The revitalisation of the Takapuna town centre is in full swing following the recent demolition of buildings on Hurstmere Road to make way for a new town square in the existing Anzac Street car park.
When completed, the new public space will connect Hurstmere Green and Lake Road, making it easier to walk to Shore City and the bus stops.
To better understand what local people would like to see in the town square, a mix of installations and activity will occur at the site to explore design concepts over the coming year.
Local board takes the lead
Devonport-Takapuna Local Board will also have a leading role in the development of the new community space over the coming months.
Local board chair George Wood says it's important the new space meets the needs of the community and local business community.
“We will continue to work with Panuku and our community to ensure we get the best result for Takapuna and its community," he says.
"This must include ensuring suitable solutions are found to support local events such as Anzac Day commemorations and the Sunday markets in Takapuna.”
Work on car park building continues
At the construction site, bordered by Huron, Northcroft and Auburn streets, work continues to build a new multi-level car park building. This building will replace all car parking lost at the Anzac Street site once development starts there.
The new car park building will provide 420 car parks, electric car and bike charging stations, motorbike parking, accessibility parking and bike storage with end-of-trip facilities including changing rooms and lockers.
It is scheduled for completion in mid-2020.
Takapuna's time to shine
North Shore Councillor Chris Darby says Takapuna’s time to shine has come.
“Auckland Council is committed to bringing the very best of design expertise to create a wonderful new town square.”
“It will provide an important social heart to the centre, linking the beach, Hurstmere Green, and high street retail to the bus station and Shore City,” says Cr Darby.
“Our community has identified this missing link for decades. Now it’s time to deliver.”
In addition to the Panuku-led projects, work to upgrade Hurstmere Road is estimated to commence on site mid-2019.
"This much-needed upgrade will help create a more open, vibrant beach-side retail destination focused on making it more enjoyable and safe for all users, especially pedestrians," says Councillor Richard Hills.
"It's great to see that the project team has made a number of changes to the initial proposed design in response to feedback received from local residents and business owners.”
“I particularly love that the project supports improved water quality at Takapuna Beach," says Cr Hills.
"Part of the upgrade involves the installation of new rain gardens and planting, which will prevent contaminated stormwater from reaching the beach.”
The Hurstmere Road Upgrade project is currently anticipated to start mid-2019. A firmer date will be announced in the coming months after the construction tender has been out to market.
