November 2, 2004

Joint North Shore City Council, Housing New Zealand Corporation And Northcote Central Development Group Trust Media Release

It's time to have your say on the future of Northcote

Northcote residents now have a chance to comment on three scenarios showing how the area could develop over time.

The scenarios will be on display from Monday, November 8 to Wednesday, November 17 at Northcote Library in Norman King Square and Northcote Central Community Renewal Project Office at 44 Cadness St. The library is open from 9am to 5.30pm weekdays and 9.30am to 4pm on weekends. The project office is open from 9.30am to 3pm weekdays.

A feedback form will be available for people to write down their views. A newsletter and feedback form will also be sent to local residents.

"We want people to tell us what is important to them, their families and their community," says North Shore City project manager Ross Moffatt.

"Northcote Central is a vibrant place with many special features, but there's also room for improvement. The scenarios are ideas about what could change, and we want to know what bits people like in each scenario. This will help create a picture of what Northcote Central could look like in the future," he says.

The scenarios are based on community feedback and research as part of the Northcote Central Project, a joint partnership between North Shore City Council, Housing New Zealand Corporation (HNZC) and the local community, represented by the Northcote Central Development Group Trust.

The aim of the project is to make Northcote Central a better place to live, work and play by improving housing, creating jobs and making the area safe and healthy.

"This is a great opportunity for the Northcote community to let us know what they think. I encourage people to visit the library or project office to look at the scenarios," says Angela Pearce, HNZC regional manager.

"We really look forward to hearing the views of those people who will be affected by the changes," she says.

Northcote Development Group Trust spokesperson, Frank Rawiri, is looking forward to hearing from the community.

"We want to ensure that any changes to Northcote Central fit with our vision to create an environment that respects, values and celebrates its diversity, potential and past," he says.

The three scenarios show a range of concepts for how land, open space, transport and pedestrian links, housing and infrastructure could change and improve in the future. They are not distinct but key themes can be drawn from them.

* Scenario A has a "green" focus with a central cycling and walking track, more open space, footpaths and an upgraded stormwater system with streams and ponds. It also proposes more housing around the town centre.

* Scenario B concentrates on improving the way people and transport move around the centre. It includes new low-speed roads connecting key streets, more housing just north of the town centre and enlarging the centre to allow for mixed use opportunities where businesses and residents can co-locate.

* Scenario C looks at creating more housing and businesses close to the centre. It envisages new inter-connected streets with traffic calming measures such as intersections and curves to reduce through traffic, and shops and apartments along Lake Rd.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

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