North Shore Times (New Zealand)
Stream bed inspires development plan
An ancient stream bed in the heart of Northcote’s developing suburban centre will guide a new path through the community.
Northcote’s new ‘‘greenway’’ will be a network of pathways, parks, public spaces and quiet streets intended to provide a safe and healthy environment for residents and visitors.
Awataha Greenway is named after the historic stream, Awataha, and its bed will guide the Greenway’s path, from Kaka Reserve to Greenslade Reserve.
Currently, initial designs are ready to be shared with the community, and developers are asking for the public’s feedback at an open day this weekend.
Auckland Council’s development arm, Panuku Development Auckland’s Angelika Cutler said community involvement has been paramount in this project.
‘‘With the town centre upgrade there will be an increase from 300 to 1200 residents living in the area, so the idea is to maximise open space in a fully connected plan.’’
Another feature of the proposed design will be to rejuvenate the ancient stream bed, turning it into a ‘‘day-lighted stream’’, a stream above the ground, instead of inside a pipe.
Kaipatiki Local Board chairwoman Danielle Grant describes it as a ‘‘collaborative journey’’.
‘‘Generations of input have gone into the plan,’’ Grant said.
‘‘A lot of work has gone in with community members, who remember Northcote from their own childhoods.’’
The act of using the ancient stream bed to map the new design is telling of the spirit behind the plan, tying future communities together with local history, she said.
It is a ‘‘beautifully connected’’ and safe way for community members to access the town centre, without using their cars.
The Awataha Greenway project will be created in stages through a partnership between social housing developer HLC, Panuku Development Auckland and Mana Whenua.
The Greenway information day will be hosted in Northcote, with project representatives, attending to answer and listen to all community feedback, as well as guided walks. Attend October 28, from 10am till 2pm at the Northcote information kiosk, on the corner of Lake Rd and Pearn Cres.
Visit panuku.co.nz/northcoteproposed-greenway.