Building greater connections and enabling growth while not forgetting the importance of heritage that is very much part of our Ponsonby community, is a focus for me.
We have much to celebrate with new developments underway across Ponsonby including the Pompallier on Ponsonby mixed-use retail and apartment development in Three Lamps that will offer shops, office space and apartments.
It’s also great to see progress made at Te Rimutahi, the new civic space on Ponsonby Road which is due for completion soon. This project was prioritised by the Waitematā Local Board and co-designed with the community.
I’ll be keeping an eye on the progress and completion of these fantastic project. Both projects will add a much-needed revitalisation to this end of the strip.
With growth front and centre not just for local councils but the Government, we know that creating smart developments, in the right places, will support Auckland’s growth. It’s crucial for the city’s future.
To fully realise growth opportunities and the wider benefits they can bring to the economy, we need a strong foundation with clear policy scaffolding. Council has been progressing its approach alongside Government, gearing up for the significant growth-related reform signalled.
While the recent decision by independent commissioners to halt a development opportunity on Karangahape Road was very disappointing, I acknowledge they were making decisions based on the current Unitary Plan environment, implementing heritage rules that seek to protect the early settler character of K' Road. Finding room for new opportunities along Auckland's old tram line districts like K' Road stretch, without detracting from its unique charm, is something we need to confront.
With the Government embarking on significant RMA reforms, the work the council is doing will enable the necessary changes to the Unitary Plan that will allow for greater intensification development with a mix of uses such as retail, offices and residential accommodation and in the right place.
We’ve also invested billions in the City Rail Link (CRL) and want to make the most of this significant investment when Karanga-a-Hape Station opens next year.
These are all key ingredients for a thriving economy. In addition, it will deliver on the Government’s direction to supercharge growth, removing unnecessary barriers to opportunity and improve productivity.
I will be working to find a solution that supports development in the right places, and this will mean taking a closer look at locations where intensification should be encouraged, but competing values are in play. I’m excited about the work that is happening and look forward to seeing the completion of these projects and the difference they’ll make for our local Ponsonby community. (Wayne Brown)
www.facebook.com/MayorWayneBrown
Mayor.Wayne.Brown@Aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
#ponsonbynews #iloveponsonby #loveponsonby #ponsonby #auckland #aucklandshippestrip #onlyponsonby #ponsonbyroad #Greylynn #freemansbay #westmere #ponsonby #hernebay #stmarysbay #archhill #coxsbay @followers #followers @everyone #everyone #waitematalocalboard @highlight
