What are community links?
Community links are quiet streets and green spaces that connect local shops, schools, parks, and community hubs. They make walking and biking safer and more enjoyable.
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We’re creating safer, more accessible shared pathways in Nawton so it’s easier to walk, bike, and connect with local schools, shops, parks, and community hubs.
The benefits are:
- Safer, accessible routes for walking and biking for all ages and abilities.
- Upgraded pathways and crossings to match the quality of Hamilton’s newer suburbs.
- Better connections to schools, parks, shopping areas, and community centres.
- Improved safety features for mobility users and children.
What we've done
- Created a new path from Rotokauri Road to Derby Street.
- Created new paths through local parks (Crawshaw Park, Dominion Park, Derby Park, and Elliott Park).
- On-road pedestrian crossing upgrades.
What's next
We'll be constructing the second stage of this project in early 2027. The improvements include:
- Widening the existing footpaths so pedestrians and people on bikes can use it.
- Narrowing the kerb at intersections to make it easier for pedestrians to cross and reduce vehicle speeds.
- Adding traffic signals to the existing crossing and widening the path on Grandview Road (opposite Nawton Primary School), to make it safter for students to cross the road.
- Removing the flush median in the middle of some roads to reduce the crossing distance for pedestrians once the shared paths are built.
- Moving the existing bus shelter to improve pedestrian visibility and safety when crossing the road.
- Adding a new shelter to the bus stop to improve the experience for people catching the bus.
Proposed improvements
Ellicott Road - Aberfoyle Street
Grandview Road - Hyde Avenue - Durham Street
Grandview Road - Grange Avenue - Clancy Place - Hyde Avenue
Grange Avenue - Derby Street - Enfield Street - Grandview Road
Grandview Road crossing upgrade
Community link route
Project timeline
-
Stage 1 - Completed
2025 - May 2026
Public engagement, planning, design, and construction of Stage 1 improvements, including path upgrades in parks and road crossings. -
Stage 2 - Underway
December 2026
Planning and design of Stage 2 improvements. -
Stage 3 - Planning
Early 2026
Construction of Stage 2 including widening existing footpaths, narrowing kerbs at intersections and a crossing upgrade.
Community feedback
We invited residents, schools, and local groups to share their views on the proposed routes. Here’s what we heard:
- Strong support for the Grange Avenue route option as it’s flatter, close to schools, and already well-used by pedestrians.
- Requests for wider footpaths, safer crossings, and wayfinding signage, especially for mobility scooters.
- Concerns about traffic speeds, alleyway safety, and maintenance of footpaths and grass areas.
- Suggestions to link key destinations like Nawton School, Crawshaw School, Western Community Centre, and Good News Community Centre.
Based on this feedback, we chose Grange Avenue as the preferred route because it:
- Improved access to Nawton School and Nawton Shopping Centre.
- Enabled us to include wider footpaths, safer crossings, and wayfinding signage.
- Strengthened connections to Western Community Centre, Good News Community Centre, and public transport.
- Addressed pinch points for mobility scooters and improve visibility at alleyway exits.
- Enabled people to explore shade trees and landscaping , making walking and biking more enjoyable.
Contact us
For more information, email info@hcc.govt.nz. Please use the subject line: Nawton Community Link TP2705.
Frequently asked questions
What route was chosen for Nawton?
The Grange Avenue route was selected because it’s flatter, well-used, and connects key destinations like Nawton School and Nawton Shopping Centre.
How will safety be improved?
We’re adding wider paths, better crossings, traffic calming measures, and clear signage. Alleyway exits will be redesigned for visibility and safety.
Will parking be affected?
We’re designing improvements to minimise parking impacts. Most changes focus on existing footpaths and green spaces.
Feedback
Last updated 27 July 2026