My Account
We’ve all heard the numbers for Warkworth – 1000 hectares of land zoned future urban, 7500 new dwellings and a population of maybe 25,000 in the next 30 years. Wellsford is also expected to expand, with 109 hectares identified as future urban, which could see an additional 830 dwellings built over the next five years. But how will this impact on the people who already call this area home? Mahurangi Matters asked Auckland University senior lecturer in architecture, Bill McKay, for his thoughts on how Warkworth could avoid losing its character, but at the same time build a vibrant town centre with a resilient local economy.
One of the first things to do is sort out the traffic issues. Bypasses can improve the amenity of an area in terms of quality of life; just look at Waipu, for instance.
When the new motorway opens, Warkworth will still be a destination/hub for commercial and health services, shopping, food and so on, but the town needs to get rid of the through traffic, while retaining easy access for destination visitors.
The village character and rural aspect of Warkworth is something the town wants to retain, but don’t be afraid of density – townhouses or apartments that are three or four storeys. They generate activity close to the village centre, whereas sprawl generates cars. The more people who live in apartments means more walking/cycling and more business. More people in suburbs equals more traffic. If a person is in their car, then they think, “Well, I’m in my car, I may as well go to a mall.”
For an example of some good medium density apartment buildings have a look at what Ockham are building in the city. Unfortunately, your average subdivider/developer/builder only really knows how to do separate one-storey houses in suburbs.
I would also encourage Warkworth to be wary of big box developments – they suck the life out of town centres, hurt sole traders and small business, and generate traffic.
You also can’t rely on Auckland Council to look after you. The town needs to form a large cohesive coalition of business, residents, iwi, schools and so on to focus on the big picture.
Agree to disagree, but be constructive in your approach and criticism. Encourage developers and Council to go slower and aim for quality design. Talk about sustainable development.
Use local talent and be proactive in establishing a vision, but don’t be what many groups are – just a platform to bitch and moan about any change, rates increases and so on. There are good examples of towns that have found themselves in a similar situation. Warkworth could learn from them – Waipu, Cambridge, Martinborough and Greytown, to name a few. Also look at new developments such as Hobsonville Point. Don’t do what Albany and Riverhead have done, where their village character has been lost to suburban sprawl.
Warkworth should also make more of what it has. Victoria Street, in Hamilton, is a good example of how to make the most of a river frontage. There are plenty of characteristics within the town to exploit – its bush backdrop, specialty shops, arts and culture, and maritime history. The former Wilson cement works offers plenty of opportunity.
The other advice I would give to Warkworth is to actively promote the town. In an era of housing unaffordability and increasing acceptance of remote working, Warkworth could be a charming, affordable, friendly village with no commutes and a good lifestyle.
Its smaller schools, proximity to beaches and regional parks, and easy drive from Auckland makes it an attractive option for young couples, young families, yuppies wanting to get out of the rat race and older people downsizing.
