Formal expressions of interest are now open for transformational developers to partner with council organisation Panuku Development Auckland to deliver a high-quality mixed-use precinct in central Takapuna.
Currently known as the Anzac Street carpark, about 6,000m2 of land will be made available from mid-2020 for commercial, residential and retail development behind the main street shops on Hurstmere Road and alongside Berkeley Cinema.
Key to the success of the ‘Unlock Takapuna’ project will be a new town square earmarked for part of the site which Panuku will deliver with a budget of $7 million.
Takapuna Beach Business Association chief executive, Terence Harpur, said the future of the Anzac Street carpark has been a point of contention in recent years. However, with council changing the carpark’s planning designation last year for a more people-orientated future, the urban regeneration project enjoys strong local and business support according to surveys.
“For anyone concerned about the loss of carparks, less than 200 metres away Panuku is now building the multi-level Gasometer carpark building on Huron Street for 420 cars. What’s more, let’s not forget that the Unitary Plan requires one carparking space for every 30sqm of retail development, so the new development will come with some car parks. The development will also enable the upgrade of the bus interchange on Lake Road, upgrades to Huron and Northcroft Streets and most importantly a new 3,000 sqm town square which will dramatically increase and improve Takapuna’s public open space.”
Takapuna’s new town square will also provide a key link to Hurstmere Road. To ensure this an old shop on the main street was bought and recently demolished, with Rangitoto now visible from Shore City Shopping Centre.
“Town centres are all about people and our town square will provide a central place to congregate – something we’ve probably always lacked in Takapuna. Its draft design is expected to go out for public consultation in July, and we’ll be encouraging everyone to have their say. We want our town square to be the best in the country.”
The Auckland Plan identifies Takapuna as one of 10 metropolitan centres with sub-regional catchments and where significant change is expected during the next 30-plus years. These centres are identified for growth and intensification. The Unitary Plan’s ‘Business – Metropolitan Centre Zone’ allows for high-rise buildings and contains retail and commercial ‘frontage control’ provisions.
