A new plan to help guide the future development and rejuvenation of the Hororātā Reserve over the next two decades has been completed.

The Selwyn District Council and Go Hororātā, the local residents’ group, have worked with Hamish Shaw Architects and Botanic Landscape Architects on the project over the last several years. Feedback from a public workshop and other community consultations with residents and groups that use the reserve has been incorporated as part of the process.

The purpose of the plan is to look forward to the next 10-20 years to ensure the more than 92-hectare reserve continues to be enhanced in ways that serve the community functionally. It seeks to strengthen the reserve as a community hub and to amplify its existing character.

 Work will be completed in stages and will mainly involve improvements to current features and facilities within the Reserve, which is hoped to encourage more local events and recreational use. 

Phil Freeman, Vice Chair of Go Hororātā, says, “The plan has been in development since 2020, so it is great to have it completed, and we look forward to working with the Council on its implementation to improve the Reserve and ensure it remains a valuable asset to the community now and well into the future.

There are some great points of interest in the Reserve, including the Edwardian Ornamental Lake and the perimeter walking track. One of the key priorities for the plan has been to strengthen circulation networks within the Reserve for walking and cycling, and equestrian use.” 

Some of the other concepts for the Reserve will be improving its biodiversity to reflect the pre-European settlement character of the landscape; supporting opportunities for the community to use the Reserve for club activities or events, and celebrating Hororātā’s heritage and local stories. Other plans include producing a food foraging area and picnic spaces.

The full master plan can be found on the Council website CLICK HERE