The next step for Onehunga’s regeneration2 min read

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of Dress-Smart Onehunga has finally got the go-ahead, and this redevelopment will become the next piece of the jigsaw in Onehunga’s long-awaited regeneration. The transformation of the Dress-Smart precinct is one of the key components of Eke Panuku’s Transform Onehunga project and has been on the cards since it was announced back in 2015.

 

In 2019, Eke Panuku sold the council-owned land at 3 Paynes Lane and 45 Waller Street to Dress-Smart’s owners, Lendlease Real Estate Partners New Zealand Fund, which has now been granted resource consent and development rights to transform the land into an expanded retail precinct. Connecting to the existing shopping centre, the approved design will have an additional 7,060sqm gross floor area which is set to include new retailers, an enhanced food and beverage offering and increased carparking facilities. An “ambience upgrade” for the original centre is also planned.

 

“Given all the disruption of the past few years, we are delighted to be able to confirm things are now moving with the Dress-Smart Precinct,” says Richard Taylor, Eke Panuku Priority Location Director, Isthmus.

 

“The expansion project helps Dress-Smart open into the town centre with a plaza area on Paynes Lane and a direct link through to the Waiapu Precinct. This will make a real difference to the look and feel of Onehunga Mall, and will also help encourage the significant number of people who visit Dress-Smart to explore the surrounding shops and eateries in the town centre too.

 

“Confirmation of this project means we are now able to progress the design work for the Paynes Lane upgrade, and with every project that we’re able to confirm, momentum for the wider Onehunga revitalisation programme grows,” he says.

 

Richard explains that the proposed Waiapu Precinct plans are still being developed, however he confirmed there will be a new playground, pedestrian greenway running north-south through the precinct, residential developments, and a proposed new supermarket.

 

“There will still be public carparking in the precinct, but over time some of the sites will form part of projects which will make better use of the fantastic location. We know how important parking is to the town centre and we are keen to reassure people that the plans for the town include ideas on how parking can be improved.

 

“We will be sharing our plans for the public spaces in this precinct early in 2023 and look forward to hearing from the community about what they think.”

 

(An artist’s impression of the redeveloped Dress-Smart building)