19 March 2001

Design Workshop For Point Chevalier Shopping Centre

Local residents are being asked to help develop proposals for the future of Point Chevalier’s Shopping Centre.

The Western Bays Community Board is funding a design workshop that aims to establish the future direction, development and revitalisation of the shopping area in Point Chevalier.

The idea for public involvement arose from a meeting on the potential for sale and development of the air space above the Council carpark on Huia Road. It was here that community concerns on the future of the local shopping centre were raised. As a result the Community Board decided to fund a community-based workshop, enabling the public to help map a future for the entire shopping centre.

To help develop the proposals, Auckland City has enlisted the help of a number of design and retail specialists who will be on hand at the meetings to offer advice and expertise on town centre design and economic viability.

The design team will include:

* Kobus Mentz an Urban Design Consultant who has worked in Auckland and overseas designing spaces that meet both community and economic needs;
* Retail specialist Mike Cullen, who is based in Sydney, and has experience in making modern retail methods ‘fit’ into traditional town centre design;
* Keren Goodall from Rodney District Council who has wide experience working in revitalisation projects throughout Auckland City;
* Alan McGregor, CEO of Waitakere Properties, who will be testing the viability of developing the proposals for Point Chevalier and their likely effects on the local community.

Chairperson of the Community Board, Catherine Hawley says the workshop offers a great opportunity for all those with an interest in the future of the shopping centre to get involved in the process of shaping the area.

“I would encourage people to start thinking about how they might contribute to the process. Although we will be speaking to many interest groups in the lead-up to the workshop, we also really want to hear from the people who live and work in Point Chevalier.”

Residents of Point Chevalier have a number of opportunities to contribute to the project.
A public meeting will be held at Point Chevalier School, Te Ra Road on Friday 23 March, 7pm. This will be followed by two design sessions at the Point Chevalier Community Centre, 18 Huia Road, on Saturday 24 March 2pm-4pm and Sunday 25 March 12pm-2pm.

Those who are unable to attend the meetings can view a display at Point Chevalier public library, where there will be opportunity for comment. A public meeting will also be held before the design is finalised and reported to the Community Board for approval.

ENDS

For more information call Auckland City tel: 379-2020.

Ref:RC

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