Consultation is now open on the transformation of Onehunga’s Waiapu Precinct and Paynes Lane.
From February 12 until March 10, Eke Panuku is encouraging views and feedback on the concept design proposals which include new public plazas, green spaces, realigned parking and safer walking connections.
The concept designs, including detailed information on the improvements planned for Waiapu Precinct and Paynes Lane’s public spaces is available on line at AKHaveYourSay.
There you will also find information on how to give feedback both online and in person, as well as details of drop-in community information sessions at the Onehunga Library and Dress Smart. Alternatively you can provide feedback in writing by email or complete a hardcopy form at the Onehunga Library.
This pivotal step marks a key milestone in advancing the regeneration of Onehunga, a growing community in an exceptional location on the edge of the Manukau Harbour, 10km from the city centre and Auckland Airport.
Waiapu Precinct includes a large area of council-owned land in the block between Onehunga Mall and Selwyn Street, between Church Street and Arthur Street. The proposed improvements are part of the urban regeneration of Onehunga led by Eke Panuku on behalf of Auckland Council.
The concept design proposal, detailing the improvements planned for Waiapu Precinct’s public spaces, will be released for public feedback on in February 2024.
“This concept design is about actively planning for the success of our town centre, future proofing it for expected population growth. The design is focussed on the issues the community has raised and I hope residents and businesses will take the time to show their support for it, or tell us how to make it better. Given council funding constraints, it is genuinely exciting to know that the resources are available to deliver the project once the design is finalised”. Maria Meredith, Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Chair.
Committed to embracing Onehunga’s character, Eke Panuku is working to breathe new life into this neighbourhood and the concept design proposal incorporates ideas and feedback from previous community consultation sessions. In partnering with mana whenua to weave in Māori design principles, Eke Panuku has also ensured Onehunga’s rich history and strong community identity is visually celebrated in the precinct’s design.
The concept design proposal aims to:
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Improve the north-south connection, between Onehunga Primary School and Onehunga Library, with additional planting to encourage walking and cycling.
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Improve east-west accessibility across the Waiapu Precinct through to Onehunga Mall and the expanded Dress Smart development at Paynes Lane, to make it safer and easy to navigate for all abilities.
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Create a public play space that strengthens a sense of community, identity, and local character. The new 530m2 play space will include Māra Hūpara, physical movement, problem solving and imaginative play as well as catering to all ages, abilities and preferences.
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Create seating and gathering spaces, including a sheltered pavilion, to provide places to meet, rest, or shelter between the proposed new supermarket and play space.
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Realign the existing street network to reduce rat-running and improve safety for pedestrians and people on bikes.
What are the wider plans for this precinct?
Eke Panuku continue to work alongside private investment to help future-proof neighbourhoods. In Onehunga, we’ve created a plan that integrates the future expanded Dress Smart retail precinct and a brand-new supermarket to reinvigorate the town centre. The precinct will have around 100 new homes, so even more people and families can enjoy living in Onehunga and contribute to the local economy.
Car parking remains an important part of how people access the precinct and the wider town centre, but to enable the transformation of the area into a safer, more welcoming space for people, there will have to be some changes. The changes are also necessary to accommodate the new supermarket and to provide more convenient access for shoppers and visitors to local businesses on Onehunga Mall and the library.
These changes won’t happen overnight, they will take time. The Waiapu Precinct is a complex site, and will be constructed over a period of years will be required to complete its transformation.
These improvements are integral to the Eke Panuku urban regeneration efforts in Onehunga, supporting a growing population, local businesses and helping the town centre to thrive in a sustainable way.
“Eke Panuku wants to deliver a space that the Onehunga community will visit and love for many decades to come. We are ensuring it has attractive connections both north to south and east to west, so that people not only enjoy the space itself, but are also drawn to explore and experience all that the Onehunga town centre has to offer”. Kate Cumberpatch, Priority Location Director, Eke Panuku.
Next steps
Community input is central to shaping the final design of the public spaces. Plans are underway for community consultation in February 2024, though early engagement with key stakeholders will occur by the end of 2023. Details on how to provide feedback will be shared in early 2024. Public feedback and a final design recommendation will be presented to the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board by June 2024.
Anyone can provide feedback through the consultation period, which is open from February 12 until March 10.
To keep updated on progress and how you can have your say visit
https://www.ekepanuku.co.nz/waiapu
https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/waiapu-precinct-and-paynes-lane
