The sun is shining on improvements in town centres across the region, with Glen Eden the latest example of how the Auckland Unitary Plan is enabling the growth of quality urban design and building 'up' rather than 'out'.
Construction of apartments at number six Waikumete Road is now well underway, and residents will soon notice the benefits of more intensive development around key public transport corridors.
At the site will be 165 apartments, as well as ground floor retail space. All homes are Homestar 6 rated, warm, dry, and energy efficient, and will be a mix of private, KiwiBuild and social units.
With the train station nearby, the development is ideally located for city commuters. For families, Glen Eden Primary is just across the road, Duck Park is an easy walk, and there are playgrounds, a library, a supermarket and nearby cafes.
Transport enhancements
Auckland Transport is also proposing safety improvements in the area, including new pedestrian crossings and speed limit reductions. The changes will improve pedestrian safety and accessibility between the town centre and the train station, and reduce the distance needed to travel to cross the road.
Councillor Linda Cooper is pleased with how Auckland’s Unitary Plan is enabling best practice in urban design to come to the west.
“It’s exciting to see this kind of rejuvenation come to Glen Eden, and sets a great example for other key centres we are focussed on such as Henderson," she says.
City Rail Link
Councillor Penny Hulse agrees and looks forward to the benefits of the City Rail Link project, once that is completed in 2024.
“Glen Eden residents and people who use the entire western line will notice their journeys are a lot quicker. Travelling from Glen Eden to the city centre, for example, will go down to around 25 minutes from the current 40 minutes," she says.
