Takapuna is changing and growing. Smart revitalisation is required to accommodate this change.

Two options for a vibrant, lively and accessible town square have been proposed for 40 Anzac Street, in the centre of Takapuna. This is off the back of engagement earlier this year, as well as consultation and planning dating back to 2010.

A third option proposes no change to the site and Panuku Development Auckland, council’s redevelopment agency, has now opened consultation for people to confirm their preference.

“Takapuna has an opportunity to build on the success of Hurstmere Green, creating a place of vibrancy, new public spaces and places to share and enjoy,” says North Shore Ward Councillor and Planning Committee Chair Chris Darby.

The options are:

Town square Hurstmere to Lake Road

This option locates the square between Hurstmere and Lake Road.

It will deliver:

Strong visibility making it safe

Plenty of sun

Views to the water and Rangitoto

Strong connection to Lake Road, Shore City, Hurstmere Road, Hurstmere Green and the beach

Retail and eateries on its boundaries

Good synergy with existing and future buildings

A strong centre for Takapuna

The ability to accommodate large events or markets in conjunction with Hurstmere Road

Town square adjacent to Potters Park

This option locates the square adjacent and to the south of Potters Park.

It will deliver:

Shelter from the wind

Strong connection with Potters Park

The ability to accommodate large events or markets in conjunction with Potters Park

Some retail and eateries on its boundary

No town square

This would mean the status quo remains:

The site at 40 Anzac Street would remain a car park, with no town square or additional public space created for Takapuna

The site at 14 Huron Street would not be developed into a multi-level car parking building and the apartment development on the other part of this site would not go ahead

No upgraded bus facilities on Lake Road

No streetscape improvements along Huron and Northcroft streets

We do not believe that this option benefits the future of Takapuna. Doing nothing in this key central site won’t create the people-friendly environment envisioned for Takapuna.

Consultation closes on Friday 10 August. Have your say now

Benefits to Takapuna

"The Anzac Street site is hidden packed with benefits waiting to be realised – this is Takapuna’s chance to bring some of the Wynyard Quarter magic across the bridge. If option one or two prevail, we’ll develop a great new town square ($4.8m) that can cater to markets, performances and large events, as well being a high-quality space for people to meet and socialise," Cr Darby says.

The town square would be around 3,000m2 of council-owned, full-time, public space. Panuku would partner with the private sector to deliver new shops, eateries, home and entertainment to complement the site.

“The regeneration will bring better and safer pedestrian connections, pulsing laneways, new streetscapes on Huron and Northcroft streets ($4.8m) and an upgraded bus station,” Cr Darby says. “We know parking is important to people, so will build a brand new, $25.3 million facility, just down the road.”

The new, multi-level car park building 200m away, at 14 Huron Street, will be built by Panuku and managed by Auckland Transport. The state-of-the-art building will be five storeys and will include 420 car parks as well as electric car and bike charging stations, bike valet, motorbike parking, accessibility parking and 'end of trip' facilities including changing rooms and showers.

Consultation is now open on the location of the town square.