Five Franklin Local Board members have been charged with shaping a new future for Pukekohe.
Board chair Angela Fulljames, deputy Andy Baker and members Niko Kloeten, Murray Kay and Alan Cole will from a working group to partner with Auckland Council’s development agency Panuku on a regeneration programme to create development opportunities for the town.
Ms Fulljames says the area’s population is forecast to increase to 106,800 by 2033, so a proactive approach is crucial, and the working group will meet fortnightly with Panuku and brief the local board monthly.
Earlier in 2018, board members toured the town to see sites of interest that might be utilised in the town’s development.
“This project is not about individual sites though, it is about taking a wider view about what can be done to meet the board’s objective of seeing a thriving economy and a bustling town centre people can be proud of,” Ms Fulljames says.
“Panuku has undertaken developments across Auckland that have transformed areas, brought people together, created business opportunities and added life to places that were crying out for regeneration. In Pukekohe we have the benefit of good bones to work with already.”
Taking a town-wide approach would be crucial, Mr Baker says. “The next step should be getting an understanding of what we have and how we can use it to reach our objective.”
Other groups will be included in future discussions, including Auckland Transport and the Pukekohe Business Association.
While the town had seen transport improvements with the development of a new bus station and the Pukekohe Train Station, Ms Fulljames says more can be done. “We’ll certainly be calling for better transport connections to cope with more traffic. Good road networks are critical to keeping business moving.”
“More housing in Paerata, Drury, Clarks and Glenbrook means our growth is fast and we need to be proactive to meet the needs that will come with that.”
The initial focus of the working group will be on developing a high-level project plan – a blueprint to define the development scope and objectives – with a June target date.
“The future is about improving quality of life and enhancing our rural heart and character, and the value Panuku can add in that space shouldn’t be underestimated,” Ms Fulljames says.
“We are a way off seeing buildings rise but it is an exciting time and board members are looking forward to defining the scope of the plan and forming a strategy to make it happen.”
Deputy mayor Bill Cashmore says having Pukekohe as an Unlock development centre is great news.
"It brings a greater focus on partnering with the private sector and that will maximise the opportunities and deliver a great community in which to live and operate.”
Board member Alan Cole represents the board on the Pukekohe Business Association and says the town is already a great place to do business, but rapid growth will bring challenges, and the board needs to be able to respond to that.
"A strong local economy is vital because it is the cornerstone of employment, and our quality of life depends on jobs.
"Our economic development plan is a map for growing the local economy and having Panuku on board can only add expertise and fresh-thinking as we develop local business alongside our business associations."
