Have your say on the Pukekohe civic hub upgrade

As the local community grows and its needs continue to change, the Franklin Local Board and Auckland Council’s Urban Development Office, through the Unlock Pukekohe urban regeneration programme, have been looking at ways to significantly improve how Franklin: The Centre and the Pukekohe War Memorial Hall can better meet the needs of the community.

Work on a draft concept plan began in 2023 and involved the Franklin Local Board, mana whenua, community partners, and key stakeholders. The draft concept plan reimagines the role of existing spaces and facilities as a focal point for the community - uniting the library, community, arts, events and council customer services. The aim is for the hub to be improved and future-proofed so it can be better used by the community in many different ways while contributing to economic development in Pukekohe.

Getting better use out of existing assets is an important part of ensuring value for money for ratepayers, while still delivering the services and community facilities Aucklander's value. 

The draft concept plan proposes improvements such as:

• Additional community spaces created by upgrading areas to meet their full potential.
• An enclosed “glasshouse” courtyard and covered walkway to improve year round usability and reflect Pukekohe’s horticultural heritage.
• A new community event and kai/food space and mara kai gardens, celebrating local food culture and mana whenua identity.
• Modernised town hall event infrastructure, including upgraded audio-visual equipment, lighting, storage, and amenities.
• Redevelopment of the Franklin Returned and Services' Association (RSA) clubrooms into a flexible, multiuser community facility while continuing to accommodate RSA services.
• Integrated arts, library, and learning spaces to support creativity, education, and wider community use.
• Library upgrades focused on digital connectivity, wellbeing, and dedicated tamariki areas.
• Sustainability and resilience improvements, including solar panels, stormwater upgrades, landscaping, and electric vehicle charging facilities.

Community feedback will help refine and finalise the concept plan for Pukekohe’s community civic hub, enabling the Franklin Local Board to make well informed, future-focused decisions.

You can have your say from 4 February to 4 March 2026. 

See: https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/pukekohecommunitycivichub