Some stallholders unaware of controversial development looming at Takapuna market

Some stallholders at a popular market are still unaware of a looming redevelopment which “will destroy the market as we know it”, according to a local group.

Trish Deans is at popular Takapuna markets every weekend trying to raise awareness of the impending redevelopment of the carpark on which it’s sited by Auckland Council’s development arm Panuku, an urban regeneration agency.

“Many stall holders don’t know this is happening, they haven’t been informed by Panuku.”

She said many stall holders may no longer be able to sell their goods because of the redevelopment which was approved last month despite local board protests.

“The stall holders at the moment are what you’d describe as car boot sales. There are about 300 of them and they come in on a Sunday usually before seven and set up their stalls. In the Panuku plan you’ve got 148 stalls but they will be boutique stalls, a completely different flavour to what we have at the moment.”

Deans assumes the cost of renting a space on that Sunday morning would be significantly more.

“Essentially it would destroy the market as we know it.”

Deans said the market people are absolutely disgusted and outraged that Panuku can come along and cherry pick such a spot which should be referred to the use of the public.

Devonport-Takapuna local board member Jan O’Connor said an alternate Richard Reid proposal which was unanimously supported by the board had been completely ignored.

“They wouldn’t even look at the report.”

Panuku’s site states the plan offers a location preferred by the community and a connection of laneways with places to relax.

But O’Connor said while Takapuna’s flat land sites are well suited for high rise buildings these shouldn’t be built on this public space.

“I believe that this should have underground car parking, and open space on top. Like what they are doing in Cato Square in Melbourne.”

Market goer and local board candidate Iain Rea said the approved plans didn’t include the shading diagrams about what the unitary plans allows to be built outside of those areas.

“It didn't show that here you can build to 11 stories and this town square will be shaded for most of the day throughout most of the year.

However Panuku’s development manager Kate Cumberpatch said “There are plans to also include new mixed-use buildings with shops and homes at 40 Anzac Street around the proposed town square. We are currently working with a number of parties following an ‘Expressions of Interest’ process on what any development could look like.”

“As part of this process we have committed to restricting the height of the building directly adjacent to the north of the new public space to make sure the public space gets plenty of sun and light year round.”

Rea added, “The solution forced upon this community is for Panuku to sell this large car park which has hosted this famous market since 1983.

“It’s a bad solution, it doesn’t give the community a heart or a place to come together.”