VIEWS FROM THE BEACH with Peter White
Wonderful year for Takapuna Beach
An overview of what is happening in Takapuna Beach from Business Association General Manager Peter White.
As 2011 draws to a close, I reflect back on what has been a wonderful year for Takapuna Beach.
The new Auckland Council has recognised the significant role that Takapuna Beach will play in helping Auckland become the most liveable City in the world.
Takapuna is one of the seven metropolitan centres selected because of its size, capacity for growth and range of functions that it can perform; more importantly it has been prioritised over the first three years of the life of the Auckland Plan, providing certainty about where major public investment ($440 million over 20 years; $290 within the first 10 years) will occur so that the market can respond.
Some significant commercial property deals were done, resulting in Bob Jones purchasing a second commercial tenancy (The $18 million Nielsen building in Hurstmere Road) and the Wiltshire Property Group purchasing 19-29 Hurstmere Road, removing the five “$2 type” shops and beginning work on the construction of an upmarket fashion and hospitality precinct (McKenzies Project) that will begin the process of turning Takapuna around to face the sea.
The long awaited Hurstmere Green redevelopment has started with the demolition of the Visitor Information Centre, opening the reserve to the main street, and provides the Takapuna Beach BNZ Night Markets held each Thursday over summer a wonderful venue.
Our retail vacancy rates are the lowest of the major town centres in Auckland and there are very few office tenancies available in Hurstmere Road.
Takapuna played a vital role in the success of the RWC hosting three of the four finalists – France for all of the Pool matches, the All Blacks for the quarterfinals and Australia for the semis and bronze final.
With the long hot days of summer on our doorstep, Takapuna Beach will continue to enhance its reputation as the “Events Capital of the North Shore” featuring the Jerry Clayton North Shore Grand Prix, Tri Takapuna, 470 Class Junior World Champs, the weekly State Beach Series and many other beach related activities as well as the those held in the Bruce Mason Centre and at The Pumphouse.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe and enjoyable holiday break. I hope that you enjoy reading this edition of Channel and to see you in Takapuna Beach soon.
– Peter White.
Free parking in Takapuna for Late night Shoppers
Takapuna shops have joined their Westfield Shore City counterparts in opening late on Thursday evenings. The TBBA has negotiated with Auckland Transport to provide shoppers with free parking in the Anzac Street carpark every Thursday evening during December, allowing families to do their Christmas shopping, enjoy the Takapuna Beach BNZ Night Market as well as our glorious beach during the extended daylight hours.
Beach Shorts
Jerry Clayton BMW North Shore Grand Prix – this ever-popular event returns to Takapuna next Friday December 9th. Racing starts at 5.30pm, concluding at 9.30pm and provides an opportunity for members of the public to get close to the action whilst enjoying the hospitality that Hurstmere Rd offers.
Bike New Zealand has allocated the race New Zealand Criterium Championship status, thus ensuring the lineups in the elite races will include some of New Zealand’s very best cycling talent. The short criterium course takes riders along Hurstmere Road and The Strand, offering plenty of vantage points to take in the action every lap. This is always a fabulous event attracting large crowds who indulge in a meal, coffee or drink from one of our many wonderful hospitality providers and enjoy the exciting racing which invariably brings a great deal of vibrancy to Takapuna Beach – a night not to be missed.
Takapuna Beach BNZ Night Market to get makeover
Although blessed with wonderful weather, large crowds and marvellous entertainment on opening night, the Takapuna Beach BNZ Night market hit some speed wobbles over the last few months. Market organisers, however, have brought in some quality new stallholders, engaged new entertainers and will monthly host a theme event (last weeks Christmas Carnival being the first) to help realise the enormous potential that this market has. December offers visitors to the BNZ Night Market an opportunity to also do some Christmas shopping (Thursday night is late night shopping in Takapuna) and then enjoy the late evening sun with a meal of takeaways on the beach or to visit one of our many fine hospitality venues in the Takapuna Strip.
Jerry Clayton BMW
North Shore Grand Prix
Takapuna, Friday December 9th
High octane, two-wheel action returns to the streets of Takapuna Beach Jerry Clayton BMW North Shore Grand Prix. The event will also host the 2011 RaboDirect Criterium Champs so is sure to attract the fastest cyclists in the country to the startline.
The Grand Prix is a great opportunity for family and friends of all ages to get close to World Champions and Olympians for a great summer night's spectacle.
"We are proud to support the North Shore Cycle Grand Prix and forms part of our ongoing commitment to support local events and businesses," says Steve Hilson of Jerry Clayton BMW. "With BMW’s commitment to sustainability, the sport of cycling is a perfect fit given that it represents zero emission transportation."
This year’s race represents the ninth edition of an event that has hosted a roll call of New Zealand’s elite cycling talent. Household names such as Julian Dean, Greg Henderson and Sarah Ulmer have all tasted victory on Hurstmere Road showing that it takes an exceptional athlete to prevail on the spectator-friendly Takapuna Beach course. Last year, Devonport resident Kaytee Boyd took line honours, as did elite professional Tim Gudsell in front of thousands of fans who lined the finish straight. Both athletes will face fierce competition in defence of their national titles on Friday December 9th.
Whilst the action on the tarmac will be hot, be sure to join the buzz in one of Hurstmere Road’s vibrant bars or restaurants for ringside seats.
Peter White of Takapuna Beach Business Association says. "The Jerry Clayton BMW Grand Prix is a marquee event, enjoyed by thousands of spectators each year who arrive early to secure the best vantage points alongside the course whilst enjoying the many wining and dining options that Takapuna has to offer.”
JCBMW North Shore Grand Prix, Friday December 9th, Hurstmere Road, Takapuna Beach.
Why should you
shop in Takapuna?
The Takapuna Beach Business Association is working hard to attract destination retail and quality commercial tenants to Takapuna to complement our existing high quality members. Each month we highlight a Takapuna Business, which we believe, deserves the support of you our reader. This month we bring to you…
WHK – Helping Takapuna Beach businesses achieve success
WHK is a full service accounting and business advisory firm with an extensive network of urban and regional offices throughout New Zealand and Australia. As well as being the 5th largest accounting firm in Australasia, WHK have a strong connection locally and are very keen champions of the Takapuna Beach business community.
Principals, Martin Richardson and Kenina Court lead the team of 21 staff in the WHK Takapuna office (located in Byron Ave). Their proactive partnership style ensures they deliver results and achieve successful outcomes for all of their clients. They have streamlined processes which cater for all business sizes and pride themselves in giving personal attention to all of their clients.
As proud sponsors of the Takapuna Beach Business Association they extend an invitation for you to attend a free one hour consultation to find out how they can help your business grow, increase your profit, improve your cashflow, build business value and protect your assets.
For more information please contact Martin Richardson on 488 1584, martin.richardson@whk.co.nz, or Kenina Court on 488 1750,
kenina.court@whk.co.nz.
WHK – 18 Byron Avenue, Takapuna Beach, www.whk.co.nz – better advice for a better life.
