The development, named Takapuna Central, will be the second key urban regeneration partnership between Eke Panuku and Willis Bond, with the two having previously worked together on the redevelopment of Wynyard Quarter. Building on previous collaborations with Eke Panuku and Willis Bond, the project masterplan has been designed in partnership by Architectus and Cheshire Architects.

In 2011, Architectus produced the Wynyard Quarter ‘Urban Design Framework’, which included plans for the mixed-use Wynyard Central precinct. Completed in 2018, Wynyard Central has since won multiple awards, including the Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) Sir Ian Athfield Award for Housing. Also in the Auckland CBD, Cheshire Architects led the masterplan of Eke Panuku’s Britomart urban renewal project, with their regeneration of The Hotel Britomart winning the NZIA’s Sir Miles Warren Award for Commercial Architecture. More recently, Architectus and Cheshire Architects have been involved with a Willis Bond development in Hobsonville’s Catalina Bay, which has included the adaptive reuse of a 1930s aeroplane hangar.

As designed by the two firms, Takapuna Central will serve as the centrepiece of the wider regeneration of Takapuna’s town centre, with the mixed-use zone to house apartments and office space as well as outlets for retail and hospitality. The site surrounds Waiwharariki Anzac Square, a planned public space which is scheduled for completion in late 2023. After the square is finished, the construction of Takapuna Central will then take place in stages over six years. Kate Cumberpatch, Eke Panuku’s Priority Location Director - North, says the announcement is an important investment in Takapuna’s future. “Our goals in Takapuna are about unlocking its huge potential. By working with Willis Bond to a set of agreed development outcomes, we’re enhancing Takapuna with more urban living options, public space and strengthened connections to ensure this key seaside neighbourhood continues to thrive for decades to come.”

Construction of the project will be carried out by LT McGuinness, who also oversaw the delivery of Wynyard Central, which was New Zealand’s first large-scale, multi-unit residential development to be awarded 7 and 8 Homestar certification ratings for sustainability. In the case of Takapuna Central, Willis Bond is aiming for a Homestar 7 rating, with Managing Director Mark McGuinness intending for the project to be a positive addition to the community. “Within a 5-minute walking radius of this site you have Potters Park, a new town square, Takapuna Beach, malls, eateries and shops – our goal here is to connect the dots and create a desirable living environment for visitors and residents alike.  Our approach is always to enhance the communities we work in, and we are excited to be an integral part of the work Eke Panuku is doing to unlock Takapuna.” 

Local Councillor Chris Darby, who also serves as chair of the Auckland Council’s Planning Committee, has welcomed the news. “This is a great example of how public and private sector collaboration can enhance, improve and bring life to the town centre. Today’s announcement will inspire even greater confidence in the future of Takapuna by local residents, business owners and future investors, and will deliver the high-quality outcomes I always envisaged for this anchor project. What was once a soulless windy carpark is about to become a hugely desirable place to visit, live, shop and dine, with new homes, businesses and public space.”