8 December 2005

Old Papatoetoe Mall Undergoes Upgrade

Manukau City Council’s Economic Development Committee has approved funding of $150,000 for the upgrade of the Old Papatoetoe Mall Public space, following community and business consultation during the year.

Last month the Papatoetoe Community Board voted to go ahead with the upgrade and retain all trees; this option was also supported by the Council’s arborist, who had advised that to remove them would require resource consent.

The decision to improve the Mall is a result of somewhat negative public and business perception of the precinct. The area is a growth centre and the work being done ties in with planned future development.

Economic Development Planner, Pam French says, “Manukau City Council is involved in many projects to revitalise and redevelop the city. This aligns with one of Tomorrow’s Manukau’s goals of creating vibrant town centres where people want to go. We look at an areas existing state, and consider its future potential as a public domain and its capacity to play a more important role and how to better realise its potential.”

As town centres contribute to the economic development of an area they need to be nurtured and developed. The main objective of the Town Centre Strategy is to transform town centres into places that reflect the distinctive character of their local communities.”

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

Council Grant For Otara Business Association

Manukau City Council’s Economic Development Committee has approved funding for $20,000 to assist in improving the overall image of the Otara Town Centre. The decision to clean it up is due to the somewhat negative public and business perception of the town centre; it will be a Growth Centre in 2006 and the work being done ties in with planned future development by Council.
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Economic Development Planner, Pam French, is pleased with the decision. She explains, “As one of two targeted rated areas in Manukau (the other being Howick Village Association), Otara Town Centre has not received an increase in its annual grant since 1996 when the rates system was established; which does not align with rising costs.

Manukau City Council is involved in many projects to revitalise and redevelop the city. It recognizes the role town centres play in Manukau’s economy and has developed the Manukau Town Centre Strategy to transform town centres into vibrant places that reflect the distinctive character of their local communities..

“Otara Town Centre presents considerable opportunities to draw on with its iconic Otara market and a strong and growing cultural base with Otara Music Arts Centre (OMAC) at its heart. OMAC SoundhouseTM, an innovative music technology programme for young people and a first for the Auckland region, will be launched there on December 16.

“The town centre backs onto Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) and the opportunity of interaction with the tertiary institution needs to be further explored.”

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

Clevedon Town Centre Due To Undergo Improvements

Manukau City Council’s Economic Development Committee has approved funding for $140,000 for improvements to the Clevedon Town Centre.

Work to be carried out includes new signage and planting in the Roundabout and improvements to the area around the community centre building and the Clevedon Community Reserve. There will be the addition of two new covered picnic tables and chairs, pathway, garden and trees to both areas. A tourist route planner, being prepared by the Lions Club, will be installed beside one of the picnic tables at both locations.

Other work includes new planting and rubbish bin in the footpath outside the church; new seating and rubbish bins in footpath outside the dairy; improvements to footpath outside the service station and rocks replaced on the traffic island on Monument Road.

Economic Development Planner, Pam French says, “Manukau City Council is involved in many projects to revitalise and redevelop the city. This aligns with one of Tomorrow’s Manukau’s goals of creating vibrant town centres where people want to go. As town centres contribute to the economic development of an area they need to be nurtured and developed. The main objective of the Strategy is to transform town centres into places that reflect the distinctive character of their local communities.”

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

ENDS

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