Plan afoot to lift city's tatty areas

Avondale town centre. Photo / Dean Purcell

Council review suggests a body to bring new life to neglected suburbs

A new body to undertake urban regeneration of neglected suburbs such as Avondale, New Lynn and Otahuhu is being mooted by Auckland Council.

Chief executive Stephen Town yesterday confirmed whispers about an urban development council-controlled organisation to improve urban life.

If the new CCO gets the go-ahead from councillors, it will target three or four locations for urban regeneration.

No areas have been finalised, but suburbs such as Avondale, New Lynn and Otahuhu would be ideal candidates.

Mr Town said the council was saying: "What if we create a significant urban development authority that has a much clearer and strong mandate to stimulate regeneration in partnership with the private sector and potentially with Housing New Zealand ... and iwi?"

He said the CCO would be a first for New Zealand, but the idea had been proven in growing Australian cities.

The proposed urban development CCO has emerged from a review of the council's seven CCOs.

It is envisaged the new CCO would lead to a merger of Auckland Council Property Ltd - which manages the council's surplus housing and land holdings - and Waterfront Auckland.

Mr Town said there was a realistic prospect of changes occurring between July and October next year.

A better city
• Plans being mooted for new council body to give urban development a boost in Auckland.
• Avondale, New Lynn and Otahuhu the kind of suburbs to benefit.
• Private sector, Housing New Zealand and iwi could be involved.
• Based on successful models in Australia.