Auckland Council wants to create a well-planned community for Whenuapai, not simply a series of piecemeal housing developments, said Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse.
Councillor Hulse was responding to a developer’s criticism over a perceived lack of opportunity to apply for fast-track Special Housing Areas for Whenuapai.
The area is the subject of a structure plan to enable development over two decades for up to 10,000 dwellings and 7,000-9,000 local jobs.
The plan will also ensure coordination of the necessary infrastructure to service a population of up to 30,000 people. Public consultation will open in late June for people to give feedback.
“Council is already on board with fast track housing. An SHA for up to 951 dwellings is already in development in Whenuapai and 154 SHA areas have been approved across wider Auckland with a potential 61,000 dwelling sites,” said Councillor Hulse.
Infrastructure is key to success
The Whenuapai project is the first of many structure plans for greenfield areas and success will depend on having critical infrastructure in place.
“To be successful, communities need more than housing. They need to be serviced with transport connections, public transport, schools, parks and other community facilities like local neighbourhood centres,” said Councillor Hulse.
“We’re conscious that for Whenuapai we’re proposing dramatic change from largely rural countryside to an urban landscape. That needs proper planning with community input.
“That’s why we’re proposing community workshops and drop-in sessions for people to have their say on how they’d like to see the area developed and what they wish to see preserved. It is intended to complete the structure plan in September.”
