A new era for Old Papatoetoe Town Centre
11 November 2025
- Old Papatoetoe
- News
- Mana Whenua
- Sustainability
- Development
- Urban regeneration
The revitalisation of Old Papatoetoe’s town centre has reached a landmark phase, with three key projects now complete, ushering in a new era of connectivity, vibrancy, and community pride.
These projects are a crucial part of Auckland Council’s urban regeneration approach, and the Unlock Papatoetoe programme, where investing in infrastructure and public spaces acts as a catalyst to attract and incentivise private development. This is because quality public investment encourages and supports quality private investment.
Chambers Laneway: A safer, greener gateway
Chambers Laneway, adjacent to the historic Town Hall, now stands as a welcoming gateway to the ‘green jewel’ of Old Papatoetoe, which is the upgraded Stadium Reserve. It is now an open-to -the-sky pedestrian corridor. Featuring new paving, enhanced visibility, and lush greenery that helps manage stormwater, the laneway provides a safe and inviting link between the main street, the Allan Brewster Leisure Centre, and the Wallace Road car park.
It is one of the four laneways we have helped enhance in Papatoetoe in order to better connect the main street to the amenities behind it.
Adding cultural depth, the laneway showcases a striking mural designed by Maori artists Charles and Janine Williams. Inspired by the Bittern, a native wetland bird once found in the area, and the prominent Puriri tree in the laneway, the artwork reflects local ecology and heritage through its natural colour palette.
An upgraded bus stop on St George Street, and an uplift to the area around it – with new paving, seats and planting - opens up the plaza area in front of the Chambers building, making it a safer space.
Councillor Alf Filipaina says the completion of these projects marks a significant milestone for the community:
"The revitalisation of Papatoetoe is a big win not just for locals, but for the wider South Auckland region. Seeing these projects come to life after years of planning is incredibly exciting.
I want to acknowledge the dedication of the AUDO team (formerly Eke Panuku), who have worked alongside the local board, iwi, and the community for more than a decade. Together, they’ve struck the right balance, preserving Papatoetoe’s unique character while creating spaces that meet the changing needs of businesses, shoppers, and residents."
MANUKAU WARD COUNCILLOR - ALF FILIPAINA (pictured with Auckland Urban Development Office General Manager, Patrick Dougherty)
Cambridge Terrace Extension
The extension of Cambridge Terrace links to Wallace Road and provides a front door to the amenities within the upgraded Stadium Reserve, the new homes planned along its eastern edge, and access from the south to New World and the mainstreet.
The introduction of well-lit pedestrian connections enhances access between Papatoetoe and the Puhinui train station which has direct link to the Airport. Also an important step ahead of the opening of the City Rail Link, and more regular trains, in 2026.
The alignment of the street was planned carefully to retain as many mature trees as possible, especially the mature Puriri Tree at the northern end which becomes a focal point for the whole centre. A swale and two-way cycle track provides a safe and pleasant route into the center and around the reserve, adding to the cycling network between the Papatoetoe and Puhinui Train Stations, while treating stormwater from road run off.
The result is a town centre that is easier and safer to navigate on foot, or on wheels, via the new cycleway, for both residents and visitors.
Stadium Reserve: A new community green space
Stadium Reserve has been transformed into a vibrant recreational hub for Old Papatoetoe. The new playground, basketball half court, and expanded green spaces offer a dynamic spot for families and community activities.
The design of the play space is shaped by the Mana Whenua narrative ‘The Mists of Kohuora,’ features undulating mounds and volcanic-themed cushion-fall areas weaving around the existing trees and new planting areas to create a naturalised experience. A constructed swale with user-activated misters adds a playful and poetic nod to the area’s naturally misty landscape.
Future development sites are being temporarily utilised as additional play areas with a multi-use, flexible grassed space at 84 Cambridge Terrace, and following community input, a space for wheel play on the site at 27 George Street.
“In my previous role as Chair of the Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board I recall the desire to 'unlock' the carpark behind New World to enable its development for housing and better play spaces for our community. Although it's taken over a decade, I'm proud that Council, AUDO (formerly Eke Panuku), and the local board has worked collaboratively with Iwi and private developers to provide some great housing solutions for the people of Papatoetoe. Not to forget the beautiful upgrade of the playground and open spaces.
I want to thank Richard Davison and his team for his dedication to getting this project finally across the line and 'unlocking' the potential for Old Papatoetoe.”
MANUKAU WARD COUNCILLOR LOTU FULI
New Homes, New Opportunities
Private development is playing a vital role in the town centre’s transformation.
Whare Tupu, a partnership between Te Ākitai Waiohua and Avant Group, is well underway with construction of a mix of 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom terraced homes on Tavern Lane, right in the town centre. The show home is expected to open in summer of 2026.
The former council-owned site at 91 Cambridge Terrace also hosts 29 new homes developed by the New Zealand Housing Foundation, supporting families into home ownership.
These housing initiatives have, and will continue, to increase the number of people living, working, and shopping in the area, boosting safety, economic activity, and local business patronage.
"This is a proud moment for Papatoetoe. These completed projects represent more than just upgraded streets, laneways, and parks. They reflect our commitment to creating places where people feel connected, safe, and proud to call home.
With strong partnerships between mana whenua, the local board, community, and the private sector, we’ve laid a solid foundation for a vibrant, growing town centre that truly reflects the spirit and identity of this place."
PRIORITY LOCATION DIRECTOR - RICHARD DAVISON
A Thriving Future Ahead
With the completion of these projects, Papatoetoe is now a more connected, accessible, and vibrant community.
Auckland Council’s investment in infrastructure and quality public spaces, through the Auckland Urban Development Office, has laid the foundation for sustainable growth that benefits local communities. This will help catalyse and attract further private sector interest and ensure the town centre continues to thrive.
The completion of these significant projects was commemorated with a dawn karakia led by mana whenua, earlier in the week.
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