Future scenarios for Northcote Central

Joint Media Release: North Shore City – Northcote Central Development Trust – Housing New Zealand

September 16, 2004

What will Northcote Central be like in the future? The local community will have the chance to comment on three scenarios showing how the area could develop over time.

The scenarios have been developed based on community feedback and extensive research as part of the Northcote Central project, a partnership between the 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.

North Shore City Council’s strategy and finance committee chairperson and long-time Northcote resident, Tony Holman, says the three scenarios illustrate how the area could take shape.

“Northcote is a vibrant place with a diverse mix of people, culture and businesses, and we all want to ensure that it continues to be a great place to live, work and enjoy,” he says.

“The project partners want to find out what aspects of the scenarios people like so that we can develop a more detailed plan for the area.

“The scenarios are not stand-alone but can be combined to create a real picture of how people would like to see the area develop.”

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 choices but key themes can be drawn from them.

Scenario A has a “green” focus with more open space, footpaths, cycling and walking tracks, 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 area. It includes new low-speed roads connecting key streets, more housing just north and west 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 a mix of housing and businesses along Lake Rd. It envisages new interconnected streets with traffic calming measures such as intersections and curves to reduce through traffic.

Displays will be set up in Northcote later in the year for people to view the scenarios and comment on them, and more information will be available on the council’s website www.northshorecity.govt.nz. A more detailed plan will be developed once feedback has been received, and any proposals will be subject to funding and other regulatory processes.

ENDS

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