Construction for Waiapu Precinct begins3 min read
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Onehunga’s long-anticipated Waiapu Precinct redevelopment has officially begun, marking a major transformation for the town centre – and locals can rest assured that Woolworths will remain open during the multi-year construction.
The major redevelopment, led by Eke Panuku (Auckland Council) and delivered by construction firm JFC Ltd, is set to reshape the area between Onehunga Mall and the current supermarket site. Construction began in mid-June and will be staged over several years to reduce disruption to shoppers, businesses, and residents.
A brand-new Woolworths supermarket – expected to be one of the best in the country – will be built on the site of the former mini golf and adjacent car park, with underground parking and modern facilities. The new store is scheduled to open in 2027, and once completed, the existing store will be packed up and restocked in the new location. The new store is expected to create about 30 jobs too.
Details about the future of the current Woolworths site have not yet been confirmed.
The Waiapu Precinct will be developed across three levels. The bottom tier will house the supermarket, while the middle tier (currently a free, all-day car park) will become a vibrant public space with a large playground, new green areas, a public plaza, family-friendly zones, and upgraded walking and cycling paths connecting to Onehunga Mall. The pedestrian crossing outside the CAB and library will be relocated closer to the mall and raised for safety.
The top tier, where Gerrard Beeson Place is located, will be transformed into a residential development. The road will remain, but will be redesigned, and turned into a one-way heading towards Church Street. Some of the concrete islands will be removed to accommodate the new layout.
To help maintain access and minimise disruption, works will be staged over several years and between 50-90 public carparks will remain available during construction, and additional parking areas may be opened as works progress. All businesses along Gerrard Beeson Place will remain open and accessible throughout the works too.
While parking will remain available during construction, the overall layout will change. Of the 350 parking spaces currently within the precinct, 150-200, used by supermarket customers, will be part of the new development, along with dedicated bays for mobility users, parents with children, and online pick-up.
A further 40-80 short-stay parks (60-120 minutes) will remain for town centre visitors and shoppers. However, the 115 free all day spaces, often used by local workers and commuters, will no longer be provided within the precinct. There are, however, an estimated 1,000 unrestricted public parking spaces elsewhere in Onehunga to help offset the change.
Phase 1 of the works will continue into early 2026 and includes key infrastructure upgrades such as stormwater and wastewater improvements, installation of tree pits, and new footpaths alongside the supermarket.
Noisy or vibration-generating work will be limited to daytime hours to reduce disruption.
The Waiapu Precinct aims to revitalise Onehunga with new community spaces, quality housing, and upgraded facilities – all while keeping vital services like Woolworths running throughout the process.
The Onehunga Community News will keep its readers updated monthly on the progress of this exciting new development.
