Town square plan

The current proposal is for Te Ara Ātea and the commercial area to open onto a spacious town square, providing areas for civic and community gatherings, markets, events, performances and informal community interaction. We’ve recently been refining the layout of the town square based on feedback from design experts and commercial partners. A key issue they identified was that the town square was not edged or laid out to ensure people did not disperse. In response to this, the proposed design has been updated with additional buildings surrounding the town square.

Key features include the following:

• Town square enclosed and connected
  Retaining the strong connection between the town square and Te Ara Ātea has been a focus. The proposed layout for the town square, which forms the heart of the new community-focused centre, has the square framed with buildings on all sides and can now be easily activated. Activation is crucial for the success of this area. The town square is proposed to be pedestrian-only, other than times for delivery or maintenance vehicles, making it a safer, more inclusive environment. The urban areas will all be at a height and level so that there are no steps, in keeping with the Council’s commitment to accessibility.
  
  
• Shelter and wind protection
  Sheltered outdoor areas for outdoor seating and entertainment are proposed in the sunniest spots, with north-west orientation and protection from the easterly wind. Studies have been carried out to identify the way the sun tracks across the space, and the proposed layout reflects the information gathered.
  
  
• Connection to the reserve
  The design of the town square and the buildings along the reserve boundary help to maintain the key relationship with the reserve.
  
  
• Features
  We propose to include a number of distinctive features in the town square. These include a suspended overhead lighting system to create a unique night-time environment, raised gardens with seating, shade sails and water features. There are spaces for tables and chairs outside the proposed hospitality and retail premises adjacent to Te Ara Ātea. Also proposed are laneways each with a special character, providing niche space retail and food and beverage offerings.

Let us know your feedback.