City review kicking off

Hamilton residents can get a fresh take on the city at a series of public open days this month outlining a review of the Hamilton District Plan.

Dubbed Fast Forward, the review affects all Hamiltonians because it sets out how residents and others can build on, develop and use land in the city.

The open days will cover the biggest issues Hamilton faces and ask people to give opinions on issues such as how to keep people living and doing business in the central city, how to build on the region's economic and agricultural talents, how to make sure neighbourhoods are nice places to live, how to tackle traffic congestion and how to find environmental balance.

Hamilton City Council city planning manager Robert Hodges said much had changed since the last district plan was developed 10 years ago.

"Fast Forward is our opportunity to take a fresh look at the rules and policies which guide how Hamiltonians develop and use the land they own," Mr Hodge said.

"It is important that people understand that it's not just about rules and guidelines though – it's about the quality of living they will produce."

The aim was to set a "better standard" of living across the city.

The public information days are free and open to everyone.

The next one runs from 10am to 2pm on Thursday, February 11 in Garden Place, and during normal opening hours at Westfield Chartwell from February 15 to 21.

- © Fairfax NZ News