11 August 2005

Otara Town Centre Development Progressing Well

Manukau City Council is going ahead with a vision for the development of the Otara Town Centre. This is based on the Town Centre Strategy which provides for short term development of some town centres in the city.

Draft Concept plans have been prepared for three areas within the Otara Centre. These include: The link between MIT and the town centre; The children's playground on Bairds Road frontage; and Community Courtyard area between the library, OMAC and the Community Advisor's office.

The development of the concept plans has involved local stakeholders in series of three workshops. The concept plans were endorsed by Otara Community Board on 20 June 2005.

The main objective of the Town Centre Strategy is to transform town centres into vibrant, clean, safe and smart places that reflect the distinctive character of their local communities whilst promoting economic development.

"Otara Town Centre has considerable opportunities to draw on, including a strong and growing cultural base with OMAC, the visual and performing arts centre, at its heart. The town centre backs onto MIT and the opportunity to extend interaction with the tertiary institution is being explored. Reinforcing the cultural base, the nearby iconic Saturday markets and community services delivery aspect, is the best way to market the town centre for future sustainability," said Council's Town Centre Planner Pam French.

For further information on Manukau's Town Centre Strategy visit the website www.manukau.govt.nz/town-centres.htm

ENDS

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