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CBD accessibility improvements

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Click the image to see more information about our Morrinsville CBD improvements

Click the image to see more information about our Matamata CBD improvements

Click the image to see more information about our Matamata CBD improvements

About the Matamata and Morrinsville CBD accessibility improvements

Background

Over the last few years we've carried out accessibility audits in the Matamata, Morrinsville and Te Aroha town centres and worked closely with accessibility groups to see how we can improve journeys for those who get around on foot, push prams or use mobility aids. Thanks to external funding, we are able to action just over 50% of the upgrades and improvements identified in the Morrinsville and Matamata audits. As part of the funding agreement, the upgrades in Matamata and Morrinsville must be complete by July 2024. Work is due to start mid-February and take 10 weeks.

From mid-February you will see our contractors out and about making small, quick changes to some footpaths and crossing points, bringing significant improvement to accessibility in our town centres, in a short space of time. We will also see more zebra crossings on Morrinsville's main street.

Te Aroha CBD accessibility improvements are set to take place in the 2025/2026 financial year. We will have more information about these improvements later this year.

What sort of improvements are being made?

We have looked at a range of issues people are experiencing when moving around our towns and found opportunities to add better kerb ramps at some crossing points, improve mobility parking spaces, upgrade some crossing points, add tactile ground indicators for the visually impaired at some busy crossing points and repair some key footpaths. 

This funding will focus on improving the most serious issues identified in the accessibility audits. We will look to address the remaining issues over time as funding for maintenance and renewals becomes available. 

Why are changes being made?

We are aware there are many in our community who reply on our footpath and crossings network to get from A to B and access public spaces and services. Well maintained and connected footpaths and safe and easy to use crossings points are important for our communities to take part in healthy, green and active transport. It provides alternatives for people to access school, work, public spaces and our town centres and removes barriers for those who prefer independent, active travel or do not have easy access to a motor vehicle.  Improving accessibility in our towns will promote wellbeing and reduce reliance on cars, by providing safe and easy alternatives for children, caregivers, mobility aid users and those who walk dogs or walk and run for exercise, to move safety and easily around our towns.