Northcote Central – the search for a development partner begins

The Northcote Central development will include new shops, eateries, offices, homes, laneways, and a new town square - to help create a thriving town centre that’s vibrant and welcoming and enhances Northcote’s unique character, to meet the needs of this fast-growing and culturally diverse neighbourhood.

Construction is likely to start from 2027, with some of the new shops, eateries and homes completed by 2029. Construction will be phased, with some of the current shops and eateries remaining open during construction of the new town centre, to maintain the vibrancy of Northcote.

Kate Cumberpatch, the Priority Location Director for Northcote, says:

“The regeneration of Northcote is happening. Our team has already achieved a lot, working collaboratively with our partners - mana whenua, Kaipātiki Local Board, Healthy Waters, Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, the business association, and Kāinga Ora – home and communities.

Together, we’ve delivered the award-winning Te Ara Awataha – Northcote’s largely complete new greenway linking a new number of new reserves, including Te Kaitaka/Greenslade Reserve. This has been a huge success and the next stage – the upgrade of Papa ki Awataha/Jessie Tonar Scout Reserve  - is already well underway.

Alongside this, Kāinga Ora has built many new homes, the Ministry of Education has upgraded Onepoto Primary School and Auckland Transport has delivered the Northcote safe cycle route.

The search for a capable development partner(s) for Northcote Central is the beginning of an exciting next phase in the regeneration of Northcote and Eke Panuku’s first complete town centre redevelopment.”

Going to the market process

Following the acquisition of all the Northcote town centre buildings over the last few years, we’re now going to the market. With the help of PWC, we’re looking for a development partner(s) to buy the 3.13ha development block and work with us to achieve the vision for the new town centre.

A set of essential outcomes to guide the development will be part of the conditions of sale. This includes delivering on community and sustainability requirements, such as effective stormwater infrastructure, sustainable transport connections and providing sufficient car parking options, a diverse range of eateries, plenty of shops, new homes, connected streets and a sunny and sheltered town square. We will continue to be involved after the sale of the land to monitor and ensure these outcomes are achieved.

Given the scale of this development, we expect the selection process and then negotiations to take 1-2 years.

Timing

• October 2023 - Search for a development partner(s) begins. We’re seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from potential developers. The deadline for EOIs is 13 November. We will then notify those shortlisted by the end of 2023.
• April 2024 - We will issue a Request for Development Proposal (RFDP) to those shortlisted.
• August 2024 – The preferred partner(s) is notified.
• Late 2024 – 2027 – Detailed designs for Northcote Central are developed and the final design approved.
• 2027 - Construction of Northcote Central starts. Construction will be phased over 10 years. Some of the current shops and eateries will remain open during construction to maintain the vibrancy of Northcote.
• 2029 - Some new shops, eateries and homes are completed.

Northcote regeneration

As part of the wider redevelopment of the town centre much more is planned. There will be a new larger supermarket, Ernie Mays Street will be extended to Lake Road, Puāwai/Cadness Reserve will be upgraded, the current library will be refurbished and extended to create a new multi-purpose community hub and Te Ara Awataha will be completed.

We are working to ensure library and community services continue as much as possible during construction of the new community hub.

To find out more about this project, go to Northcote Town Centre.