Source: Auckland Council
On behalf of Auckland Council, Eke Panuku creates amazing spaces for current and future generations across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
In Northcote, they’re transforming the town centre over the next ten years. There will be new public facilities and, working with private investors, they’ll be new housing, eateries, offices, and shops, including a new larger supermarket.
A key part of the transformation is delivering a new community hub, on the current Northcote Library site, and an upgrade of the neighbouring Puāwai Cadness Reserve.
Kate Cumberpatch, Priority Location Director at Eke Panuku, says, “It’s critical that these public spaces work for everyone, particularly our youth, so last year we enlisted the help of students at Northcote Intermediate School for their input on the proposed design.”
“Students loved being involved in the process and seeing their ideas come to life in the final design. They were so enthusiastic and eager to help and had some creative ideas and useful feedback, particularly for the upgrade of Puāwai Cadness Reserve.”
“Some of their great ideas – a hamster wheel, trampolines, climbing and balance activities, and a big swing – are all part of the final design.”
The students loved that there will be two separate playgrounds for younger and older kids and the general vibe of the design, with bright colours and lots of greenery. They were also very happy to see the field retained for playing games.
Kate says, ‘It’s exciting times ahead in Northcote, with the new community hub and upgraded reserve kicking off the regeneration of the town centre. We’d like to thank the students from Northcote Intermediate School that worked with on this project for their energy and enthusiasm, helping us to create exciting public spaces in Northcote for everyone to enjoy.”
Construction of the community hub and upgrade of Puāwai Cadness Reserve, which is part of Te Ara Awataha – Northcote’s new greenway – is expected to start in late 2025.
See here for more information about this project. Information about the wider transformation of Northcote is here.
