A framework plan (sometimes called a masterplan, landscape concept plan, or spatial plan) guides the long-term development and use of a park to achieve a shared vision. Framework planning is about making the connection between buildings, social settings, and their surrounding environments. 

The long term vision is to reactivate the Village Green and Railside by making it easier to access from the town centre, adding a stage, toilet block, play area, picnic BBQ area and multi-use hardstand area to cater for large community events. The plan is for this area to become a community hub, a “welcome mat” for Matamata and give the CBD a central community heart. 

We trialled some changes to the layout of Hetana Street, which received lots of feedback from the community. Following this trial, Council voted to return the street to two-way, with some permanent safety improvements.

We closed the road for 4 weeks in May/June 2022 to reconstruct the road (which was due for renewal), and returned the road to two ways as part of this work. The road has now reopened as a two way street. You can read more on the Hetana Street one way trial here. 

While the street trial was outside the reserve boundaries, the final layout of Hetana Street and Arawa Street would influence the parking layout at the reserve and the best location for future toilets and other facilities at the park. 

The site history section of the plan has been updated and expanded in response to information provided by submitters and tangata whenua. There are opportunities to further acknowledge the history of the site in future through signage, art, and landscaping choices.