A move to supercharge the economy in the developing Takanini area has moved a step closer with Papakura Local Board approving boundaries for a Business Improvement District.
Board chair Brent Catchpole says the Takanini Business Association had already voted to undertake the process to become a Business Improvement District.
“Auckland is growing fast with about 660,000 more people expected in the next 30 years and Takanini has already seen impressive amounts of new housing, and business and retail attracted to the area.
“Growth brings challenges for town centres and the Business Improvement District programme works alongside businesses to improve the local and regional economy by creating a relationship with Auckland Council,” Catchpole says.
“Should Takanini businesses vote to join the BID programme, they’ll be joining thousands of businesses with a combined capital value of more than $72.7 billion across the city.”
Catchpole says the proposed boundaries have been endorsed and the establishment project will now ballot the around 800 businesses and business-rated property owners in the area.
If the ballot is successful, the board will be asked to recommend the establishment of the BID to Auckland Council’s Governing Body – the mayor and councillors.
Under Auckland Council’s Business Improvement District Policy, the board is responsible for approving the draft map outlining the BID area.
Catchpole says board funding helped the association build a BID database, develop an engagement process so businesses could understand the benefits, and to develop the map and targeted rate mechanism.
“The business association is developing an engagement plan to work with all eligible voters. It will ensure they are aware of the proposal, including the targeted rate. It will also have to host at least three public meetings with question-and-answer sessions for voters.”
To achieve establishment, the minimum vote return must reach 25 per cent, with 51 per cent in favour. Voting opens on 19 February next year and closes on 19 March.
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