Niseko Resort Masterplan July 16 2009, 2:06pm via thevaleniseko.com

Ricardo Tosanni Architecture, the urban planning consultancy firm presented a 118 page document. Step 1 of a very detailed plan for long term sustainable development calls for all electricity and phone cables on Hirafu’s main street to be buried underground. We can confirm the local Japanese government has agreed to help fund of this stage with work scheduled to commence in 2010. Government support of this significant master-plan is a further boost to the longer term sustainable development of the resort.

Above is a computer generated image of the streetscape  outside The Setsumon after the initial stages of the Masterplan are completed; no overhead power/telephone cables, strict commercial signage restrictions, geothermal heated road and payments, new bus shelters, more trees and improved street lighting.

(Extract from “Niseko Alpine Review - July 09″ - to subscribe for your latest edition click here)