$12 million upgrade for busy Takapuna shopping strip on Auckland’s North Shore

Auckland Council is planning a $12 million upgrade to the streetscape and stormwater system of one of the busiest retail centres on Auckland’s North Shore.

Hurstmere Rd in Takapuna, home to over 100 retail shops, has received an influx of funds to double its original $6.3 million budget for a “discrete upgrade” of the streetscape.

This original $6.3 million was funded in Auckland Council’s 2015-2025 Long Term Plan budget, but  an additional $6 million has come from council’s Healthy Waters Department, which manages stormwater projects.

Hurstmere Rd shops in Takapuna on Auckland's North Shore will get a $12m upgrade.

Hurstmere Rd shops in Takapuna on Auckland’s North Shore will get a $12m upgrade.

Senior development programme officer Jeremy Pellow says the upgrade will provide water quality treatment for the stormwater network draining to Takapuna Beach. At the same time, it creates an opportunity for the entire length of the street to be upgraded.

Design work for the stormwater and streetscape upgrade has just begun and is expected to be completed by September 2017. Construction of the upgrade is expected to be completed in May 2019.

North Shore Councillor George Wood.

North Shore Councillor George Wood.

Auckland Councillor for the North Shore ward George Wood says the Hurstmere Rd upgrade is well overdue.

“This is something the property owners along there have been asking for,” Wood says.

“I think the retailers’ position is Hurstmere Rd is old, the street furniture wants a good makeover, the lighting has to be looked at.

Rochelle Scoones has operated Retrospace Sci-Fi Collectibles on Hurstmere Rd for seven years and says there is constant noise from street pot holes.

Rochelle Scoones has operated Retrospace Sci-Fi Collectibles on Hurstmere Rd for seven years and says there is constant noise from street pot holes.

“It may be shared space where cars have a lesser importance in relation to using the thoroughfare than what they have at the moment.”

“This treatment of the stormwater will be a great help to improving the beach water quality on the northern end of Takapuna beach.”

Business owners along the length of Hurstmere Rd were largely positive about the planned upgrade, but most were also concerned about disruptions caused by construction.

Takapuna Beach Business Association chairman Julian Brown has had a positive meeting with council officers.

Takapuna Beach Business Association chairman Julian Brown has had a positive meeting with council officers.

Rochelle Scoones has operated Retrospace Sci-Fi Collectibles at two different locations on on Hurstmere Rd for seven years.

She says the street’s dilapidated state is a daily nuisance for business.

“We have all sort of issues right outside our store, parking, the traffic, noise pollution, a couple of really big potholes right outside our door we hear every single day. So it’s fantastic news for us and our customers,” Scoones says.

Scott Donovan who runs LIFE menswear on Hurstmere Rd says he’s been waiting for this upgrade for over a decade.

“It’s long overdue, it should have happened many years ago but as I understand there’s been lots of hiccups particularly to do perhaps with the Unitary Plan that’s just been announced,” Donovan says.

“But let’s hope this two-year target now we stay within that and achieve that, I’ve waited 15 years for this.”

Takapuna Beach Business Association chairman Julian Brown says he has met with council officers, and they are committed to a collaborating with local landlords and businesses, as well as minimising disruption from the works.

Auckland Council intends the rejuvenation of Hurstmere Rd will need to tie in with the redevelopment of the Anzac St Carpark behind the shopping strip. This development has faced some initial community objection with its potential for eight-storey highrise.

 – Stuff