Opua is on track to steam ahead !

Why steam into Opua? Opua is the terminus for the oldest railway in the North Island, opened in The Bay Of Islands Vintage Railway’s Vision Statement is “To restore and operate a vintage steam railway experience between Kawakawa and Opua.”. We have an obligation to do all we can to ensure that a significant part of New Zealand’s heritage is not lost to current and future generations. So why not develop the Station at the original terminus? We need space for car and coach parking. We need high visibility to passing traffic. We need ample land for operational infrastructure eg turntable and water tower. We need to provide a building and facilities that are future-proofed for the many anticipated benefits to Opua and Northland, and resultant economic growth.. We need to be able to link with associated ventures eg Cycleway and Minerva.

How does the area known as Colenso Triangle meet these requirements?

Opua Railway Station Site Plan

At what stage are we?  Accurate survey of area completed  Operational design and elevations of station building completed  Plans for grounds development incl. access from SH 11, car and coach parking, wetlands area, turntable and water tower, new branch line, covered way and platform, all drafted. > Agreement with FNDC for a separate dedicated cycleway within the railway corridor. What do we have to do now?  Continue to liaise with FNDC, NRC, DOC, NZLTA, FNHL, Iwi re the above.  Consult with the Opua community  Prepare a full set of design concept plans, incorporating the consultation results.  Have the plans priced up to provide an estimate of costs, together with cost of architect or draughtsman, planning and consent fees, etc.  Continue the process of gaining Resource Consents and site approvals.  Prepare a Feasibility Report to cover time line, costs, risk management, community consultations, site approvals, promotion and anticipated use, etc  Generate a Business Plan from the Feasibility Report > Research funding options and commence the funding processes based on the above. > Start building!!

Questions? Ideas? Discussion? Concerns?