Northcote redevelopment nears construction stage but timing not yet clear

After years of planning and enabling works, the long-awaited Northcote town centre upgrade is approaching its construction phase, set to run from next year to 2038.

Auckland Council has released several staging maps outlining roughly when each section of the development will take place.

The multimillion dollar redevelopment of the town centre will see new housing built, as well as improvements to facilities and infrastructure.

However, some locals have noted the most recent documents from Auckland Council lack detail on how and when specific areas will be affected during the construction.

Martin Brink, a nearby resident, said the lack of information had left locals feeling uncertain.

“The council has only really told us how long they think it’s going to take. I don’t know what building they’re going to bulldoze next and which businesses might close down. What if the supermarket has to close?”

Brink supported the upgrades to the ageing shopping centre but said he was concerned for the small businesses he visits regularly.

“The place needs an upgrade, but I love the restaurants here. I just hope the council will keep them afloat through the construction.”

Priority location director at Eke Panuku Development Auckland Kate Cumberpatch said the next buildings in line for demolition and the timing of business closures before demolition were not yet confirmed and would require further scheduling.

“All buildings in the town centre are owned by Auckland Council and are leased to tenants by Auckland Council’s property department.

"All tenants are aware that the town centre will be upgraded, and the property department has excellent and transparent relationships with these tenants.”

Cumberpatch said affected tenants would be relocated if possible.

“We will talk to tenants whose leases are impacted by construction timelines once confirmed to see if they would like to relocate to a new vacant site in the town centre if a suitable site is available.”

She said that it’s in the council’s interest to keep businesses from having to leave the town centre.

“We are keen to retain as many tenants as possible to maintain the vibrancy of the town centre, but ultimately this is a tenant’s commercial decision. For example, they may decide to move out of the area or cease trading.”

As of now, there are no maps specifying when road access around the town centre may be interrupted.

Updates can also be found through the project's quarterly e-newsletter.

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