Thriving Town Centres - Guidance for Urban Regeneration in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland

Introduction

  • Purpose of the Guidance

    • Provide Urban Regeneration guidance for Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland through Eke Panuku.

    • “Bind the domain of the sky, Bind the domain of the land, Bind the domain of the ocean, To bind the tapestry of humanity, Which can be felt in the night, And felt in the day, Behold there is life!”

Welcome Message from Leadership

  • Eke Panuku Leadership

    • Paul Majurey (Chair) and David Rankin (Chief Executive) emphasize the importance of thriving town centres for community well-being.

    • Town centres as marketplaces and community gathering spaces.

    • Aim to revitalize urban places and reconnect people with their local communities.

Community and Global Challenges

  • Current Challenges

    • Address global issues like climate change, affordable housing, and recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

    • Need for adaptive and innovative regeneration strategies.

Strategic Framework of Eke Panuku

  • Core Functions:

    1. Urban regeneration in agreed locations of Auckland with a focus on town centres.

    2. Management of a property portfolio worth $2.3 billion.

  • Vision and Priorities:

    • Focus on holistic, place-led approaches to regeneration that improve social, cultural, economic, and environmental well-being.

Principles and Criteria for Town Centres

  • Principles:

    • Six principles identified through community engagement that represent successful operating factors for town centres.

    • Recognizes the uniqueness of each town centre regarding character, history, and identity.

Eke Panuku Toolbox

  • Nine Main Approaches:

    • Encourages a set of tools for improving town centres through practical strategies aligned with local needs.

Changing Nature of Town Centres

  • Definition and Evolution:

    • Town centres serve as community focal points, evolving from simple marketplaces to vibrant hubs for various activities and services.

  • Current Trends:

    • Declines in civic engagement, increased online shopping, and changes due to Covid-19.

    • Importance of revitalizing local economic activity, especially in light of the pandemic.

The Nature of Town Centres

  • Characteristics:

    • Mix of activities fosters community interaction (e.g., shopping, services, social events).

  • Future Drivers of Change:

    • Emphasizes the need to respond to fast-paced change with flexibility and innovation, including considerations for sustainability, technological advancements, and community resilience.

Importance of Town Centres

  • Urban Growth and Development:

    • Projected growth of Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland from 1.7 million to 2.4 million people over 30 years.

    • Need for town centres to serve as critical nodes for housing, jobs, and services due to urban expansion.

Sustainable Development and Low-Carbon Living

  • Low-Carbon Lifestyles:

    • Emphasis on reshaping urban centers to support eco-friendly practices and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Community Connection and Economic Benefits

  • Fostering Community Connections:

    • Creating shared spaces and prioritizing vulnerable communities promotes social cohesion and equity.

  • Economic Impacts:

    • Thriving centres encourage local economic growth and opportunities for businesses to flourish.

Principles and Criteria Explained

  • Unique Identity:

    • Ensure town centres reflect local culture, history, and identity, including Māori presence.

  • Integrated Transport:

    • Promote active transport options and accessibility for all.

  • Supportive Community:

    • Create welcoming places for diverse populations to connect.

  • Healthy Natural Environment:

    • Integrate natural features and promote sustainability.

  • Urban Living:

    • Support diverse housing options to meet community needs.

  • Economy:

    • Facilitate robust local economies through diverse offerings and adaptive management.

Eke Panuku Toolbox Explained

  • Components Overview:

    1. Shared Vision: Engaging with communities to co-create a vision for town centres.

    2. Investment Strategies: Pragmatic approaches for financing and investment in town centres.

    3. Sustainable Design: High-quality, environmentally friendly design principles informed by Māori practices.

    4. Collaborative Development: Partnership with public and private entities to realize urban regeneration.

    5. Community Support: Building community participation and minimizing uncertainties during changes.

    6. Council Collaboration: Alignment with council strategies and plans for cohesive urban development.

Engagement with Mana Whenua and Community

  • Collaboration:

    • Regular engagement with local communities, iwi, and agencies to ensure cultural integration and community ownership.

Conclusion

  • Vision for the Future:

    • Commitment to creating thriving town centres that support sustainable, inclusive, and resilient communities in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland.

    • Emphasis on the collective effort required to revitalise urban areas through responsible stewardship and innovative planning strategies.