Auckland Businesses building for Planned Population Growth
A projected 2 million residents are expected in Auckland City and surrounding suburbs by 2050. As the population reaches
upwards of this number, the soon to be super city will need adequate accommodations.
As council members and government officials focus on the anticipated Auckland Spatial plan, city developers, architects,
builders and planners are preparing developments that will revitalize and revolutionize some of the most sought after
city space in New Zealand.
Takapuna Beach is one of the areas expected to see extensive growth and has been identified as a metropolitan town
centre within the Auckland Spatial Plan. Less than 10 km from downtown Auckland, Takapuna is a hub for entertainment and
boutique shopping, boasting more than 400 retail stores, 60 bars and cafes, event venues, supermarkets, cinemas and
weekend and night markets. Its world famous local scenery and public spaces continue to draw tourists and residents
alike. Over 100,000 urbanites currently call the area surrounding Takapuna home; and thousands more are expected in the
coming years.
“Takapuna is the opportunity to combine the attractions of the CBD, the fashion and lifestyle shopping of Newmarket, the
dining and variety of Ponsonby and the seaside ambiance of Mission Bay. All those benefits in one amazing and accessible
location set Takapuna Beach apart from any other location in Auckland,” explains Ben Wiltshire, Wiltshire Designs Ltd.
For over 100 years, Takapuna Beach has been a buzzing district with established businesses and retail shops. Because of
past success, it is a focal point for new development. High level projects are scheduled for Takapuna which include a
new public art gallery, the National Ocean Water Sports Centre (fronting Takapuna Beach Reserve) and a ferry terminal
(which would enhance passenger transport within the centre). Within the Spatial Plan, Takapuna has been highlighted as a
centre which will receive limited public sector intervention as the fundamentals are in place which will enable the
market to achieve the growth envisaged. In short, it is up to private developers within the Takapuna area to realise the
vision provided within the Spatial Plan.
A new retail precinct known as The McKenzies Project is currently underway and will incorporate high end retail and
hospitality uses in a sophisticated indoor-outdoor environment, set between Hurstmere Road and Takapuna beach. The
McKenzies Project is the first development to begin the long awaited process of turning Takapuna around to face the
beach. McKenzies property owner Alan Wiltshire, Wiltshire Property Group, says “Takapuna Beach has a number of
distinguishing characteristics, which give the area the potential to become more desirable than virtually any other city
centre in New Zealand.”
Wiltshire Group have taken extra precaution with the McKenzies development, ensuring a pedestrian friendly public
walkway and central courtyard, sophisticated, urban design, and an array of contemporary boutiques and eateries. With
the incorporation of 7 adjoining building structures, pedestrian lanes and an internal courtyard, the phase 1 retail
precinct is well underway and with a phase 2 yet to be announced, the McKenzies Project is set to be one of Takapuna’s
largest commercial developments to date.
According to Ree Anderson, Manager Regional Strategy, Community & Cultural Policy, Auckland City Council, a primary focus of the new Auckland Spatial Plan is to create beautiful spaces
for visitors and residents. “While our natural environment is stunning, the quality of urban environment is mixed. There
is a strong emphasis on design throughout the draft plan to ensure that our urban environments are beautiful and work
well for people- enhancing their everyday experience.”
Wiltshire Property Groups Asset Manager, Jeremy Sussex, explains that the development should exceed council expectations
when it comes to designing a modern, urban development. “The precinct is a blend of existing character structures with
modern retail shop fronts, surrounding a laneway and central courtyard. Spanish tiles, wrought iron gates, awnings,
giant tulip umbrellas, landscape treatments & artwork ensure an attractive pedestrian experience throughout.”
Nick Mattison, Senior Planner with Mt Hobson Group addresses the development’s environmentally friendly concepts. “In
addition to a living wall and planters throughout, the walkways were designed to reformat the urban context and
facilitate pedestrian connectivity, while moderating the impact of the private motor vehicle.”
The spatial plan seeks urban consolidation and environment focused responses which see development conceived and
implemented upon a ‘place based’ approach. Due to the significant natural features and public open space within the
Takapuna town centre catchment a new focus towards pedestrians has come to the fore. As highlighted within the Spatial
Plan, connectivity and proportionate scale are two fundamental drivers. The McKenzies precinct goes beyond the planning
guidelines in establishing additional pedestrian corridors which are not required in any planning documents. To achieve
this higher level of pedestrian connectivity parking standards had to be waived. This more flexible approach to
development standards results in a higher quality of built form which supports the key drivers within the Spatial Plan.
With a new commitment to environmental action and green growth within the Auckland Spatial Plan, this pedestrian focused
development coincides with a range of initiatives that are set to be implemented in the future. According to Anderson,
the plan looks at a fundamentally different approach to the way Auckland will grow and develop, including “more
sustainable buildings, infrastructure and practice, together with enhancing our natural environment.”
While Auckland City works to pass a plan for future growth, Aucklanders work to make it into reality. “As a family, we
grew up in and around Takapuna Beach,” explains Ben Wiltshire. “We understand the potential and feel passionate about
delivering an exciting project to be enjoyed by family, friends, locals and visitors alike. Once open, we will continue
to manage the precinct to ensure its success.” The vision as spelled out within the Auckland Spatial Plan is able to be
achieved through developments such as McKenzies which received Council support throughout the design and consenting
stages.
ENDS