From cows into houses: Family sparks creative new development in Rangiora

A Rangiora farming family wants to put its own stamp on a new 270-home development.

The Spark family has been farming near Rangiora since 1942 and now plans to convert 24ha, north of Boys Road, from cows into houses.

The proposed Rossburn development is likely to feature the family’s 1960s dairy shed repurposed into a community hub, farmers’ market and events space.

The old dairy shed was built by the family and carries ‘‘so many memories’’, family spokesperson Geoff Spark said.

‘‘We will have a theme of respect for the past and those who came before us, and respect for the land.

‘‘The family spent a lot of time here over the years working with the cows, but now it’s ready for a new job.

‘‘It’s about, how can we repurpose this infrastructure in a way which adds to the community and those who will eventually live here?’’

While it is subject to engineering assessments and consents, Spark said he hoped work on converting the old dairy shed would begin later this year, alongside the earthworks for the housing development.

‘‘We have lots of ideas. We haven’t pinpointed a definite use yet, but it could be a weekly farmers’ market with local food producers and arts and crafts.’’

Ideas include creating an open-air music space with a stage, and hosting a pre-Christmas community fete and other events during the year.

The land has been included in the Waimakariri District Plan, which was adopted last year, and zoned for medium density housing.

Around 5000 houses are expected to be built in east Rangiora over the next 30 years, with the district’s population expected to grow from 74,000 to around 100,000.

The council is proposing to build a 2.88km eastern link road to support the growth, which will pass through the Spark dairy farm and divert traffic away from Southbrook.

Spark said the eastern link road will be ‘‘a game changer’’ for Rangiora when it is built.

A further 30ha on the south side of Boys Road has also been rezoned for another 300 homes.

The farm was established by the Ross family in 1870, with Spark’s grandfather purchasing 45 acres (18ha) in 1942.

The original block includes the popular Rossburn Receptions, which is owned by Spark’s uncle Richard Spark.

It has been added to over the years, and the family will continue to farm 140ha south of Boys Road.

The Spark family also has ‘‘a shared vision’’ with the council of developing the 12km Northbrook Trail for cyclists and walkers, which will pass through the farm.

It will follow the Northbrook Stream / Ō-Tūmatapura and Ruataniwha Cam River from Rangiora to Kaiapoi.

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.