Auckland City Council
Media release

11 July 2008

Talbot Park housing renewal transforms lives

The Talbot Park community renewal project in Glen Innes has won the top urban design prize at the Property Council New Zealand Awards 2008.

Launched by Housing New Zealand Corporation in 2002 and completed in March 2007, Talbot Park is the first example of a project built under the city’s new residential 8 zone.

“Talbot Park has transformed the lives of the area’s residents. We have witnessed a strongly enhanced sense of community cohesion. Tenants have bonded together as a community with the formation of the Talbot Park Village residents group to have their say in shaping their living environment for their future,” says City Development Committee Chairperson, Councillor Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga.

Talbot Park invited the community to become involved in the project from the start. This process reflects best practice for central and local government working together towards a common goal.

“The transformation of Talbot Park is an exemplar of urban design goals being put into practice and working to benefit the community in everyday, real life,” Ludo Campbell-Reid, group manager, Urban Design, says.

“The project has resulted in huge social benefits to the area, including dramatically improved safety and sense of civic pride and belonging, as well as breaking new grounds in density and car parking standards, sustainability and showcasing the benefits of a ground up community approach to urban renewal.”

Talbot Park is notable for leading the way in sustainable design. Energy efficient solar panels pre-heat hot water and there are environmental rainwater collection and storm water treatment systems.

Stuart Bracey, Housing New Zealand Corporation’s manager of the Tamaki Community Renewal Project, says, “We have seen an increase in the demand to live in a previously undesirable area, as well as a significant decrease in incidents of graffiti and other forms of property damage.”

“Our tenants are reporting that they feel safer and happier. This is illustrated by a reduction in tenant turnover, from a 50 per cent turnover rate in 2001 to less than 5 per cent currently.”

ENDS

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