14 April 2016

Transformation of Manukau given green light

The transformation of the Manukau metropolitan centre has taken an important first step today with the approval of the over-arching plan for the regeneration of an area aiming to be the thriving heart and soul of the south.

Auckland Council’s Development Committee today approved a High Level Project Plan for Manukau from the city’s new urban regeneration agency Panuku Development Auckland. The transformation could be on an even bigger scale than the award-winning regeneration of Wynyard Quarter.

Panuku will work with Central Government to create more housing choice, including affordable housing located close to employment opportunities as well as educational, entertainment and shopping attractions.

Panuku will also make better use of Council-owned sites in the centre – leveraging off existing investments including the transport hub.

Mayor Len Brown says today’s approval is great news for the area.

“Manukau has long been identified as one of Auckland’s strongest communities. With its Maori heritage and position as the world’s Pasifika hub, along with the area’s creative and economic potential, Manukau is unlike any other place in New Zealand.

“Panuku can use land which the Council already owns to leverage good, positive outcomes.”

Deputy Mayor and Committee chair Penny Hulse says it’s now time for the “CBD of the south” to realise its potential.

“Public sector intervention through urban regeneration and housing renewal is required to respond to the challenges facing Manukau. It will not happen by market forces alone.”

Ms Hulse says the committee approval gives Panuku the mandate as the lead Council agency to work with the Government, as a major land-owner in the area, to deliver each of the outcomes.

“Panuku has the property expertise and a proven track record in the redevelopment of Wynyard Quarter to deliver quality regeneration at scale and pace. It’s also important we continue our conversations with the local community and mana whenua.”

Manukau ward councillor Alf Filipaina says the development of the centre has been a "long time coming."

"People seem to forget that we are one of the fastest growing areas of New Zealand and have nearly half our population under the age of 25.

"We need to better connect the centre of Manukau with the neighbouring industrial areas and residential suburbs to ensure the economic benefits for the next generation."

Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board chair Efeso Collins says Manukau Central should be a vibrant, family-friendly centre with a local heart that reflects and celebrates the south’s diverse cultures.

“We’d like to see a strong resident community balanced with a competitive edge as a desirable and innovative place to do business.”

Mr Collins adds that critical to the success of Manukau’s regeneration is the involvement of the local people to ensure community benefits, improved socio-economic well-being and increased economic participation of Maori and Pasifika.

“We will be making sure these local needs are front and centre of our input, and are encouraged by the focus on engaging young people to create positive activity in these public spaces.”

Panuku is working closely with The Southern Initiative, and has also begun collaboration with the 11 iwi.

Panuku Interim Chief Executive John Dalzell says the successful delivery of the Manukau transformation will depend on participation of the local communities as well as Council agreeing to fund the projects from the sale of any Council-owned properties within the location.

“This reinvestment approach is commonly used internationally. It will have limited impact on ratepayers and will mean Panuku can get started immediately. The sooner we agree the next phase of planning work, the sooner we can present the full package of opportunities to the community, business and private sector investors.”

Dalzell says an early indication suggests that $70 million will be required for anchor projects that will drive the transformation. Detailed business plans will need to be approved by Council for these funds to be released.

The short-term focus is expected to be on sites around and along Davies Avenue overlooking Hayman Park, alongside current initiatives such as the new bus station, stage one of the Hayman Park destination playground, and a Kotuku House refurbishment.

The next steps for the transformation are the completion of a framework plan which will guide the delivery of the project outcomes over a 20-year period.

ends

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