Another major development for Onehunga3 min read
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Onehunga residents are invited to help shape a new precinct that promises to create a vibrant town square, a modern community hall and improved public spaces in the heart of the suburb.
The Auckland Urban Development Office (AUDO) is seeking public feedback on Te Pūmanawa o Onehunga, meaning the heart and essence of Onehunga, a development planned for the area between Church Street and Princes Street at Upper Municipal Place.
To make way for the development, Auckland Council will acquire and demolish the current Look Sharp building, while the section of Pearce Street between the Elizabeth Yates building and Look Sharp will be closed and incorporated into the new public square.
The design will preserve some of Onehunga’s much-loved features, including the large oak tree behind Look Sharp and the Elizabeth Yates mural, which will become key elements of the new precinct.
Priority Location Director of Auckland Urban Development Office, Kate Cumberpatch, says the project is about creating a stronger, more connected community.
“Te Pūmanawa o Onehunga is an important project for the regeneration work in Onehunga,” says Kate. “The development of the area not only supports the existing community hub and library, but creates a new central community gathering place for the town centre of Onehunga. The town square will provide the opportunity for events, markets, and gatherings that connect to Onehunga Mall and the community hall, to replace Pearce Street Hall, will provide a facility that offers a great variety of uses for the community. There are also some great public transport network improvements and pedestrian safety features that come as a result of the changes.”
Community feedback has already helped shape the early concepts. Surveys and workshops found that residents would like to see a lively town square featuring markets, outdoor dining, attractive landscaping, lighting, water features, public art, shaded seating, cycle facilities, and performance spaces.
The first stage includes the construction of a new multi-purpose community hall to replace the ageing Pearce Street Hall, along with a new town square that will become a focal point for community events, markets and gatherings.
The new community hall has also been designed with greater flexibility than the existing 1970s-era building, allowing it to host everything from community meetings and cultural performances to local events and activities.
Future stages of the project include a dedicated outdoor youth space, improved walking and cycling connections linking the Waiapu Precinct with Onehunga Train Station, and a separate proposal for a new indoor recreation facility to replace the Sir William Jordan Recreation Centre.
Residents are encouraged to have their say on the plans before consultation closes on Tuesday, 1st September. The project team will also host drop-in sessions at the Onehunga Community Centre on Friday, 21st August (11am-1pm) and Saturday, 29st August (10am-12pm).
Community feedback will help ensure the new facilities can be enjoyed by generations to come.
