Hastings District Council has endorsed a masterplan for the proposed revitalisation of Flaxmere Village Centre by the shopping centre’s owners, TW Property.
The plan includes a new road connection through the town centre, linking Henderson Road to Pam O’Keefe Avenue, along with improved public spaces and a more connected layout.
The masterplan has been prepared by the development arm of TW Group, which owns the Flaxmere shopping centre and is leading its redevelopment. Council’s role is to oversee the infrastructure, planning processes, and community outcomes that sit alongside the private
development.
Hastings Mayor, Wendy Schollum said the activity followed years of planning and partnership focused on Flaxmere’s future.
“Flaxmere has waited a long time for this moment. Finally, there is a clear path towards a town centre that reflects the pride, identity and potential of this community. This masterplan is a major step toward a safer, better-connected centre, with more opportunities for local people and businesses,” she said.
“It’s important to be clear that TW Property owns the shopping centre and is leading and funding its redevelopment. Council is not redeveloping the town centre itself. Our role is to make sure the wider public infrastructure and spaces around that development are right for Flaxmere, and that the project goes through the proper planning processes.”
TW Property chief executive, Terry May said the plan includes new shops and improved public spaces, creating a more connected and vibrant town centre.
“The project will be delivered in stages, with timing dependent on ongoing discussions with existing tenants. We have spent time in Flaxmere understanding how people use the town centre today, and that has informed our approach to the layout and design,” said Mr May.
He said the masterplan aligns with long-standing Flaxmere community plans and incorporates cultural design elements, including Te Aranga principles and the Pāharakeke Flaxmere narrative.
It also complements other developments led by TW Property in Flaxmere, including a new Woolworths supermarket due for completion mid-year and 120 affordable homes planned for the Gumtree area over the next few years.
Flaxmere ward Councillor, Henare O’Keefe said the plan supported long-term pride and opportunity for the community.
“This is about our people seeing themselves in our town centre, that it’s a place that is safe, welcoming, and full of life,” he said.
“We’ve talked for a long time about the opportunity that is Flaxmere. This is one of those moments where we can do that in a way that respects who we are and where we’ve come from. It is our season and our time.”
Endorsing the masterplan does not approve construction, land sales, or changes to Council facilities, the Council said in a statement.
Any next steps will need to go through formal processes, including:
- assessment against planning rules;
- independent valuation and Council decisions on any land divestment;
- assessment of parking and access around the library and community centre;
- public consultation if any changes to Council facilities are proposed.
