Pukekohe: country town growing up!

Devon Lane

Marketplace Laneway

Those who fail to plan may as well plan to fail. Although the details regarding expansions to Pukekohe’s town centre may still be subject to change, the big picture appears to reveal big changes ahead for this once small town.

A‘masterplan’ designed to ‘drag shoppers’ into Pukekohe is unfolding. Intended to make the town centre an urban hub for residents in surrounding rural areas and other smaller communities in the Franklin region, plans under the Pukekohe Masterplan appear to be well and truly on track.

“We’re growing because people want to live in a place that still has that country feel, but we can’t pretend we aren’t changing,” Andy Baker (Franklin Ward Councillor’) confirmed. “Our population will nearly double over the next 20 years so now’s the time to plan for the changes needed to make our town even better.”

New leisure facilities, roading, wider footpaths, upgrades to shop fronts and the local markets, improved parking and more are all on the agenda for Auckland Council’s urban regeneration agency, Eke Panuku.

Some parts of the plan are already underway, including the new health hub on Manukau Road at the site for the former council offices. However, changes will not come all at once; according to Eke Panuku’s Richard Davison, the plan is intended to be realised in stages to minimise disruption.

“Change could only happen gradually, and things must be done with growth in mind. The plan balances many factors but is just a starting point, not something set in stone. We listened to feedback around the trial, and we will do again.”

Other proposals include an Edinburgh Street development, improved access to town via a laneway from a renewed Franklin: The Centre, while also creating a dining district. Developing ‘community spaces’ near Roulston Park and a Hall Lane to Stadium Drive overbridge to access the town centre are also on the cards.

Auckland Transport has purchased spaces in the Farmers building, but the plan may still impact parking availability.

“We’re working to make access easier so locals, including workers, can park near the centre of town. But we also know some locals want better cycle and walking access,” Mr Davison added. “There will always be parking for those who need it and providing it to support businesses is part of our plan.”

More information is accessible via www.ekepanuku.co.nz/Pukekohe.