The first stage of the Queen Street watermain project wraps up this week as landscapers begin work on planting new trees and garden beds.
Following a decision by elected members to increase funding for street trees, fifteen Japanese Elms (Zelkova serrata) were purchased to replace trees that had to be removed due to disruptive groundworks.
Planting the same species throughout will produce a cohesive look says Programme Manager Lisa Neill.
“The advice from our arborist was that Japanese Elms would be the right tree for the job. They create shade and bring lots of colour through the seasons, they also tolerate urban stress and have a less aggressive root system than other large shade trees.
“They’re being planted in specialised tree pits that encourage the roots to grow down and ball up rather than lifting pavements and invading pipes.”
The new trees vary in maturity, standing anywhere between 3.5 to 7 metres tall. The first stage will see three 400L trees planted that are all over four metres tall.
The largest trees need to have the tree pit built around them so they will be planted in the next two phases of the project.
The project to replace the 100 year old watermain was green lit in the last Long-Term Plan as part of continued investment in critical infrastructure.
Mayor Bex Johnson acknowledges that there’s no good time to do the work.
“Disruption on this scale happens once in a generation. I know it’s tough going out there but we have to do the work to keep Masterton moving forward. I’m looking forward to seeing the CBD get a facelift and some revitalisation.
“I’d encourage people to enter the Queen’s Cash competition that we’re running with Brent Gare at the Breeze. I’ll be drawing one lucky winner who will get $1,000 to spend back in town to support our retailers.”
The contractors (John Fillmore Contracting) will start work on the second stage of the project this week, beginning with a full road closure for seven weeks while the water main is installed.
Footpaths and pedestrian access will remain open at all times for shoppers. A map of over 700 free public parks in the CBD can be picked up from shop counters, viewed online, or accessed through the free Discover Whakaoriori app.
Details of the project, parking, and Queen’s Cash competition can be found at: whatsup.mstn.govt.nz.
