Feedback sought on Onehunga’s transformation2 min read
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As part of their work to revitalise Onehunga, Eke Panuku is inviting the community to give valuable feedback on the first stage of transformations to council-owned land in the town centre.
Eke Panuku aims to transform the land in the block between Onehunga Mall, Selwyn Street, Church Street and Arthur Street, known as the Waiapu Precinct.
The proposed improvements include an inclusive sprawling children’s playground, vibrant public plazas, open air pavilion, green spaces, revamped parking, and an upgraded supermarket, promising to breathe new life into the flourishing community.
Sites are also earmarked for future apartment developments which will further enhance the vibrancy of Onehunga by bringing more people to the town centre.
The supermarket area is scheduled for a complete overhaul, and will feature a larger supermarket with basement parking.
Eke Panuku aims to connect different parts of the town centre too, making it more attractive for residents, businesses, and investors alike. One of the key design factors is the upgrade of Paynes Lane, which is vital to connect Dress Smart and Onehunga Mall to the Waiapu Precinct.
Principal Landscape Architect – Public Realm, Bridget Law, says Eke Panuku is committed to preserving Onehunga’s character, incorporating ideas from previous community consultations and partnering with mana whenua to integrate Māori design principles.
The development agency is dedicated to highlighting Onehunga’s rich history, and is committed to prioritising the environment.
There are 69 large trees in the area, of which 18 will be removed to enable changes such as widening accessways to improve walking connections. “We know that trees are essential for the health and wellbeing of current and future generations, so we plan to also plant 68 new native trees within the precinct. The design is based on retaining as many of the existing trees as possible,” she says.
The historic oak tree in Gerrard Beeson Place, dedicated to Elizabeth Yates (first woman mayor in the British Empire and mayor of Onehunga in 1893) is of huge importance to the community and will be retained as a feature of the changes within the precinct.
The Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board has endorsed the design proposal to go out for consultation. Public feedback opens on Monday, 12th February so join the conversation either using the online tools at AK Have Your Say or attend one of the in-person drop in sessions that are being held during February.
