Implementation Plan Missing for Auckland

Implementation Plan Missing for Auckland

Auckland’s chronic lack of available business zoned land hampers its attractiveness as a competitive investment destination, according to Property Council New Zealand.

In a submission released today on Auckland Council’s Auckland Unleashed discussion document, Property Council argues the document does not adequately address how an additional 700 to 900 hectares of land will be provided to cater for future Group 1 industrial business land - available for economically fundamental sectors including manufacturing, transport and storage, construction and wholesale.

Property Council chief executive Connal Townsend said he hoped the Auckland Plan would provide a better blueprint than Auckland Unleashed for how certain town centres would be intensified, along with how future residents outside of the current Metropolitan Urban Limit (MUL) would live.

“A lot of the available or under-used business-zoned land in Auckland is not in a suitable location for new business expansion, so for this to occur more greenfield sites for Group 1 industrial business land need to be released and brownfield sites close to the main roading network need to be rezoned.”

Property Council commends and endorses Auckland Mayor Len Brown’s aspiration for Auckland to become the most liveable compact city, but argues (Group 1) greenfield land should be released at the same time as quality intensification occurs.

“For intensification to work, the quality of the product is paramount, along with its location. Incentives for development alone will not create desirable compact housing; it will depend on factors including its proximity to the coastline and beaches, inner city, parks and reserves, efficient and reliable transport services and safe communities with high living standards.”

Mr Townsend said the balanced release of greenfield land along with intensification would also ensure affordable land is available. “Auckland must be an affordable place to live if it wants to compete in a fast-changing global environment and attract skilled workers.”

Property Council also argues Auckland Unleashed does not explain how infrastructure projects including the inner city rail loop will be funded.

“An implementation plan, key performance indicators and the buy in from both central government and the wider investment community is essential to the Auckland Plan providing a clear plan for transforming Auckland into one of the world’s most liveable cities.”

ENDS

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