Media Release
13 July 2006

Advisory panel signals increased focus on Manukau’s built environment

Developers and builders throughout Manukau now have access to free architectural and urban design advice and expertise following the appointment of Manukau City Council’s urban design panel.

The three-person panel, which has been appointed for an initial six-month pilot period, will provide professional advice and expertise for a range of development projects in the city.

Panel members are:

- Annette Jones, Senior Architect and Urban Designer, Beca

- James Lunday, Principal and founder, Common Ground Urban Design and Architecture

- Kevin Brewer, Partner, Architecture Brewer Davidson

Manukau City Council Chief Executive Leigh Auton says the appointment of the panel is part of the council’s wider commitment to ensuring that future growth and development provides places and spaces for people to enjoy living and working in.

“Communities are demanding better designed places and spaces that bring areas to life, inspire the people who live there, help foster a sense of ownership, and where people can grow and prosper.”

Mr Auton says that if the council is going to deliver quality urban design on the ground then it must provide expert guidance and advice to make it happen.

“This panel brings a wealth of experience and expertise in architecture and urban design which can only have benefits for our city. I hope that local developers and builders take advantage of the advice they can provide.”

Mr Auton says that the appointment of the panel is for an initial six month pilot period, and is based on a concept that has worked elsewhere. “A number of major cities throughout the world, including Auckland city, already have urban design panels that are delivering significant results in terms of helping create quality urban environments and communities.”

Manukau City Council’s Director of Environment, Ree Anderson says the appointment of the panel is one of a number of initiatives the council is rolling out to improve overall awareness and implementation of urban design initiatives throughout the city.

“We cannot expect good urban design to happen by chance. If we are to have a city that works for the people who live here, then we need to put in place the mechanisms to make it happen.”

The urban design panel will review and provide feedback on how developments such as new buildings are designed and how they fit into, and function, in the space and community around them. Submissions to the panel can be made through the council’s consents team, or directly to the panel for review, and can be made before or after consent applications are lodged. Details on how to make a submission are available online at www.manukau.govt.nz.

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Manukau City Council Urban Design Panel

As part of its commitment to the New Zealand Urban Design Protocol, Manukau City Council has appointed an urban design advisory panel who will provide professional advice and expertise for a range of development projects within the city.

The panel has been appointed for an initial six-month pilot period, and will review and provide feedback on how developments such as new buildings are designed and how new buildings fit into and function in the space and community around them. The panel is an advisory body only and does not have the authority to approve or refuse projects.

The panel will:

- Give impartial and professional advice to the council on any proposal or policy affecting the community’s physical environment

- Review all civic works such as bridges, roadworks, parks, beautification projects, civic buildings and design competitions

- Comment on concept plans, urban design policy and criteria.

Panel members

Kevin Brewer
Director, Architecture Brewer Davidson
Kevin has been a practicing architect since 1984 and is a founding partner of Architecture Brewer Davidson. He has provided urban design advice on a number of major projects throughout New Zealand and has consulted on a number of projects for Manukau city including the Urban Design Plan for the SH20 to SH1 connection. Kevin is also a member of the Auckland City Urban Design Panel.

Annette Jones
Senior Architect and Urban Designer, Beca
Annette has been a practicing architect for the last 20 years and has a Masters of Architecture in Urban Design (Hons) from the University of Auckland. Annette has extensive experience in the design, planning and construction of major facilities including schools, libraries, and other community facilities.

James Lunday
Principal, Common Ground
As an Urban Designer, Landscape Architect and Designer with over 25 years experience, James is the driving force behind Common Ground. He has an extensive international background in urban design and architecture, with particular experience in sustainable urban design, cultural community development, landscape planning, heritage issues and participatory processes.

ENDS

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