New heart for Old Papatoetoe

Old Papatoetoe is getting a new lease on life as the town centre undergoes revitalisation. The area is being rebuilt to improve safety and accessibility, support local businesses, and to make it simpler to get around. An Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board priority, it has approved a concept design for the Papatoetoe Stadium Reserve.

The Stadium Reserve forms part of the Eke Panuku-led Unlock Old Papatoetoe regeneration programme, which began in 2016.

Approved by the board in March 2022, the Old Papatoetoe Masterplan reflects the community feedback Eke Panuku collected during public consultation in 2021.

“As Papatoetoe grows, we need to ensure our public spaces are fit for purpose and meet resident needs. The masterplan reflects what we've heard from our people, including quality equipment and facilities that cater for a range of ages in our diverse community” Apulu says.

Stadium Reserve now provides limited recreational experiences, is poorly configured and has low visitor numbers. The revitalisation aims to create a safe, attractive residential area and civic space that meets the needs of a growing population.

Upgrade aims

• Provide new facilities, including an all ages and abilities ‘suburb scale’ playground
• BBQ and social gathering spaces, review existing vehicle access and parking
• Provide facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, encourage active transport to allow for easy navigation at the reserve and connect Old Papatoetoe to Puhinui Station
• Retain significant trees and add more trees and shrubs
• Increase amenity for current and future communities
• Boost passive surveillance and safety
• Improve stormwater management during flooding
• Retain a public recreation space with a green canopy for future generations
• Engage mana whenua to provide cultural interpretation through the detail of the reserve and play features.

Next steps?

Eke Panuku will proceed with developed design and consenting, with continued engagement with the board as the project progresses.

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