Bell Park is being enhanced by Hutt City Council to create an appealing community space that can accommodate a growing and changing population.
A Request for Quotes (RFQ) was completed at the end of 2023.
The RFQ was seeking design, and construction of improvements to Bell Park in line with what we heard in community engagement on the project. The main focus of the development will be pathways connecting the three accessways to Bell Park, making it accessible in all weathers and a much more appealing space. The intention is to retain as much green space as possible to enable other recreational activities. The intention is to ensure the improvements are low-cost in terms of ongoing maintenance and upkeep, in line with our current approach to managing assets.
Council Mana Whenua representatives have been engaged with and will contribute a cultural narrative to the project. Council staff are working through an ongoing engagement plan with Mana Whenua and will continue to provide space for feedback throughout the project. Officers are also talking to other interested stakeholders including Ignite Sport who are also based at Bell Park.
After the completion of a successful tender process, PCL Contracting has been appointed to deliver the works to enhance and improve Bell Park Reserve. Full site works are predicted to commence on 26 March 2024, contingent on weather and is subject to change.
During the improvements, access to Bell Park via Douglas Street and Riverside Drive will be closed off to the public. These entry points will be included in the improvement works. There will be no access to the field during this time. Access to Ignite Sport facilities and artificial turf will remain open via Bell Road.
A Cultural Narrative has been gifted from Mana Whenua for Bell Park. This narrative is currently being interpreted into visual amenity by Mana Whenua artists.
Works are due to be completed by beginning of May 2024.
The concrete access paths from Douglass Street and Riverside Drive incorporate beautifully etched artwork by Mana Whenua artists Mareikura Richard Te Ahuru and Whareahuru Gilbert. The design of the pathway reflects culturally significant bodies of water, drawing on themes of manaakitanga (hospitality and generosity) and kai.
Represented by toi Māori motifs depicting kai awa (food from the river), the artwork signifies how Te Awamutu & Waiwhetu rivers have sustained Mana Whenua through generations. Pedestrians will be able to meander through a reimagined river which acts as a glimpse into the ways in which the awa (river) has cared for its people.
What's the latest?
The redevelopment of Bell Park is now complete. Council officers held a reopening blessing Thursday August 8 to celebrate.
A Karakia and Whakatau was performed followed by a walk through of the redevelopment and shared kai and light refreshments afterward.
