Expressions of Interest - Reimagining the Levin War Memorial Hall
Seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) to create a new life for the Levin War Memorial Hall, which respects its past and community value while giving new purpose and expression to the building, with the possibility of incorporating the Village Green and Skate Park in the transformation of this space.
The opportunity
Horowhenua District Council (Council) is investing in the Levin Town Centre to capture benefits arising from the significant growth it is experiencing as Wellington gets closer via some major road projects. The district continue to experience strong population growth with the Horowhenua population forecast to grow to over 54,000 by 2044.
Horowhenua has a unique microcosm that sees food producers thrive and is often referred to as the North Island’s vegetable bowl. Boasting the shortest distance from the mountains to the sea, it has long been valued for its unique and fertile environment.
With Horowhenua as a treasure trove of exceptional produce, regular markets and the iconic “Taste Trail”, it is a haven for food lovers. Additionally, the mountain-biking, swimmable rivers, beach access and climate make it an attractive destination for those who enjoy the outdoors.
Levin Town Centre Transformation Vision
The Levin Town Centre Transformation Strategy was developed and adopted by Council in 2018 and the document can be found on the Transforming Taitoko/Levin - Levin Town Centre Strategy page.
The strategy: presents a vision for the town centre and concepts for how it can transform to be a more vibrant, resilient and sustainable place. To implement the Strategy successfully, we will require new development alongside renewal and upgrading of existing town centre assets, with the vision of:
“Creating an attractive and vibrant urban town centre environment that supports economic growth, fosters community engagement, and promotes sustainable development, ultimately enriching the quality of life for residents and visitors in Levin.”
Progress on the strategy implementation was paused due to Covid but has now resumed. There is now an opportunity for interested parties to be part of Levin’s Town Centre Transformation through the first of the strategy concepts being initiated, which is reactivating or redeveloping the Levin War Memorial Hall with the option of also developing the neighboring Village Green and Skate Park sites.
While there are three sites offered in this Expression of Interest (EOI), respondents may choose to respond to one or all the spaces with proposals.
What’s important to us?
It is important to Council that new uses for the sites respond to the strategy objectives. We do not have a fixed view on what those uses are but we want them to have a positive influence on the town centre – refer to Section 2 of the Call for Expressions of Interest Document(PDF, 3MB) for the outcomes we are looking for.
Why should you register your interest?
This is an opportunity to develop a significant and desirable location within the Levin Town Centre. We are open to working with you in mutually beneficial ways so an investment works for you and we see this area positively contributing to the community and the identity of the Levin Town Centre.
The sites are positioned in an excellent central location with opportunities to leverage from the existing town centre core which includes retail activities, Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō Horowhenua Culture and Community Centre, Levin Aquatics Centre, Levin Domain, Levin Focal Point Cinema and Café. There is good foot traffic in the area and public surface and street car parking.
Council is willing to look at all types of property transactions.
Please note the editable version of this document will be sent when you register to receive the Expression of Interest documents via our online request form.
Request the EOI Levin War Memorial Hall and Village Green Response form
Deadline for Expressions on Friday 17 May 2024 at 5pm