Featherston Masterplan PDA
Latest Updates
In June 2024, the South Wairarapa District Council approved the Featherston Masterplan. This is an exciting time for the District, with Featherston being the first town to have a Masterplan, following recommendations in the District Plan. Featherston has been identified as a Future Growth Town, which will require significant investment to support this growth. The plan protects what is valued by the community, while also enabling growth and new opportunities. The Masterplan is now in the implementation phase.
To view the final Masterplan, click here.
Background
In 2020, Featherston’s population of 2,615 was projected to grow by 800 (and 428 households) by 2050. That projection has now more than doubled to 1,730, and 940 new dwellings.
This growth highlights Featherston’s attractiveness as a place to live, and also reflects an increased ability to both work from home, and to commute into Wellington.
The ‘South Wairarapa Spatial Plan – Residential Growth’, adopted in December 2021, prioritised Featherston as the first South Wairarapa town to be master planned. Featherston is identified as suitable for transit-oriented development (TOD) in the district’s Spatial Plan and in the Wellington Regional Growth Framework.
Purpose
The purpose of the Featherston Masterplan is to create a plan for Featherston which captures the community’s vision for how it wants to look in the future. The Masterplan will guide Featherston’s growth, with a focus on ensuring housing of mixed densities and choice, main street activation, and the sufficient infrastructure to connect businesses, services, housing, character, amenities, walkability, and development of the station.
Why a Masterplan for Featherston?
Featherston was identified as a growth area in the Wellington Regional Growth Framework. Its estimated growth is around 900 persons over the next 30 years.
It enables planned approach to growth, getting the best and coo-rdinated use of public investments such as the train station, parks and reserves, community facilities, managing the impacts of the State highway, and integrating development
It enables the co-ordination and integration of multiple agencies planning and delivery
It captures community views and builds on existing local initiatives
It can address new challenges, e.g. the need for affordable and different types of housing – the median house price in September 2021 was $621,850.
Milestones
Initial Engagement – Early 2022
Press Release announcing informal consultation on Masterplan – July 2022
Foundation Discussion Document Feedback – August 2022
Preferred concept option adopted – September 2022
Detailed Masterplan developed Report – December 2022
Formal Consultation – 6 December 2023 to 18 February 2024
Hearings – 3 April 2024
Masterplan, implementation plan adopted – June 2024
Up to date information on the Featherston Master Plan can also be viewed on the South Wairarapa District Council website.