Phil Mackay loves placemaking. So much so that the Cambridge local was delighted to step up as the new co-chair of the Community Reference Group that is helping Waipā District Council shape the future of transport in the town.

The PAUA Architects business development manager was appointed to work alongside co-chair Peter Carr on Tuesday after incumbent Chris Flatt stood down.

Mackay said he took the role because of his interest in a people-centred approach to planning.

“That idea of placemaking is what got me into my current role and it’s important that we get it right,” he said.

Carr said Mackay, a former president of Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, had a strong feel for the needs of the town and its residents.

“Phil and his wife Alana are firmly ensconced in this lovely town, and he has some very positive ideas as to how Cambridge’s transport problems could be solved,” Carr said.

The next phase involves developing transport options from the draft long list of ideas.

The transport options will be presented as a series of spatial maps and themes at the Council’ Strategic Planning & Policy Committee for approval on Wednesday, June 3.

The options are expected to cover the following topics:

• Network improvement, including bridge options
• Public transport
• Walking and cycling
• Parking
• Wider transport system
• Role of transport in placemaking/identity
• Role of technology