Claudelands
Encyclopedia
Claudelands is a suburb directly to the east of central Hamilton, New Zealand
, across the Waikato River
. It is linked to the central city by the Claudelands road bridge and the East Coast Main Trunk Railway bridge.
Claudelands is one of the Hamilton's oldest suburbs, with a large number of bay villas and bungalows dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Although later development led to the construction of a large number of two-storey blocks of flats, the unique character of the area was deemed worthy of preservation by the Hamilton City Council. To this end, strict rules governing alteration, demolition and new development were introduced.
Claudelands is also home of one of Hamilton's oldest and most notable association football clubs, Claudelands Rovers
.
Hamilton, New Zealand
Hamilton is the centre of New Zealand's fourth largest urban area, and Hamilton City is the country's fourth largest territorial authority. Hamilton is in the Waikato Region of the North Island, approximately south of Auckland...
, across the Waikato River
Waikato River
The Waikato River is the longest river in New Zealand. In the North Island, it runs for 425 kilometres from the eastern slopes of Mount Ruapehu, joining the Tongariro River system and emptying into Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake. It drains Taupo at the lake's northeastern edge, creates the...
. It is linked to the central city by the Claudelands road bridge and the East Coast Main Trunk Railway bridge.
History
Mr Claude was an early wealthy settler who bought up parcels of mainly swampy land from the original soldier-settlers who were disgruntled with their land allocation. The only piece of land in near original state is the Kahikatea forest named Claudelands Bush adjacent to Claudelands showgrounds orininal. Originally the ground in this area was swampy but artificial drainage has dried the soil. The roots of the trees are protected by an elevated walkway which is open to the public.Claudelands is one of the Hamilton's oldest suburbs, with a large number of bay villas and bungalows dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Although later development led to the construction of a large number of two-storey blocks of flats, the unique character of the area was deemed worthy of preservation by the Hamilton City Council. To this end, strict rules governing alteration, demolition and new development were introduced.
Features of Claudelands
Claudelands is home to the Claudelands Showgrounds - original site of major agricultural shows and events in Hamilton, and a trotting and dog racing track. Since passing into council ownership, a large part of it (including the race track) has been converted into a large open park. The Claudelands Convention and Exhibition Centre is currently being upgraded, and it set to open in 2011.Claudelands is also home of one of Hamilton's oldest and most notable association football clubs, Claudelands Rovers
Claudelands Rovers
Claudelands Rovers is an association football club in New Zealand. It is based in the Hamilton suburb of Claudelands.Claudelands Rovers Premier Team is The Claudelands Rovers Women's Team that plays in the Northern Women's Premier League...
.