Call for feedback on Takapuna town square plan

Over the next few weeks Takapuna locals will get a chance to give their feedback over the Isthmus design for their town square. 

The design references the underground springs flowing from Lake Pupuke to Takapuna Beach on Auckland’s North Shore, and builds upon the meaning of Takapuna - Taka; to collect, gather, assemble and Puna; spring, water, life.

Each entrance acts as a wānanga / gallery and references its closest water body; Waitematā Harbour, Lake Pupuke and Hauraki Gulf.

Render of the design looking north.

Isthmus, in partnership with mana whenua representatives, created a plan which allows a range of events in the square, including concerts and a regular market for up to123 stalls.

There’s also a water feature and outdoor dining area, with places for people to sit and play in the sun or shade. A potential location for the Anzac Memorial has also been identified in the plan.

The Devonport-Takapuna Local Board has endorsed the design and along with urban regenerator Panuku Development, will seek public input to refine details. 

Render of the design looking north-west from Hurstmere Rd into the new square in weekend market mode.

Panuku says locals and key stakeholders were canvassed between 2017 - 2018 for ideas on what they wanted the project to deliver. The much-debated location and shape of the town square was decided in 2018, following feedback in over 5,300 submissions.

Aidan Bennett, Chair of the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board, says the design is fantastic and will further enhance the desire of locals to connect the town centre to the beach.

"I appreciate the thought and effort that I know has gone into working out how the much-loved Sunday market could continue to operate, and how events such as ANZAC Day could work in the space. I firmly believe this town square will be the beating heart of Takapuna, with spaces where we can hold events and get together."

Proposed water feature.

Chris Darby, North Shore Ward Councillor and Planning Committee Chair, says the design is the realisation of a great idea coming to life after a decade of careful planning.

“Takapuna is a stunning location and well deserves this beautiful and inviting concept design, which has been so sensitively crafted by the landscape architects. It retains the promised market life and provides a much-needed social anchor to Takapuna.”

Kate Cumberpatch, Priority Location Director – North at Panuku Development Auckland, says: “We’re incredibly excited about sharing the design with the community. The design has been informed by multiple perspectives to reflect the desires and needs of Takapuna’s current and future community.”

After the final detailed design phase is completed it’s hoped construction will begin early-mid 2021.