Quality buildings are the focus of new guide

July 13, 2005

Better buildings is the focus of a new North Shore City Council publication, the 'Good solutions guide for mixed use development in town centres.'

This is the latest in a series of three good solutions guides intended to inform and guide developers, designers and other professionals who influence the way that the city looks as it grows.

"The guide for mixed use development in town centres is one of several steps we're taking to increase the quality of our city's built environment," says Gary Holmes, who chairs North Shore City's strategic management committee.

"Mixed use development is becoming increasingly important as councils pursue policies to encourage a town centre focus. It's essential for the success and wellbeing of town centres that they include a vibrant mix of retail, commercial and residential spaces, and mixed use developments can assist in providing such a mix," he says.

Produced by North Shore City Council, the guide provides relevant information from which the whole Auckland region can benefit. It has received support from Auckland Regional Council and Auckland, Waitakere and Manukau city councils.

"For mixed use developments to work well they must be located in town centre areas. This enables both commercial and residential occupants to take advantage of the services and facilities that a town centre offers such as shops, businesses, community facilities and public transport," says Sarah Lindsay, the council's environmental policy advisor and guide author.

"The guide emphasises high quality design as being essential for the success of any development. It advises that mixed use developments in town centres should include spaces for jobs and businesses. These contribute to the economic health of a town centre and help reduce the need to use private vehicles," says Ms Lindsay.

The guide covers a range of topics such as noise, energy efficiency, landscaping, car parking, stormwater and guidance on how to adapt buildings for reuse.

North Shore City Council has signed up to the Ministry for the Environment's urban design protocol and will be putting together an action plan for good urban design in the near future.

ENDS

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