New community hub and upgrade of Puāwai Cadness Reserve

Exciting new step for Northcote’s new community hub

The concept design for an impressive new multi-purpose community hub for Northcote, and an upgraded Puāwai Cadness Reserve, has now been approved by Kaipātiki Local Board.

Danielle Grant, Deputy Chair of Kaipātiki Local Board, says,

“We’re excited about the concept design. Together, the community hub and upgraded reserve, will create a new focal point for the community, connecting locals with community facilities, the town centre, Te Ara Awataha – Northcote’s new greenway - and nature and play.“

“The library and community service providers will be in one space, with community rooms and an expansive covered verandah, integrating with the reserve at the back of the hub and an improved plaza at the front. Together, this will deliver much improved facilities for the Northcote community.”

“The new community hub is going to be a modern, flexible space, that’s fit for our community now and the future, and the reserve will be transformed to create a place for families, children, youths, and groups to gather.”

“There will be more trees and plants, a relocated basketball court, two new play areas for younger and older children, two garden areas, public toilets, and a large lawn area. ”

See here for more information about this project. 

Engagement with stakeholders

We are leading this project on behalf of Auckland Council. Kate Cumberpatch, Priority Location Director, says,

“To develop the concept design, we’ve taken what the public told us they wanted, from Auckland Council’s community needs assessment conducted in 2021. Plus, over the last two years, we worked  extensively with library staff, Auckland Council, mana whenua, Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters, Kaipātiki Community Facilities Trust, Kaipātiki Local Board, and the community providers.”

“It’s been a robust process, and we feel like we’ve got a great result - to meet the needs of the growing Northcote community.

The bigger picture for Northcote

This project is part of the wider revitalisation of Northcote, to enrich the town centre and help the neighbourhood to thrive.

Another key project is the redevelopment of the town centre – Northcote Central. New shops, offices, apartments, laneways, and a new town square are all part of the plan, expected to start from 2027.

Kate Cumberpatch, Priority Location Director, Eke Panuku, says,

“The new community hub, reserve upgrade, and Northcote Central, which includes new housing, will bring more people to visit, live, and work in Northcote. It’s good for the community and local businesses and will encourage private sector investment too, to create a more flourishing, vibrant neighbourhood.”

Click here more information about our work in Northcote.

Next steps

We are working with local schoolchildren and others to help design the play spaces. Their input will help us develop the detailed design.