Development of Tothill Street: A Historical Overview of Frankleigh Park

Tothill Street, located in Frankleigh Park, is a cul-de-sac that branches off Glenpark Avenue and lies in close proximity to the bustling Brois Street. This area has a rich history, particularly stemming from post-World War II developments aimed at addressing housing shortages for returning soldiers.

Government Initiatives and Housing Development

In 1947, the New Zealand government initiated several ambitious state housing projects, targeting economic recovery and providing homes for veterans. The housing division of the Public Works Department began negotiations to acquire approximately 86 acres (35 hectares) of land, which encompassed nearly the entire Huatoki Valley. This plan aimed to create space for around 400 residences.

Following the approval of the Huatoki Valley project by Cabinet, the Taranaki Daily News published a detailed development plan in 1948. The plan illustrated a winding road through the valley, designated locations for homes, proposed landscaping, and a recreational area situated near a broad bend in the Huatoki Stream. Notably, the layout depicted in this drawing closely resembles the current configuration, with Tothill Street prominently marked at the valley’s head.

Preliminary work commenced on the site in early 1949, although the project was somewhat scaled back from its original vision. Nonetheless, the goal remained to establish a “garden suburb” comprising around 200 houses. By the following year, the first homes were completed, becoming available for rent or purchase, often facilitated by low-interest government loans.

The Origin of Tothill Street’s Name

The street name, Tothill, draws inspiration from a thoroughfare of the same name in Plymouth, England. This naming convention was common at the time, as many streets in the area were chosen from a list of Plymouth names. The choice of Tothill holds some significance, as the name derives from Old English, where ‘tōt’ means lookout and ‘hyll’ translates to hill. This is particularly fitting for Tothill Street, which is positioned at the valley’s apex, providing a vantage point over Glenpark Avenue.

The historical details surrounding Tothill Street reflect a broader narrative of post-war recovery efforts in New Zealand, highlighting how government initiatives laid the foundation for modern communities. For those interested in exploring more about the history of local streets and developments, resources are available through the Taranaki Research Centre at Puke Ariki. Their archive includes numerous street histories, offering insights into the evolution of urban landscapes in the region.

For further information and a comprehensive collection of street histories, visit the Puke Ariki website at https://terangiaoaonunui.pukeariki.com/story-collections/word-on-the-street.