We all love our neighbourhoods – they’re the hub of our communities, the water coolers of everyday life.
Auckland Council is committed to supporting growth and vitality in our city centre and town centres. This is actioned through new and improved public spaces; supporting businesses and advancing a thriving economy; promoting strong and inclusive communities; and showcasing Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s unique culture and identity.
This requires a balancing act of investment, between unlocking new opportunities and regenerating priority neighbourhoods.
Auckland Council’s chief of strategy Megan Tyler believes it is critical to ensure regeneration works are well-planned, and will strengthen communities and local economies.
It’s a topic that’s profiled in the Long-term Plan consultation currently underway.
“People are increasingly working in their neighbourhoods and more investment by council in town centres would help to create vibrant, well-connected communities where people want to live, visit and set up business,” says Megan.
“Focusing urban regeneration in town centres is aligned with council’s other strategies to ensure homes, offices, shops and eateries are accessible to transport and public services, reducing our reliance on cars while providing the backbone for cohesive vibrant local communities.”
Auckland Council – through its urban regeneration agency Eke Panuku Development Auckland – has identified areas to invest in across the region, alongside the neighbourhoods already part of its regeneration programme.
However, there are opportunities to change the pace of its programme of work and the Long-term Plan seeks feedback on what is planned.
Aucklanders’ feedback will help councillors to consider how much investment is committed to creating a sense of place in these neighbourhoods.
The Long-term Plan consultation is taking a different approach this year by offering a range of choices, options and trade-offs. Different options and levels of service come with costs at higher or lower rates.
The central proposal restores Eke Panuku’s $100 million Strategic Development Fund, essentially a revolving credit facility to enable faster and better regeneration outcomes. It also sees the continuation of regeneration programmes in neighbourhoods such as Takapuna, Northcote, Henderson, Avondale, Maungawhau, Panmure, Onehunga, Old Papatoetoe, Manukau, Pukekohe, Auckland city centre and Wynyard Quarter.
The option also offers the flexibility to investigate and add new locations to the urban regeneration programme over time to increase the vibrancy, safety and success of more neighbourhoods across the motu, without affecting works already underway.
But other options include:
- the ‘pay less, get less’ scenario could result in stopping or deferring one or more urban regeneration projects to help reduce the need for rates increases.
- the ‘pay more, get more’ option with higher rates increases could allow projects to be completed in more priority locations and increase the size of the Strategic Development Fund.
“Our challenge is to balance our delivery to make sure we are meeting the needs of Aucklanders, while taking care of their money and ensuring we are creating a better environment and creating a beautiful thriving and safe Auckland,” says Megan.
To give feedback on the plan click here and find out more about the Long-term Plan proposal before making your submission.
