Millw odP Accessway rth Raynh

l e o m

v w r s

Marlborough St at W G h Field St ay d Tiniroa GrveC R W g Kenilworth Grve

tt n u i The land swap would also place extensive H h l rn it te P e w as m o E St ro D ns u a areas of steep land in the Pinehaven un s n D e s

G R

v d r

Stream catchment under Upper Hutt City r v

e D Kiln St

Council control, with significant catchment c a S

B y

s l management benefits. ld v o a n n Clinker Grve y y e e e Wa v v r r R G y es

r a r G

e W th C r

o r e e e K E l n t u n cclesi Flooding has been a problem during io n fe P e a l l r L e d r e rv e ci o G G S v l D

r e r

e extreme events within the urbanised d n

v A

a e cc S s

n e u s

craig v s r areas on the valley floor in Pinehaven and un D wa D S D y

t G

e l e ra

Silverstream, due in large part to the rapid n Sunb r

a e lt runoff from the steep hillsides within the Grve enda on C F re s e relatively small catchment. Stable forest Grv

Birch ot n Way n

cover helps to slow runoff by filtering and Freemans Way u e a Rd Av T m r rv absorbing rainfall, and is especially effective a te er D dh es est yn h ich ne W inc Ch La on steep slopes. W Pinehaven Rd bit ob H

No 1 Line Therefore, the land swap offers a strategic 55% Fo r e s opportunity for the council to proactively t Rd

protect and enhance the existing forest J o c el cover on a large proportion of the steep land yn C in the catchment and avoid the runoff and r es

E sedimentation issues that can arise from lm slie forest harvest. This opportunity is consistent Rd with the draft Pinehaven Flood Management 41% 2 5% Plan , in which stormwater controls and 22% catchment management plans have been introduced to help manage the risk from major rainfall events in the area.

Figure 5 shows the relationship between the Wa y land that would be transferred to the council Sie rra and the streams in catchment. 54% 57%

Horoeka St Cres vian Rd ian A 61% Av Av ro R d

Ta wh t ai

S S e t

r e Ngah

Aratika Grve

d R s in

a t

e lu B

2. Greater Wellington Regional Council 2015

Guildford Block Subcatchment X% Percentage of potential new 1:20,000 @ A4 Potential Open Space Pinehaven Stream Catchment reserve area within subcatchment km 0 Hinkley Way 0.5 1 page 10 |Boffa Miskell prepared for Guildford Timber Company Limited | Guildford Timber Land Swap Pinehaven Stream Johnsons Rd FIGURE 5 FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT

s Kiw y e i a

o R a Millw odP Accessway rth Raynh

l e o m

v w r s

Marlborough St at W G h Field St ay d Tiniroa GrveC R W g Kenilworth Grve

tt n u i H h l rn it te P e w as m o E St ro D ns u a un s n D e s

G R

v d r

r v

e D Kiln St

c a S

B y

s l ld v o a n n Clinker Grve y y e e e Wa v v r r R G y es

r a r G

e W th C r

o r e e e K E l t u n cclesi ion n fe P e a l l r L e d r e rv e ci o G G S v l D

r e r

d n v A

a e cc S s

n e u s

craig v s r un D wa D S D y

t G

e l e ra

n Sunb r

a e lt Grve enda on C F re s e Grv

Birch ot n Way n

Freemans Way u e a Rd Av T m r rv a te er D dh es est yn h ich ne W inc Ch La W Pinehaven Rd bit ob H

No 1 Line 55% Fo r e s t Rd

J o c el yn C r es

E lm slie Rd 41% 5% 22%

Wa y Sie rra

54% 57%

Horoeka St Cres vian Rd ian A 61% Av Av ro R d

Ta wh t ai

S S e t

r e Ngah

Aratika Grve

d R s in

a t

e lu B

Guildford Block Subcatchment X% Percentage of potential new 1:20,000 @ A4 Potential Open Space Pinehaven Stream Catchment reserve area within subcatchment km 0 Hinkley Way 0.5 1 Boffa MiskellPinehaven prepared Stream for Guildford Timber Company Limited | Guildford Timber Land Swap | page 11 Johnsons Rd FIGURE 5 FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT

s Kiw y e i a

o R a Millw odP Accessway rth Raynh

6.3 Natural and heritage values l e o m

v w r s

Marlborough St at W G h Field St ay d Tiniroa GrveC R W g Kenilworth Grve

tt n u i H h l rn it One of the most exciting prospects of the The Guildford Timber Company is also te P e w as m o E St ro D ns u a un s n land swap would be the opportunity to mindful of the importance the community D e s

G R

v d r r v

enhance ecological and biodiversity values places on protecting and restoring Upper e D Kiln St

c by creating an extensive area of public Hutt’s biodiversity and open spaces. The a S

B Silverstream Spur y

s l ld v reserve. The Guildford ridge is strategically housing and road development on the ridge o a n n Clinker Grve y y e e e Wa v v r r R G y es located at a pinch point in the Hutt valley would be carried out to complement and r a r G

e W th C r

o r e e e t K u E l n n cclesfi io n a e P e e l l interweave with the natural values of the r L v d where the ridge, at Silverstream Spur, r e r e ci o G G S v l D

r e r

d n v A

a e cc extends close to the Hutt River corridor and public reserve area, whilst also providing S s

n e u s

craig v s r un D wa the Silverstream Scenic Reserve on the opportunities for local residents to enjoy and D S D y

t G

e l e ra n Sunb escarpment over the river. This proximity become involved in protecting natural values. r a e lt Grve enda on C gives the ridge importance as an ecological For instance, watercourses and slopes F re s e greater than 20 degrees would be mainly Grv

corridor, connecting natural areas on the Birch ot n Way n

Freemans Way u e a east and west sides of the Hutt valley. managed as open space with vegetation Rd Av T m r rv a te er D dh es est cover to conserve water and soil values. yn h ich ne W inc Ch La W Pinehaven Rd it Figure 6 shows the vegetation of ecological bb o H value that is already present on the land The story of the Guildford plantations is No 1 Line

Fo proposed for transfer to the council. On a fascinating piece of local history that is r e s the hillsides among the pine trees, there bound in with the natural values of the ridge. t Rd

J o are areas of kamahi forest and pockets of The world-famous yachtsman, Sir Francis c el yn remnant beech, especially along Avro Road, Chichester, was a driving force behind the C r es and the vegetation provides wildlife habitat original forest plantings together with Mr E lm as well the water and soil conservation G.D.M Goodwin. Furthermore, the Guildford slie benefits discussed in 6.2 above. Public history of planting native as well as exotic Rd ownership would provide scope for trees was an unusual initiative which has permanent protection of the fauna and left an enduring legacy in some of the now flora present, together with restoration of well-established areas of kamahi and other ecological values that would see the local regenerating forest. There is opportunity to ecosystems more healthy and resilient to interweave this story into information about change. A forest management programme the natural values of the potential reserve land and the community’s sense of the Wa y could be implemented to slowly replace Sie rra pine trees with native forest and enhance interaction of people and place. biodiversity.

Horoeka St Cres vian Rd ian A Av Av ro R d

Ta wh t ai

S S e t

r e Ngah

Aratika Grve

d R s in

a t

e lu B

Haakon Carruthers Kamahi Regeneration Recreation Trail

Guildford Block Valued Vegetation within Guildford Swap Area Potential Open Space kamahi forest with emergent pine 1:20,000 @ A4 km primary beech forest with podocarp-rata 0Hinkley Way 0.5 1 page 12 |Boffa Miskell prepared for Guildford Timber Company Limited | Guildford Timber Land Swap secondary beech forest with kamahi Johnsons Rd FIGURE 6 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

s Kiw y e i a

o R a Millw odP Accessway rth Raynh

l e o m

v w r s

Marlborough St at W G h Field St ay d Tiniroa GrveC R W g Kenilworth Grve

tt n u i H h l rn it te P e w as m o E St ro D ns u a un s n D e s

G R

v d r

r v

e D Kiln St

c a S

B Silverstream Spur y

s l ld v o a n n Clinker Grve y y e e e Wa v v r r R G y es

r a r G

e W th C r

o r e e e K E l t u n cclesi ion n fe P e a l l r L e d r e rv e ci o G G S v l D

r e r

d n v A

a e cc S s

n e u s

craig v s r un D wa D S D y

t G

e l e ra

n Sunb r

a e lt Grve enda on C F re s e Grv

Birch ot n Way n

Freemans Way u e a Rd Av T m r rv a te er D dh es est yn h ich ne W inc Ch La W Pinehaven Rd bit ob H

No 1 Line

Fo r e s t Rd

J o c el yn C r es

E lm slie Rd

Wa y Sie rra

Horoeka St Cres vian Rd ian A Av Av ro R d

Ta wh t ai

S S e t

r e Ngah

Aratika Grve

d R s in

a t

e lu B

Haakon Carruthers

Guildford Block Valued Vegetation within Guildford Swap Area Potential Open Space kamahi forest with emergent pine 1:20,000 @ A4 km primary beech forest with podocarp-rata 0Hinkley Way 0.5 1 Boffa Miskell prepared for Guildford Timber Company Limited | Guildford Timber Land Swap | page 13 secondary beech forest with kamahi Johnsons Rd FIGURE 6 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

s Kiw y e i a

6.4 Outdoor recreation hub o R a Millw odP Accessway rth Raynh

l e o m

v w r s Marlborough St at W

G h ay d Tiniroa GrveC R W g Kenilworth Grve

tt n The Guildford ridge is uniquely placed u i and enjoy. A key feature will be the ability to H h l rn it

ste P e w Ea S r m o within the Hutt valley to become an outdoor s t o a D experience the ecological corridor (described to Silverstream nn u n i u s D e s

G R

v d r

recreation hub that connects the increasing in 6.3) in close proximity to the urban r

e D range of walking, cycling, mountain biking environments, with potential to bring together h

c F a S i B e Kiln St y ld recreation, education and community s l and running routes that are putting the Hutt v ld S o a t n n Clinker Grve y y e e valley on the map as a recreational heaven. restoration involvement. e Wa v v r r R G y es

r a r G

e W th C r

o r e e e K E l t u n cclesi ion n fe P e a l l r L e d r e rv e ci o G G S v l D

The location is highly strategic, being central These are just a few of the many r e r

d n v A

a e cc S s

n e possibilities for new leisure experiences u s

in the Hutt valley at the pinch point where the craig v s r un D wa D S D y

t G

e that the public reserve area could l valley narrows and the ridge comes close to e ra

n Sunb r accommodate. The hub concept could be a the Hutt River and the hills on the western e lt Grve enda on C F re enhanced by developing onsite attractions s side of the valley. The location means that d ve R Gr Birch ot n Way

such as adventure and outdoor skills m n a the proposed public reserve could be a hub u h Freemans Way d e a yn Av T courses, artificial climbing rocks as well W r rv where its own tracks and trails would provide te er D es est as a headquarters with public amenities, h ich ne inc Ch La connections from the ridge between: W Pinehaven Rd it i bb information and advice about the outdoor o H

• the Hutt River trail; recreation opportunities offering in the area. No 1 Line

Fo re • the summit tracks along the eastern hills i s

Outdoor recreation is hugely popular and t Rd of Lower Hutt, eventually connecting to i J o a growing sector of economic activity, as c el the Wainuiomata Trail Project; yn evidenced by the success of the award C r es • the cycling opportunities in Whitemans winning purpose-built Makara Peak E Mountain Bike Park on the southern edge lm Valley and, beyond, to the Tunnel Gully, slie Mt Climie challenge and Rimutaka of Wellington city, which attracts over Rd

Incline routes; 80,000 visits a year; 30% of which are

3 i walkers and runners . Similarly, Rotorua’s i

• connections via the Hutt River trail to trails Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest attracts and tracks on the western side of the both domestic and international visitors to its i river, including the Silverstream Scenic 130 km of mountain biking, forest walking,

Reserve, the Moonshine and Cannon horse riding and, even, dog walking tracks4. Point areas, and more remote areas in the i Wa y Akatarawa and Whakatikei hill country. The Guildford Timber Company thinks an Sie rra outdoor adventure hub would be an asset These connections would significantly with potential to attract thousands of visitors v d extend the recreational choices in the a year and add significantly to the local A r o R Hutt valley area, enabling a wider range and regional economy. It is expected that i Horoeka St Cres vian Rd ian A of circular and interconnected routes to be such an asset would enhance and support Av enjoyed. For instance, mountain bikers could local employment and business whilst also providing the community with the benefit i i ride from the Wainuiomata saddle along the Ta to Blue Mountain wh t ai Community

S S eastern hills ridge to the Blue Mountains, of enhanced recreational opportunities e t

r e come down the Guildford ridge and then on its doorstep. The company anticipates Ngah return via the Hutt River Trail and back up that the public reserve/outdoor hub on Aratika Grve the Wainuiomata Hill. the land transferred to the Upper Hutt City Council would be run by the council At a more local level, access to parks and but with opportunities to also involve co- open space is known to improve people’s management partnership for the benefit, d education and enjoyment of all members of R physical and psychological health, and s in

a our community. t strengthen communities by providing scope n u

o for outdoor activities and enjoyment. The M e lu proposed outdoor recreation hub would also Figure 7 shows the strategic position of the B enable the Upper Hutt City Council to extend ridge in terms of connections of proposed its existing network of recreational spaces new roading and additional access to other and develop a range of access points and outdoor recreational opportunities. to Whitemans Valley Community loop tracks for local residents in Silverstream, 3. http:// makarapeak.org/About / Pinehaven and the Blue Mountains to explore 4. http://redwoods.co.nz/ Guildford Block Potential New Road 1:20,000 @ A4 Potential New Public Reserve & Recreation Hub km Potential Recreation Access Point 0 Hinkley Way 0.5 1 page 14 |Boffa Miskell prepared for Guildford Timber Company Limited | Guildford Timber Land Swap i Johnsons Rd FIGURE 7 POTENTIAL ROAD / RECREATION ACCESS

s Kiw y e i a

o R a Millw odP Accessway rth Raynh

l e o m

v w r s Marlborough St at W

G h ay d Tiniroa GrveC R W g Kenilworth Grve

tt n u i H h l rn it

ste P e w Ea S r m o

s t o a D to Silverstream nn u n i u s D e s

G R

v d r

r v

e D

c F a S i B e Kiln St y ld s l ld v S o a t n n Clinker Grve y y e e e Wa v v r r R G y es

r a r G

e W th C r

o r e e e K E l t u n cclesi ion n fe P e a l l r L e d r e rv e ci o G G S v l D

r e r

d n v A

a e cc S s

n e u s

craig v s r un D wa D S D y

t G

e l e ra

n Sunb r

a e lt Grve enda on C F re s d ve R Gr

Birch ot n Way m n a h Freemans Way u d e a yn Av T W r rv te er D es est h ich ne inc Ch La Pinehaven Rd it i W b ob H

No 1 Line

Fo re i s

t Rd i J o c el yn C r es

E lm slie Rd

i i

i i Wa y Sie rra

d Avr o R i Horoeka St Cres vian Rd ian A Av i i Ta to Blue Mountain wh t ai Community

S S e t

r e Ngah

Aratika Grve

d R s in

a t

e lu B

to Whitemans Valley Community

Guildford Block Potential New Road 1:20,000 @ A4 Potential New Public Reserve & Recreation Hub km Hinkley Way i Potential RecreationBoffa Access Miskell Point prepared for Guildford Timber Company Limited | Guildford0 Timber Land0.5 Swap | page 15 1 Johnsons Rd FIGURE 7 POTENTIAL ROAD / RECREATION ACCESS

6.5 A residential community with a difference

Residential development within an existing The main land development involved would be: forested environment is uncommon in • a new road that would run up the Wellington region. The low-impact the ridgetop from Kiln Street, in clustered housing, within mature pine Silverstream, to Avro Road, in the Blue and regenerating native forest, that Mountains; is envisaged, would therefore offer a distinctive and attractive option within the • a medium density village neighbourhood housing market. The concept of fitting situated towards the northern lower end the housing into the existing landscape of the ridge; will attract homeowners seeking tranquil ‘lifestyle’ living close to the amenities of • small hamlets and clusters on the Upper Hutt. It will also involve new homes central part of the ridgetop; being purpose-designed to fit individual sites and finished in high quality natural • small hamlets and clusters towards the materials that will blend into the setting. higher southern end of the ridge near Avril and Avian Roads. While the concept will attract those seeking alternatives to conventional suburban living, This would offer appealing options to the clustering of dwellings will nevertheless home owners with the added bonus of encourage social interaction between easy access to nearby suburbs, CBD and neighbours, further enhanced by walkways, regional connections. cycleways and bridle paths that will connect and foster a sense of community between all the hamlets along the ridge. This approach will mean confining the development mainly to the rolling ridgetop, which is the least visible from the valley areas below.

Shona McCahon Living areas integrated within natural settings

page 16 |Boffa Miskell prepared for Guildford Timber Company Limited | Guildford Timber Land Swap

Shona McCahon Roading layout framed by vegetation

Shona McCahon Houses nestled below vegetation

Boffa Miskell prepared for Guildford Timber Company Limited | Guildford Timber Land Swap | page 17

6.6 Access and connections

The new road illustrated in Figure 7, which would run from Kiln Street to Avro Road, would be necessary for the proposed Guildford development but would also usefully provide an alternative link from Silverstream to the Blue Mountains and beyond, to Whitemans Valley. Indeed, the Upper Hutt Urban Growth Strategy 2007 identified the need for a new road to provide this alternative link. The new road has the potential to improve access to public transport, schools and town centre facilities by easing traffic pressure on the existing Blue Mountains Road and providing a second option in the event of road closure from events such as slips.

Residential development would also open up opportunities for improved infrastructure to be brought in to the established rural lifestyle development along Avro Road. Currently, access to this area is via a winding rural road network through steep terrain. There would be flow-on benefits from upgrading and improving roading infrastructure in the area, whilst nevertheless ensuring that the rural lifestyle character was retained and any roading improvements were sympathetic to the underlying topography.

page 18 |Boffa Miskell prepared for Guildford Timber Company Limited | Guildford Timber Land Swap

7.0 A strategic future The Guildford Timber Company sees the Wellington region’s population is city council’s Urban Growth Strategy Review growing, with increasing demand for as an excellent opportunity to re-engage different housing choices and options. on its vision and, thereby, help progress The Upper Hutt City Council is well the council’s strategic growth aims. The placed to provide a wide range of Guildford proposal would involve: housing and lifestyle options by enabling well-sited and well-designed housing • land strategically located to provide for opportunities that will attract people to its anticipated growth attractive valley setting and its active and involved community. • a high quality residential design

The council’s Urban Growth Strategy • environmentally sustainable principles recognises, however, that there is insufficient capacity for residential growth • a distinctive type and form of urban under the existing zoning and district plan environment in keeping with the provisions. It is essential to identify new character of Upper Hutt areas for residential growth. The Guildford land swap proposal could help address this Together these qualities would help to issue and ignite a wave of new residential promote the sustainable growth and positive growth in Upper Hutt. perception of Upper Hutt as a whole. The Guildford Timber Company is looking to the The vision outlined in this discussion future in alignment with the aspirations of document reflects a concept earlier articulated the Upper Hutt community. The company in the Upper Hutt City Council Urban Growth believes that these opportunities will only Strategy 2007, in which the Guildford ridge be achieved by working towards a shared area was identified as a high priority for vision in partnership with the community, iwi, possible greenfield development. In the local government and other stakeholders. same year, the Framework Document for Guildford was also prepared and put to the Put simply; now is the ideal time to community for consultation but subsequent proactively shape the future of the Upper adverse economic conditions prevented Hutt housing market. progress. Guildford Timber remains motivated, however, to delivering a sustainable residential development that offers a high degree of ecological and social integrity.

Boffa Miskell prepared for Guildford Timber Company Limited | Guildford Timber Land Swap | page 19 About Boffa Miskell Boffa Miskell is a 100% employee owned planning and design consultancy established in 1972 in Christchurch. We bring together over 140 professional staff with expertise in planning, ecology, urban design, cultural advisory, landscape architecture, sustainability and digital environment services. Over the past four decades we have built a reputation for innovation and excellence in integrated development and design. During this time we have been associated with a significant number of projects that have led changes in shaping New Zealand’s landscape.

www.boffamiskell.co.nz auckland tauranga wellington christchurch shanghai t: + 64 9 358 2526 t: +64 7 571 5511 t: +64 4 385 9315 t: +64 3 366 8891 t: +86 21 6426 9886 f: +64 9 359 5300 f: +64 7 571 3333 f: +64 4 384 3089 f: +64 3 365 7539 f: +86 21 6426 9890