Progress on the Ponsonby Park project has taken another step forward with Waitematā Local Board recently approving the final design for the space and a further allocation of funds to support the project.
The site at 254 Ponsonby Road, currently home to a carpark and commercial liquor business, was purchased by Auckland City Council in 2006 with the intention to develop part of it into a civic space. A community-led campaign successfully advocated for the entire site to become a dedicated civic and open space for people, events, activity, and relaxation.
Waitematā Local Board recently approved the final design for the space, which was chosen by the Ponsonby community. The design, by LandLAB, features a fusion of green space with modern facilities for community and commercial use. It will also see the upgrade of O’Neill Street.
Auckland Council’s Finance and Performance Committee approved the allocation of $5.5 million of proceeds from the sale of a commercial building in Victoria Street. This tops up the $5.5 million contributed by Auckland Council to the Waitematā Local Board’s One Local Initiative as part of the Long-Term Plan 2018-2028, meeting the project’s estimated total budget of $11 million.
Chair of Waitematā Local Board Richard Northey says the space will be a great amenity for community activities and a public gathering and play space for the people of Ponsonby.
“We’re thrilled to see this project reach another milestone. It’s been 12 years in the making and we can’t wait for the work to start,” he said.
Construction is expected to start in the second half of this year.
