Being a passionate Takapuna local, strongly believing that we live in one of the very best spots in the world, I am keen to see the area get the attention it deserves in terms of planning for the future. It is a thrill, therefore, that Auckland Council – through their Panuku Development Auckland arm – are starting to pay close attention to Takapuna. This is happening in terms of some planning they are doing for the regeneration of Takapuna.
In fact they are currently consulting and seeking feedback on their plans for a major piece of public land in central Takapuna – the Anzac Street Carpark. My concern is that this process is once again in danger of being high-jacked by people who have assisted in limiting progress in Takapuna before.
It’s a well-worn system of ensuring the status quo remains and progress is halted. Ironically a key ingredient is setting up stalls at very market that the carpark houses, whipping up a frenzy of concern and inviting the media along to assist. The media love controversy, those bucking the system, so they just feed on it. As does social media, with many community Facebook sites now over-run with politicians and those who are politically active spreading their views.
More than ever it is important that we get the progress in Takapuna that we need. As people are witnessing with construction under way on many new apartment developments, the number of people who will live, work and play in our neighbourhood is set to increase rapidly. It is called intensification and it is coming at us quickly. So we need the corresponding changes to happen to our public spaces to ensure we can cater for the future. We can’t stick our head in the Takapuna Beach sand and believe we can fend it off. It hasn’t worked before and it will work even less now.
I have long been a proponent of progress for Takapuna. But over the years I have seen many projects totally aimed at progress fall by the wayside. Even some of the successful projects (Hurstmere Green, Takapuna Beach Playground to name a couple) were in danger of not happening and were fought all the way to try and see them halted.
So the big question. How are we going to ensure that these latest Panuku Development Auckland plans – which I believe are heading in a very good direction – come to fruition?
The answer is to ensure that everyone who wants to see Takapuna progress makes a positive submission supporting their initiative. It is important that we don’t all just sit back and let the politically active take over.
The big question that is being asked by Panuku is:- "We want to know if you support a proposal to change 40 Anzac Street from its current use as a single-level asphalt car park to an area of mixed development? This could include new public open space, retail, offices and residential uses, with related car parking.”
The alternative is that 40 Anzac Street remains as a single-level asphalt car park for 250 vehicles.
Feedback will be collated and reviewed and a report will be prepared for the planning committee for their decision. The report will be available to the public approximately one month from the closing date.
Our two North Shore Ward Councillors Richard Hills and Chris Darby are clearly in favour of the Panuku plans and I applaud them for that.
Richard Hills says he wants Takapuna to become a strong example of how urban regeneration can successfully re-energise and enliven places and their surrounding communities. "I encourage all local residents and visitors to the area to submit and be a part of this massive opportunity for Takapuna. This development will no doubt bring challenges but will bring many more positive outcomes such as more useable open spaces, new homes, jobs and better connections to the beach."
Chris Darby says: "This site is the crossroads between the east and west of Takapuna Centre. Currently a soulless carpark, there is potential for this area to become the heart of community life through revitalisation.”
Be quick, submissions close September 4th! To make your submission and to get information, visit: www.panuku.co.nz/takapuna
NOTE: After the consultation, hearings will be held before a final decision is made by Auckland Council's Planning Committee later in the year. To ensure the successful and inclusive planning of the area's new public spaces, uses and activities, Panuku will continue to work with the community on any future changes.
