Improvements closer for Northcote Central

Partnership plans for the long-term future of central Northcote have taken a significant step forward.

Following community consultation last year, a concept plan has now been agreed by project partners North Shore City Council, Housing New Zealand Corporation (HNZC) and the Northcote Central Development Group Trust, representing the community.

The concept plan will guide the long-term changes and improvements in the area. These include changes to Greenslade Reserve to make it more of a village green, improvements to Lake Rd and other main roads, and a town centre with a more defined community hub.

New housing, offices and community facilities form part of the plan as do tree-lined boulevards, greener walkways and cycle paths linking reserves, housing areas, the town centre and schools.

"The concept plan will guide the preparation of a detailed development plan during 2005 and the implementation of projects by the partners in the coming years," says long-time Northcote resident and North Shore City councillor, Tony Holman.

"We look forward to continuing this landmark three-way partnership and to improving the area in a way that respects the diversity of those living here and truly reflects the wishes of the community," he says.

Welcoming the contents of the concept plan, Northcote Central Development Group Trust spokesman, Frank Rawiri, says, "The community has demonstrated that it has strong feelings about the improvements that it would like to see. I am pleased that a plan has now been agreed from which we can make changes for the better. We're extremely grateful to the community for its input, and to the many people who have put so much time and effort into these plans. We hope that the future will bring the improvements we all desire."

HNZC North and West Auckland regional manager, Angela Pearce, says completing the Northcote Concept Plan is a positive development for the area. HNZC will continue to work closely with tenants and the local community.

"We're really pleased the concept plan has been completed and we're now looking forward to working closely with tenants and the local community to improve the area," she says.

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Background Information:

* The Northcote Central Project area covers the area within Ocean View Rd, Raleigh Rd, College Rd and Hato Petera College.

* Within this area there are about 2,500 residents, three schools, several parks, churches, housing units for older people and the Northcote shopping centre. HNZC owns many houses in the area.

* The Northcote Central Project is a partnership initiative involving the North Shore City Council, HNZC and the local community represented by the Northcote Central Development Group Trust.

* Following a detailed consultation process, which began in 2002 and recently included the circulation of a brochure to approximately 4,300 households across a wider area around Northcote Central, the concept plan has gained broad acceptance.

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