Takapuna’s town square design open for consultation

Aidan Bennett, Chair of the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board, encourages the community to take a look and have their say on the design.

“It’s no secret, I’m passionate about projects designed to improve Takapuna, so this is very exciting to see. The proposed design has been influenced by community feedback to date. Now, we want to check if it meets the brief. I encourage people young and old to have their say on the design and be part of shaping this important asset for Takapuna.”

Chris Darby, North Shore Ward Councillor and Planning Committee Chair, continues:

“Takapuna is a stunning location and deserves a reinvigorated town centre. Along with the improvements to Hurstmere Road, the new market square will make Takapuna a better and livelier place for residents, visitors and businesses.

“I encourage the community to have their say on this beautiful and inviting concept design.”

Takapuna’s new town square will be a place where the community can come together to meet and attend public gatherings. It will provide a new, people-friendly space and more direct walkways between the town centre and Takapuna Beach.

The design has been influenced by extensive feedback from the local community, the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board and other key stakeholders over several years. In 2018, the location and shape of the town square was decided following feedback in over 5,300 submissions.

Kate Cumberpatch, Priority Location Director – North at Panuku Development Auckland, says the temporary public space at 38 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, has provided an opportunity to trial and test design ideas.

“Thirty-eight Hurstmere has provided further learnings into what locals would like to see in the town square, exploring themes around shelter, play, public performance, cycling and environmental issues. It’s also helped us to establish a network of local people who are regularly interested in using the space.”

About The Concept Design

The proposed design includes:

• spaces for people to sit and play in the sun or shade
• a water feature
• an outdoor dining area.

A potential location for the Anzac Memorial has also been identified in the design. This will need further input into how it could be relocated and integrated into the design of the town square.

Public Events In The Town Square

The design can accommodate a variety of public events, including concerts and a market with over 80 stalls. Temporary staging can be installed in the centre of the square for public performances and events. The water feature can also be used as a temporary stage.

Have your say on the Takapuna town square design

Consultation opens on 20 July 2020 and closes at 11.55pm on 14 August 2020. Provide feedback at akhaveyoursay.co.nz

Next Steps

Contributions to the consultation will close for evaluation and review at 11.55pm on 14 August 2020. The summary of the consultation and the final plan will be available on the Panuku website in September 2020.