Strong public interest in what is happening in Newmarket has been generated by Westfield’s proposed development in the retail hub, says Auckland City Council’s Planning and Regulatory Committee chairperson, Councillor Juliet Yates.

“This is evidenced by many letters, public forum presentations at council and committee meetings and numerous requests for information,” she says.

“It is clear that Newmarket is a strategically important centre and while the current District Plan is adequate, I am concerned that it was not developed to respond to incremental changes. This is why I think it is important to gather together all stakeholders, landowners and interest groups and identify and work through the issues.”

Mrs Yates says the council has a number of projects under way that relate to Newmarket and these need to be considered along with the proposed plans of major landowners.

“An enquiry by design workshop which brings together all relevant information and parties for an intense few days of collaborative effort appears to me to be the best way to consider all issues,” she adds.

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The enquiry by design process works with all parties contributing to one or a range of potential outcomes for a site or centre after having first identified the objectives and agreed to them.

“Design is used as a tool to identify outcomes for sites or centres, taking into account the opportunities or constraints which affect them,” Mrs Yates explains.

“Simultaneously, all parties are exposed to new design techniques and education and training; missing information is identified; awareness of local and international trends is lifted and long held opposing views may be moderated through challenging current thinking and promoting debate to make sure that outcomes, which may include changes to the rules and objectives of the District Plan, will be in the public interest.

“Finally, a way forward, including a timetable for actions and outputs, can be agreed among those involved in the workshop.”

Mrs Yates says the council is currently considering the 2001/2002 annual budget. Funding for a Newmarket study is being sought and, if approved, the work would be able to commence some time after July this year.

ENDS

For further information, please contact:
Councillor Juliet Yates, tel: 528 0581 or 025 327 437.

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