Exciting changes are on the horizon as the plan to revitalise Old Papatoetoe town centre kicks off - and it’s set to be a game changer!
The plan introduces fresh vibes for the area to enliven Old Papatoetoe town centre, boost local business and provide new homes, marking significant investment in the area.
Manukau Ward Councillor Lotu Fuli says, “It’s encouraging to see the progress made that will ensure the council can continue to meet the needs of our city and South Auckland. Old Papatoetoe is strategically located next to Manukau City and offers significant regeneration opportunities in the town centre, thanks to large areas of underutilised council-owned land.”
Fellow Manukau Ward Councillor Alf Filipaina shares, “Having been a councillor at Manukau City Council from 2003, it is pleasing to see the progress in Old Papatoetoe. With robust infrastructure, essential services, and excellent access to public transport, I’m looking forward to the transformation over the next few years.”
The plan, led by Eke Panuku Development Auckland, aims to enhance safety, accessibility, and economic growth, breathing new life into the historic area.
Council invested a record $3.2 billion last year in assets such as the roads, pipes and buildings, and Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia is thrilled to see Old Papatoetoe town centre, included in this significant investment.
Apulu says, “Revitalising Old Papatoetoe is a key part of our local board plan. Old Papatoetoe will be a popular place to live, to shop, for people to meet and enjoy themselves, and will provide the services and facilities the community needs. It also boasts convenient access to Puhinui Station and Middlemore Train Stations, making it highly desirable for commuters and travellers alike.
“It’s a beautiful area with a unique character, featuring stunning art deco buildings. Currently, the town centre spans 12 hectares, and this plan aims to address its underutilisation.”
The plan
Housing
Piko Toetoe development is underway.
The site is located behind the St George Street shops and bordered by the Papatoetoe New World, Allan Brewster Leisure Centre and the rail line.
Piko Toetoe.
Board deputy chair Vi Hausia explains, “Old Papatoetoe has significant capacity to accommodate further growth and would benefit from new investment, as we see more and more diverse families making Papatoetoe their new home.
“It’s especially encouraging to see mana whenua actively engaged in reinforcing and incorporating the narrative and cultural heritage of the region into this."
At 91 Cambridge Terrace, an underutilised council property has now been developed into 29 new homes by the New Zealand Housing Foundation who support families into home ownership.
Public space
The upgrade of Chambers Laneway is underway and on track to be complete by Christmas. Notably, it will feature a statement mana whenua designed, mural. The theme of the mural is the ‘Bittern’, a native bird that used to be found in wetlands in the area but is now extinct.
Chambers Laneway once complete. Image source: Eke Panuku.
Cambridge Terrace extension, also led by Eke Panuku, will begin in November 2024.
This new street will extend Cambridge Terrace, linking the upgraded Chambers Laneway and Piko Toetoe development to Stadium Reserve, improving access and connectivity between Papatoetoe and Puhinui train stations.
Cambridge Terrace. Image source: Eke Panuku.
The Stadium Reserve upgrade, scheduled to begin in early 2025, will feature a new playground, a basketball half court, and improved green spaces. Alongside the nearby Allan Brewster Leisure Centre, this upgrade will create a vibrant hub for community activities.
Through the design process, mana whenua provided the narrative ‘The Mists of Kohuora’.
For more details on this, visit the Eke Panuku Old Papatoetoe webpage.
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