17 September 2004

Urban design skills strengthened at Auckland City

Auckland City Council’s Finance and Corporate Business Services Committee yesterday approved the allocation of $130,000 for the appointment of a senior urban design expert within council.

This initiative is in keeping with council’s focus of ensuring Auckland manages growth through good urban design.

This position will provide leadership, coaching and mentoring for all urban design work throughout Auckland City, and will ensure that the best urban design outcomes are achieved.

“Good urban design is a major focus of this council which requires a team of dedicated, specialist staff to ensure that we are keeping abreast of national and international trends,” says Councillor Juliet Yates, chairperson of the City Development Committee.

Currently there are three urban design specialists working at Auckland City; two in city planning and one in community planning, and recruitment is underway for two additional positions.

Over the past two years Auckland City has taken a number of urban design initiatives including: establishing an urban design panel creating individual precincts and quarters within the central area with specific urban design controls establishing urban design frameworks for the central area and isthmus establishing a working party with the New Zealand Institute of Architects and the New Zealand Property Council to develop appropriate design standards for small apartments lodging a submission seeking amendments to the RMA to provide a mandate to enable district plans to undertake proactive urban planning and establish urban design controls.

The urban design staff will ensure a cohesive approach across Auckland City and incorporate urban design guidelines and protocols.

“The new urban design specialist will bring a high degree of expertise to Auckland City,” says Mrs Yates. “This position will work alongside current staff to enable council to champion urban design throughout the city.”

ENDS

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