VIEWS FROM THE BEACH with Peter White

An overview of what is happening in Takapuna

An overview of what is happening in Takapuna Beach from Business Association General Manager.
“What could we do in Takapuna with widespread support for a vision?”
Sir Stephen Tindall asked that question of 120 TBBA members gathered at a recent Two Degree meeting sponsored by Jerry Clayton BMW. His inspirational and thought provoking presentation captivated those present. In this edition of Channel we highlight concerns of the absence of reference to Takapuna (and indeed the North Eastern area of Auckland) in the proposed vision for Auckland. We also reveal a proposal for a Summer Night Market in Takapuna, exciting plans for two new destination shops in Takapuna and announce the departure of the Two Dollar Shops from Hurstmere Road. I hope that you enjoy reading this edition of Channel and hope to see you in Takapuna Beach soon.
– Peter White.

Takapuna’s future
Two important documents will play a major role in determining Takapuna’s future – The Takapuna Strategic Framework (a widely supported and acclaimed planning document that will provide a strong direction for future development and design of Takapuna) and Auckland Unleashed – The Auckland Plan which will be the blue print for building our region over the next 30 years.
“Once in a generation cities are given the opportunity to renew, transform and to change,” states Mayor Len Brown in his opening statement of the Mayoral foreword to Auckland Unleashed. The Auckland Council is focused on turning Auckland into the world’s most liveable city and Takapuna can play an important part in realising that focus. It is disappointing to note, however, that the North Eastern Area of Auckland (formerly North Shore City) has been largely neglected in the Auckland Plan. This document will prioritise future integrated planning and delivery and as a consequence will mean a lack of infrastructural spend in Takapuna unless politicians are reminded of the unique contribution both Takapuna and the North East can make to the region.
There are strong arguments that Takapuna should be included amongst the City Centre Fringe opportunity area identified in the Auckland Plan. Ten minutes from the CBD; a town centre already designated to accommodate the massive population growth expected (from an estimated 1.46 million in 2011 to 2.1million by 2020) providing both employment and housing options; the events capital of the North Shore (hosting numerous national and international events including many World Sailing Championships). The Bruce Mason Centre attracts 155,000 visitors per year and the main street hosts numerous festivals and capping, council and naval parades. The National Ocean Water Sports Centre will further enhance Takapuna’s reputation by providing and supporting infrastructure for events, as well as a training base for our elite water-sports men and women; the best urban beach in New Zealand; a strong contributor to Auckland’s economy; some of the best hospitality providers and retail in Auckland (15 businesses were recently recognised by Metro as the “Best in Auckland” and The Department Store has received International acclaim from two separate organisations.) and a potential site for Auckland’s first boutique hotel to be situated on or near a beach (Auckland has 3702km of coastline, but no resort hotel situated on a beach).
Submissions on the Auckland Plan will have closed by the time this article is read, however as Mayor Len Brown has stated, the once in a lifetime opportunity for Auckland is also a once in a lifetime opportunity to influence the future development of Takapuna. Precinct planning for the Beachfront and CBD (as identified in the Takapuna Strategic Framework) should happen in the near future and is the next opportunity for residents to influence the future of our beautiful town centre.

Summer Night Market
Takapuna will host teams for six weeks of the Rugby World Cup during September and October. The French team has chosen Takapuna as their base during the pool phase and then the Spencer on Byron will become home to a team for the quarters, semis and final.
The TBBA has adopted a program to leverage off the RWC, and provide some legacy value to the town centre. The most significant program is to provide a Night Market. We are unaware of any other weeknight markets and feel that by operating over the daylight saving months we may achieve a number of outcomes:

•   The Night Market will be a legacy project that will continue after the RWC and annually during daylight saving hours.
•   Takapuna has a strong hospitality sector and the market will give visitors to, and residents of, Auckland a weekday evening activity.
•   We are looking at an upMarket – i.e. the very best of produce, art and craft. There are numerous weekend markets and to start up another would make it very difficult to attract the best operators. Thursday night is the point of difference, allowing us to attract the best operators to assemble in one location without any competition.
•   In addition to providing a wonderful amenity for Auckland residents, we believe that it could act as a tourist attraction (especially for those staying in the Spencer on Byron, however also for tourists in hotels and on cruise liners that overnight in Auckland). During RWC we will have many tourists who tend to eat later at night and stay up later. We are also cognisant that games are being played later to enable a larger international television audience. The night market will give people something to do, in the evening.
•   We would insist in a consistency of stall appearance, and standards of operation.
•   We would provide street entertainment
•   We would hope that the night market would prove to be the catalyst to retailers to have uniform trading hours including a late night. (Proposed hours for the night market are 5-9pm).
•   We see the opportunity of families going to the beach during the late afternoon/evening, visiting the market then shops and finishing with a meal or drink amongst our hospitality sector.
•   We would hope that the proceeds from the Night Market will provide funding for community groups, with a trust being established to oversee the market and distribute profits.

Please contact Peter on 09 2154347 or
peter@takapunabeach.co.nz for further information, sponsorship opportunities, or if you have interest in a market site.

Two New destination shops planned for Takapuna Beach
Takapuna Beach Business Association Chairman, local identity and landlord Dave Donaldson, is once again at the forefront of providing two new destination shops for Takapuna Beach.
Hurstmere Road visitors have, over the last month, watched as the old Ralph Roberts Electrical store being transformed into a beach hut with wonderful views of the beach. In conjunction with landlords Crown APG, Dave has gutted the building and added original French doors to the rear, opening up magnificent views and establishing a link with the beach. Completing the design are surrounding decks which look like a pier. Negotiations are being finalised with two beach related retailers which should enable this to become the first Hurstmere Road retailer that establishes connectivity with the beach.
Another project is coming closer to fruition after 18 months of negotiation - Dave is hopeful to soon begin work at the Ezibuy site converting it to a specilaity store incorporating an upmarket butcher, baker, delicatessen, fishmonger, café (which will open onto the Anzac Street carpark), wine bar and champagne and oyster bar. There is an air of excitement and anticipation around this project as there are no such stores in the Takapuna CBD, with inner city residents, having to travel to Barrys Point Road, Hauraki Corner or Milford. The store will connect through Paper Plus with Hurstmere Road (which is also planning a facelift in conjunction with the refurbishment). The Two Dollar shops, opposite Paper Plus, will be vacated by the end of June, and replaced by a fashion and food and beverage precinct.
In another development, Dick Smith Electronics have cemented their position in Takapuna by expanding their premises. Work has begun and when completed Dick Smith Electronics will occupy the entire site on the corner of Byron and Lake Roads.
Dave has been involved in properties for many years, specialising in developing older buildings including the Steel Works (Mt Eden), and Takapuna Beach Café (which was enthusiastically endorsed by Sir Stephen in his Two Degrees address when he spoke of the 4000 people who visit the café each week). In 2008 he remodeled 10 Northcroft St, home to The Department Store, which subsequently was named the number one new retail store in the world, by Monocle Magazine and then in December by Conde Naste UK Travellers Guide as one of the seven retail wonders of the world.

Experienced something special in Takapuna recently? – Let us know and you could win a $100 gift voucher from Bliss Reflexology
The Takapuna Beach Business Association wishes to attract and retain the ‘Best” businesses to Takapuna. We will reward one reader each month, who nominates an exceptional business or member of staff. The nomination can be for a product, service received or for an extraordinary experience. Tell us in 50 words or less who and why you would like to make your nomination for, and both you and they could win a $100 voucher to Bliss Reflexology – Takapuna’s award winning spa.
Send entries to peter@takapunabeach.co.nz or PO Box 33713 Takapuna Beach 0740 by Tuesday 14th June

Why should you shop in Takapuna?
The Takapuna Beach Business Association recently received the latest Marketview report which showed that less than 6% of our catchment area (Shoppers living between Campbells Bay and Devonport, east of the Motorway) spend was in Takapuna (i.e. people residing in or close to Takapuna were spending 94% of their money in places rather than Takapuna). The Takapuna Beach Business Association is working hard to attract quality retailers to Takapuna and each month we will highlight a Takapuna Business which we believe deserves the support of you our reader. This month we bring to you Jerry Clayton BMW.

Jerry Clayton BMW
Jerry Clayton BMW is one of Takapuna’s premier businesses and very much espouse our desire to attract and retain the best businesses in Takapuna. The dealership offers brand new and pre owned vehicle sales, BMW servicing, parts and accessories sales and houses the administration team. Between the Takapuna Head Office site and its Wairau Valley Parts Trade Centre, Jerry Clayton BMW employ 100 staff, who obviously contribute significantly to our local retail trade.