Shaping the future of Newlands Centre

A long-term vision for a vibrant

and attractive town centre

Adopted April 2010

Shaping the future of

Newlands Centre

Newlands Centre Plan

PDWCC81242

Shaping the future of Newlands Centre

Contents

Part 1: Setting the scene 3

1.1 A long-term plan for Newlands Centre .............................................................................................................................................................................. 3

1.2 A key part of the northern suburbs growth vision

........................................................................................................................................... 5

1.3 Newlands – an important district centre

........................................................................................................................................................................ 5

1.4 The existing context

..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................6

1.5 Key issues, challenges and opportunities

...................................................................................................................................................................... 8

1.6 Strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats

............................................................................................................................. 8

Part 2: A future vision 10

2.1 Long-term vision for Newlands Centre ............................................................................................................................................................................10

2.2 Key guiding principles

2.3 Newlands Centre concept plans: possible short and long-term development visions

......................... 18

2.3.1 Concept Plan demonstrating key elements of the short-term vision

...........................................................18

2.3.2 Concept Plan demonstrating key elements of the long-term vision

............................................................ 20

Part 3: Achieving the vision – the action plan 22

3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22

3.2 Roles

3.3 Funding

3.4 Action Plan

3.4.1 Our current actions

3.4.2 Priorities for new funding

................................................................................................................................................................................................25

3.4.3 Working with others

3.4.4 Working within Council

3.4.5 Monitoring and Review

Shaping the future of Newlands Centre

Part 1: Setting the scene

1.1 A long-term plan for Newlands Centre

The Newlands shopping centre area has the potential to become a more vibrant and

attractive centre that better meets the needs of the local community. The Newlands Centre

Plan is a long-term plan, focused on the suburban centre area, that aims to help realise

the area’s potential.

The Centre Plan has been developed by Wellington City Council following community

consultation, planning and design processes. By developing the Plan we hope to show

how Newlands Centre and its surrounds can be improved and enhanced, creating a more

attractive, vibrant and people-friendly area.

Shaping the future of Newlands Centre

Newlands Centre lies at the heart of the local Newlands

community. It is an important district centre servicing the suburb

of Newlands, and to a lesser extent, the surrounding suburbs

of Johnsonville East, Paparangi and Woodridge. It is close to

Johnsonville town centre and central Wellington, and has a

good connecting bus service. Newlands has good schools, parks

and reserves, and is well-served in terms of community and

recreational facilities, including the new community centre,

Newlands Park and the skate park.

While the Newlands shopping area could become a thriving

place with a range of shops and services, a safer and more

attractive pedestrian environment and more housing choice,

there are obstacles that need to be overcome. Improving the

centre will be a long-term process, and much will depend

on what private investment can be attracted to assist with

development. The Council will look to work with developers,

investors, other agencies and where appropriate, use

Council-owned assets to kick-start and support

revitalisation of the centre.

This plan sets out a vision for the Newlands Centre’s future

development. It includes a series of key principles aimed at

guiding the centre’s revitalisation and redevelopment.

The plan also identiﬁes a mix of potential private and public

development opportunities to help achieve change – some to

be achieved within the next ﬁve years, and some to be achieved

over a much longer timeframe, up to 20 years.

The plan’s goal is to ensure future developments take place in

a planned and integrated way and help contribute to a more

attractive and vibrant centre. It aims to enable and guide private

investment and recognises that in order to achieve a better

centre, private and public investment and actions need to be

better aligned.

Location of Newlands Centre

F0r the purposes of this centre plan, “Newlands Centre” is

deﬁned as the retail/commercial area that is bounded by

Newlands Road, Bracken Road, Stewart Drive, Batchelor Street

and Atkinson Street (refer Figure 1).

The immediate surrounding residential areas, parks, reserves,

open spaces and community facilities and their relationships to

the shopping centre have been considered in the preparation of

the plan as they provide important context and considerations

when planning for the long-term development of the area.

Figure 1: NewlaNds CeNtre loCatioN map

1.2 A key part of the northern suburbs

growth vision

Newlands is located between the identiﬁed urban growth areas

of Lincolnshire Farm, Woodridge and Johnsonville town centre.

The Council’s Northern Growth Management Framework (NGMF)

adopted in 2003, identiﬁed the need to redevelop and improve

the Newlands shopping centre as part of managing the future

growth and development of the northern suburbs. It recognised

that Newlands Centre is one of the less successful centres in

the city, but its revitalisation is an important component of the

future vision for the northern suburbs.

The NGMF also outlines a number of principles that are relevant

to the future development of Newlands Centre including:

• buildingonexistingcommunities

• strengtheningtowncentres

• developingattractive,diverseandliveableneighbourhoods

that offer housing choice, promote walkability and allow for

intensiﬁcation over time

• promotingastrongsenseofidentity

• providingattractivepublicopenspaceswithin

neighbourhoods

• usinginnovativeandcreativeapproachestoeconomicgrowth

and working in partnership with stakeholders.

Detailed information gathering and planning work to support

the development of a long-term plan for Newlands Centre

began in early 2006 and was linked to the proposal to build

a new community centre in Newlands. Public consultation on

an initial draft plan took place in November 2006 (refer section

1.6). The construction of the Newlands Community Centre was

completed in late 2008.

1.3 Newlands – an important

district centre

The Council’s Urban Development Strategy sets the overall

framework for managing growth and change in Wellington City

and aims to ensure that growth takes place where the beneﬁts

are greatest.

Newlands Centre was developed in the 1960’s following the

start of large-scale subdivision of the suburb during the late

1950’s. It is now an established and important suburban

centre, with good links to the central city and to Johnsonville.

Population ﬁgures from the 2006 Census indicate that there are

approximately 9300 people living in Newlands. Statistics New

Zealand’s latest population growth ﬁgures estimate that there

will be approximately 2000 more people living in Newlands

by 2031. It is anticipated that much of this growth will be

accommodated by more medium-density housing, with some of

this located in and around Newlands Centre.

The Council’s Centres Policy (adopted in August 2008) sets the

framework to guide the development and management of

Wellington City’s diverse range of centres. The key objective

of the policy is to maintain and strengthen Wellington City’s

existing suburban centres. It promotes the development of

centre plans to help strengthen key centres and to ensure their

integrated and sustainable development.

Newlands Centre is identiﬁed in the Centres Policy as one of

the city’s district centres. As a district centre, its key roles and

functions include:

• servicingthesurroundingsuburb(s)

• providingmoderateretailopportunities(thatis,10,000m2

total ﬂoorspace) including convenience-based retail servicing

for day-to-day needs and a small/medium supermarket

• residentialaccommodationabovethegroundoor

commercial and retail uses

• communityfacilitiesandservices

• recreationalandentertainmentactivities

• small-scaleprofessionalofceuse

• verygoodaccessibilitybypublictransport

• on-streetandoff-streetparking.

Although Johnsonville town centre – one of the city’s key

regional centres – is located only a few kilometres from

Newlands, Newlands Centre is still considered important and

has the potential to function as a stronger local centre for its

surrounding community. It has signiﬁcant existing investment,

a growing local community, and provides important services

and facilities to support the community.

Shaping the future of Newlands Centre

1.4 The existing context

The plan below explains the existing context of Newlands Centre. It identiﬁes the key components of the Centre and key issues and

concerns reﬂected in public feedback and information gathering processes.

Shaping the future of Newlands Centre

1.5 Key issues, challenges and

opportunities

The aim of this plan is to set a future vision for revitalising and

redeveloping Newlands Centre. The vision includes introducing

a wider range of services and shops, better quality public

spaces and amenities, more people using the area’s shops and

community facilities, and more people living and working in

the area.

Development would provide opportunities to improve the look

and feel of Newlands Centre, and create a more interesting

and vibrant place to visit, shop, live and work in. However,

development also presents challenges that need to be carefully

managed. These challenges include the impact of development

on trafﬁc, car parking and pedestrian movements to and

through the centre, and on maintaining the character of

Newlands and enhancing its sense of place.

Some of the key issues and opportunities for Newlands

Centre include:

• strengtheningandenhancingthecentre,providingmoreofa

focal point for the Newlands suburb, and a more vibrant and

well-designed local shopping destination

• usingnewbuildingstoimprovetheoveralldesignqualityand

attractiveness of Newlands Centre

• creatingamuchmore‘people-friendly’environment

with new and improved public spaces and good

pedestrian provisions

• improvingvehicleandpedestrianaccesstoandthrough

Newlands Centre, encouraging good public transport

facilities and ensuring adequate parking for shoppers and

short-stay visitors

• increasingpeoples’safetyandsecurityinandaroundthe

centre at all times through better design of buildings

and spaces

• creatingstrongerconnectionsbetweenNewlandsCentre,

the community centre, and other community and recreation

facilities such as the community hall, Newlands Park, the

skate park, local schools and childcare facilities

• improvingorredevelopingCouncil-ownedassets(egCouncil

housing, road reserve and car parking areas etc) to help assist

the revitalisation of the centre

• recognisingthecontributionprivatesectorinvestmentcan

make to the revitalisation of the centre and the achievement

of the vision.

1.6 Strengths and weaknesses,

opportunities and threats

Information gathering and community consultation indicates

that there are a number of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities

and threats relevant to Newlands Centre and its revitalisation.

The analysis indicates that:

• Newlandshasthepotentialtostrengthenitsroleasa

district centre serving the day-to-day needs of the

surrounding suburbs.

• Newlandshasmanypositiveattributesthatcontributetoits

long-term development, for example:

– close proximity to the central city via road and

public transport

– a range of good community, education and

recreational facilities

– a large area of ﬂat and accessible land within the suburban

centre area

– interesting topography and visual connections to

surrounding hills and ridgelines

– ample car parking

– a growing population base

– opportunities for living within close walking distance of

shops, services and public transport.

• However,thereareanumberofchallengestoovercome

including:

– lack of investment

– poor quality built environment

– poor pedestrian access through and around the

town centre

– poor quality public spaces

– poor connections and integration between the different

‘sub-areas’ofthetowncentre,forexample,theMcMillan

Court shopping mall area, Batchelor Street area (to the rear

of the mall, including the community centre and tavern

areas), and the Newlands Road commercial area.

• ThesuccessfulrevitalisationandredevelopmentofNewlands

Centre will hinge on private investment opportunities coupled

with Council investment in good quality public open space,

streetscape and pedestrian provisions.

Shaping the future of Newlands Centre

NewlaNds CeNtre – streNgths, weakNesses, opportuNities aNd threats

Strengths Weaknesses

Good access to central city and Johnsonville town centre through road

and bus connections

Serves a growing population base, particularly with the development

of nearby suburbs like Woodridge

Good community, education and recreational facilities within close

proximity eg new community centre, Newlands Park and skate park,

sportsﬁelds, schools

Land capacity within the town centre; large area of ﬂat and

accessible land

The Council owns land and assets in and around the centre and may

be able to utilise these to contribute to the revitalisation of the area

There is a ﬂexible planning regime that does not overly restrict

land uses

Relatively strong sense of community; more family friendly and slower

pace than central city

Good level of community support for revitalisation of the centre

Good amounts of off-street and on-street parking

Contour differences offer potential for underground parking and for

varied building heights with minimal impact.

Poorly designed, disjointed and not performing to its full potential

No signiﬁcant retail anchor

Many areas of the centre are in a poor state of repair requiring private

and/or Council investment to improve

Fragmented land ownership and multiple land owners

There are several areas where people feel unsafe and there is evidence

of tagging and vandalism

Pedestrian connections and public open spaces are limited and/or in

poor condition

Land improvement costs are high compared to land value making it

difﬁcult for the market to respond to redevelopment

Vehicles and car parking areas dominate the area

Newlands Road carries a relatively high level of trafﬁc and is difﬁcult

to cross safely; there is no direct and safe pedestrian connection across

Newlands Road to the bus stop, Newlands Park and Newlands

Primary School

Pedestrian routes through the centre are not well deﬁned

Lack of housing choice

Relatively exposed in all weather conditions

Very little after-hours activity

The internally focused layout of the shops in the mall area reduces the

ability to have active street edges fronting Bracken Road and Stewart

Drive. The layout also creates an awkward, non-active area behind

the shops.

Opportunities Threats

There is a signiﬁcant proposed private investment (a new supermarket)

– this would contribute signiﬁcantly to the revitalisation of the centre,

in combination with car parking and public open space improvements

Introducing residential development in the centre and increasing the

density of residential areas immediately around it would help support

the centre and increase its vibrancy

Long-term redevelopment opportunity within the retail/commercial

area, including residential living above ground ﬂoor activities

Opportunity to build off the investment made in the new community

centre and create a stronger link with the rest of the centre,

particularly the main retail area

Signiﬁcant opportunity to make the centre a lot more pedestrian

friendly and to create a new pedestrian-focused area within the main

shopping area

There is signiﬁcant opportunity to improve the overall design of the

centre, and to make Newlands into a more distinctive place with a

positive identity

Long-term there is an opportunity to create a more active street

frontage along Newlands Road with a mix of commercial, business

and retail activities at ground level, and residential living above

Renovation/redevelopment of the Council housing stock in

Batchelor Street

With an upgrade of the central car parking areas, there is an

opportunity to improve parking to support local businesses and

services; and to formalise other car parking areas.

Ad-hoc development within the Centre has the potential to

signiﬁcantly constrain redevelopment and revitalisation efforts

The level of improvement to the Centre will largely depend on what

private investment can be attracted

General lack of investment – other areas of the city are more attractive

for private investors; other areas rate as higher priority in terms of

Council investment

Economic downturn delays private/commercial investment

Lack of buy-in to the future development potential of Newlands Centre

by landowners, investors and developers

Disparate land ownership constrains future redevelopment by making

it difﬁcult to amalgamate sufﬁcient land to enable development

schemes to proceed or to gain consensus on development proposals

Growth in vehicle trafﬁc will increase congestion and make conditions

for pedestrians unsafe and unpleasant

Lack of implementation mechanisms and limited Council funding for

new projects

Lack of long-term political will and community consensus to achieve

the vision.

Shaping the future of Newlands Centre

Part 2: A future vision

2.1 Long-term vision for Newlands Centre

Newlands Centre is a vibrant, functional, attractive and pedestrian-friendly mixed-use

urban village with good access to community services, public transport, and outdoor and

recreational facilities. High quality development is important and the centre should be

laid out to provide vibrant spaces that connect with surrounding areas. New buildings

and public spaces enhance the area’s sense of place. Newlands Centre is an inviting and

safe place to be in.

Shaping the future of Newlands Centre

Newlands Centre was developed as a commercial centre in the

1960s to provide retail and servicing facilities for a growing

suburb. It was once a bustling shopping centre with a range of

shops and services on hand for local residents. However, over

the years there has been a marked decline in the quality and

role of the Newlands Centre as a community shopping centre.

Much of this decline can be attributed to the development

of Johnsonville town centre and its shopping mall and a

subsequent lack of investment in the Newlands Centre.

Newlands Centre has signiﬁcant potential to strengthen its

role as a district centre serving the day-to-day needs of the

surrounding suburbs of Newlands, Woodridge, Johnsonville East

and Paparangi. Many positive attributes support its long-term

revitalisation and redevelopment including:

• closeproximitytothecentralcitythroughroadand

public transport

• arangeofgoodcommunity,educationandrecreational

facilities in close proximity

• alargeareaofatandaccessiblelandwithinthecentre

• interestingtopographyandvisualconnectionstosurrounding

hills and ridgelines

• goodcarparking

• agrowingpopulationbase

• opportunitiesforresidentiallivingwithinclosewalking

distance of shops, services and public transport.

These positive attributes provide an opportunity to develop

the area in a more integrated manner, with an emphasis on

encouraging more mixed residential, retail and commercial

development into the centre. The Council will work with

landowners, investors, businesses and the community to

develop Newlands Centre into a more vibrant urban village.

The future development of Newlands Centre will be guided

by the development principles set out in section 2.2 and the

concept plans in section 2.3. The concept plans set out the

vision for Newlands Centre and identify potential short and

long-term development opportunities yet are still ﬂexible

enough to cope with change. The plans identify sites with

potential for redevelopment by private landowners and

developers, as well as opportunities for Council investment,

such as public space and car parking improvements, better

pedestrian connections and Council housing improvements.

2.2 Key guiding principles

To help achieve the long-term vision, the following key

principles (explained in more detail on the following pages)

will guide the future revitalisation and redevelopment of

Newlands Centre:

(a) role and identity

(b) land use and activities

(d) public open spaces and the pedestrian cycle network

(e) urban form

Shaping the future of Newlands Centre

• ThecentralMcMillanCourtcarparkareashouldbedesigned

as a multi-use space for both vehicles and pedestrians,

supported by good quality buildings around its edges to

support a high amenity pedestrian experience.

• Enhancethecentre’smainentrancewayoffBrackenRoadfor

pedestrian and vehicle trafﬁc. This could include improving

the main vehicle entrance/exit point, ensuring good quality

landscaping, improving footpath and pedestrian provisions

and retaining the Newlands shopping centre sign.

• Createasinglemainpublicspace/pedestrianfocalpoint

located between the existing retail shops, the old bakery

building and the McMillan Court car park area. Integrate with

the proposed improvement of the north-south pedestrian

route and the car park upgrade.

• RetainandenhancelongviewsthroughNewlandsCentreto

surrounding hills and ridgelines.

Long-term strategies:

• Improvethevisibilityofthefollowingkeysitesbyrequiring

high quality design to be part of any future private

redevelopment proposal(s). Design of buildings and spaces

should be appropriate to their prominence and importance

to the centre and their location on key approaches:

– the corner of Newlands Road and Atkinson Street, and

along the northbound Newlands Road frontage

– the corner of Bracken Road and Newlands Road

– the eastern corner of Stewart Drive and Batchelor Street.

(a) Role and identity

Create a stronger ‘gateway entrance’ to Newlands Centre, develop a stronger focal point for the shopping centre, and

enhance the area’s sense of place.

Explanation:

Improvements to the Newlands Road approach to the centre,

and to its key entrance points in the main shopping area of

McMillan Court will help create a better sense of arrival and a

more attractive, welcoming entry to the centre.

The development of a stronger focal point/centre of activity

for Newlands Centre will help boost its vitality and vibrancy.

The Council, in conjunction with landowners and developers,

will work to improve the quality and attractiveness of the

centre, particularly the central McMillan Court shopping area.

Improvements to buildings, public spaces and streetscape will

help create a stronger sense of place and increase community

pride in Newlands Centre. The Council will work with local

businesses, private landowners and developers to ensure

development proposals contribute to a more vibrant and

attractive centre.

Short-term and ongoing strategies:

• Improveandenhancethecentre’ssenseofplacethrough

ensuring good quality urban design in new developments,

the creation of strong pedestrian connections and linkages,

and incorporation of existing character features where

appropriate into the design of new buildings and

public spaces.

• Retainandenhancetheimportantelementsthatcontribute

to Newlands Centre’s distinct and identiﬁable character,

including the small-scale strip retail buildings fronting

the McMillan Court area, the character signage and the

planted banks.

Visualisation: A potential long-term vision for McMillan Court

Shaping the future of Newlands Centre

(b) Land use and activities

Encourage and facilitate redevelopment in and around Newlands Centre for a range of uses and activities. Use the

community centre to enhance the integration of activities and spaces across the Centre.

Explanation:

Encouraging a mix of uses and activities within Newlands

Centre is of key importance to achieving a more vital and vibrant

centre that will better serve the local community’s needs. The

future development of the centre should include a range of

opportunities and choices for work, living and social interaction.

This means an accessible and well-designed centre, with a mix

of retail and commercial activities, residential activities, good

car parking, good quality public spaces, and good access to

public transport, community, education and recreation facilities.

A greater range of housing types will help cater for different

housing needs, including residential living above the ground-

ﬂoor activities in the centre, and more medium-density housing

development in the residential areas surrounding the centre.

Increased residential activities will also help increase the

area’s vitality.

The new community centre provides a much-needed boost to

Newlands by adding increased community focus and amenity

to the area. There is an opportunity to further enhance and

strengthen the community centre’s relationship with the rest

of the centre, especially with the main retail/commercial

area, through better quality pedestrian connections and

public spaces.

Short-term and ongoing strategies:

• Workwithprivatelandownersandinvestorstoencourage

the development of a mix of retail, commercial and

residential activities within Newlands Centre with active

building frontages at ground level where appropriate.

• Recognisethenewcommunitycentreasanimportant

community asset and ensure its integration into the long-

term revitalisation of Newlands Centre.

• UtiliseCouncil-ownedassetssuchaspublicspaces,Council

housing, community facilities, recreational facilities,

reserve land and legal road and reserve to help support the

redevelopment and revitalisation of Newlands Centre.

• SupporttherevitalisationandredevelopmentofNewlands

Centre through District Plan objectives, policies, rules and

urban design guidance.

• InvestigateopportunitiesforredevelopingtheCommunity

House site on the corner of Batchelor and Atkinson Streets

to help support the revitalisation and redevelopment of

the centre.

Long-term strategies:

• Encouragemoreintensiveresidentiallivinginandaround

Newlands Centre including:

– above commercial/retail uses on Newlands Road and along

the Batchelor Street frontage

– on the western edge of Batchelor Street

– on the corner of Batchelor Street and Stewart Drive, above

commercial spaces for professional suites and home ofﬁces

on the Stewart Drive frontage

– in residential areas immediately surrounding the centre.

• Requireactivebuildingfrontagesalongtheproposedeast-

west shared street, running between the community centre

and the main retail shopping area, when any signiﬁcant

upgrade of existing buildings or redevelopment of sites

are proposed.

• Longerterm,encourageamixofusesonthetavernsite

with any redevelopment proposal, including privately

provided community uses and activities and medium-density

residential living.

• Aspartofamoredetailedmaster-planningprocess,explore

the development of a community park , including a new

community playground facility, within Newlands Park. Also

investigate the potential for enhancing facilities for the youth

community, an all weather track/ ﬁtness course, a walkway

link to Robert Street, improved drainage and parking facilities.

• WorkwiththeNewlandsVolunteerFireBrigadetoexplore

the relocation of the Newlands Fire Station to a larger more

ﬁt-for-purpose site, to enable clearer and easier access

to Newlands Park, the skate park and the potential

community park.

Shaping the future of Newlands Centre

Ensure vehicle access and parking supports the centre’s land uses, provides for accessibility, connectivity and safety, and

supports high quality public spaces.

Explanation:

Providing safe and easily accessible vehicle access and short-

stay parking is important to the successful revitalisation of

Newlands Centre, and to ensuring its vibrancy and vitality. Good

vehicle access to the centre and good parking for shoppers and

short-stay visitors helps to support businesses and services (the

key role and function of the centre). The provision of commuter

‘park and ride’ facilities within the centre’s main shopping area

(i.e. the McMillan Court area) is not consistent with the role of

the centre. Vehicle access and parking should be developed in a

way that enables the creation of high quality public spaces and

considers pedestrian and cyclist needs and safety.

Short-term and ongoing strategies:

• Usenewdevelopmentproposalsasanopportunitytoimprove

the design and layout of vehicle access, servicing and car

parking within Newlands Centre.

• Ensurethereisadequatecarparkingtosupporttheday-

to-day functioning of Newlands Centre, its businesses and

supporting services, for example:

– maintain public parking spaces within the centre and on

the surrounding streets

– manage time-limited parking within the McMillan Court

shopping area so that there are adequate parking spaces

available to shoppers and short-stay visitors

– formalise and upgrade car parking areas in the space

behind the existing McMillan Court shops and adjacent

to the tavern car park for additional parking areas (this

includes securing appropriate access).

• Supporttheuseofpublictransportservicesbyworkingwith

Greater Wellington Regional Council to:

– improve the accessibility, quality and safety of bus stops

– ensure good pedestrian and cycle links to public transport,

and the provision of secure bicycle parking areas

– identify the potential for improved public transport

networks and timetables for bus services.

• Examinetheneedtointroducekerbextensionstoincrease

pavement widths and reduce road widths at crossing points

and on corners at key pedestrian access points to the centre.

• Investigatethepartialre-openingofAtkinsonStreetfor

vehicle trafﬁc (limited access – left in/left out) to help

improve accessibility to and from the centre, particularly the

community centre.

Long-term strategies:

• Atthetimewhenanyredevelopmentisproposedtothe

commercial properties fronting Newlands Road, investigate

introducing a service lane to help improve access to these

businesses and provide for parking.

Visualisation: A potential long-term vision for Newlands Road/Atkinson Court

Shaping the future of Newlands Centre

(d) Public open spaces and the pedestrian and cycle network

Improve the amenity and integration of the centre with better quality and safer public open spaces, pedestrian and

cycle connections.

Explanation:

There is a strong community desire to turn Newlands Centre into

a safer, more attractive and people-friendly area. This requires

an emphasis on creating well-designed attractive public spaces

and good quality pedestrian and cycle connections. Such

improvements will help to better connect and integrate the

different parts of the centre, and are of critical importance to its

successful revitalisation. An improved pedestrian environment

will make the centre a more attractive place to visit and to do

business. Good lighting, attractive well-maintained spaces

and high quality connections will also help improve the area

and its safety.

More priority should be given to pedestrians within the centre

with pedestrian-friendly street treatments such as paving,

landscaping, signage, and limits on vehicle access and speeds.

Stronger pedestrian and cycle connections to public spaces,

public transport, schools, housing, and community and

recreational areas, both located within the centre and on its

edges, will be created over time with new development.

Emphasis will be placed on the development of two strong, high

quality pedestrian links through the centre – one north-south

(linking Stewart Drive and Newlands Road) and one east-

west (linking Batchelor Street with the main shopping area of

McMillan Court). A better quality central public space/gathering

area (located between the existing retail strip, the old bakery

building and the McMillan Court retail area) will be investigated

with the strengthening of these pedestrian routes.

Short-term and ongoing strategies:

• Improvepedestrianandcycleconnectionstoandwithinthe

centre by ensuring any new development or redevelopment

recognises the importance of pedestrians and cyclists and

provides for accessible, safe and high quality connections.

• Strengthenpedestrianandcyclelinkstopublictransport

facilities and support the development of secure bicycle

parking areas.

• WorkwithNewlandsPrimaryandBellevuePrimarytoprepare

a school travel plan to help increase safety in and around the

Newlands Road area and to help address congestion issues.

• Inanypublicspace/streetscapeupgradeworks,ensurepublic

open spaces link in with the pedestrian network by aligning

public space entry and access points with pedestrian routes.

• UndertakeasafetyauditoftheCentrepriortotheplanned

supermarket development and the McMillan Court car park

and public space improvements to identify and help address

public safety concerns.

• Supportopportunitiesforpassivesurveillancearoundthe

edges of open space areas, including car parking areas and

pedestrian links to make them safer.

• Createtwostrong(visuallyclear,accessible,wellconstructed

and high amenity) pedestrian links through the centre to

form the foundation of an improved pedestrian network

as follows:

– between Stewart Drive and Newlands Road (north-south

direction), including a connection across Newlands Road to

the bus stop, community hall, Newlands Park; and

– between Batchelor Street and the main retail shopping area

(east-west direction).

North-South pedestrian link

East-West pedestrian link

Bus stops

key pedestriaN liNks

Shaping the future of Newlands Centre

• Aspartofanyimprovementstothepedestriannetwork,

enhance key access points to the centre including:

– the walkway between Newlands Road and the main

shopping area

– the entrance from Bracken Road and access through to

the shops (including the existing ramp and steps from

Bracken Road)

– the entrance from Stewart Drive to the shops.

• Aspartofimprovingandenhancingthepedestrian

connection between the community centre and the main

retail shopping area, treat the accessway between the

communitycentreandthetavernasa‘sharedstreet’.

Give a clear signal to vehicles that pedestrians have priority

in this area by using clear signage, landscaping and limiting

vehicle speeds.

• Aspartofimprovementstothecentre’spedestrian

environment, explore the opportunities for improving the

covered pedestrian area located between the existing shops

(under the glass canopy) to help create a covered, useable, all

weather space.

• Constructanewpublictoiletfacilityadjacenttotheoldbakery

building and ensure it is clearly visible from the car park and

pedestrian route(s) and is easily accessible.

Long-term strategies:

• Withanysignicantfutureredevelopmentofthetavernsite,

encourage a design that would set the building back, helping

create a larger public space area fronting the accessway

and Batchelor Street. This would increase the pedestrian

friendliness of the area, create a more active street front, and

enhance the relationship with the community centre.

• Formaliseapedestrianwalkwayconnectionfromtheendof

Robert Street through to Newlands Road.

Visualisation: A potential long-term vision for Batchelor Street/new East-West shared street and square

Shaping the future of Newlands Centre

(e) Urban form

Improve the amenity of Newlands Centre by ensuring quality design of all new buildings and spaces.

Explanation:

Many buildings and spaces, including car parking areas,

within the centre are currently in a poor state of repair, are

poorly connected and unsafe. The urban form of the centre is

also disjointed. A number of distinct sub-areas – such as the

main shopping area (McMillan Court), Batchelor Street, and

the Newlands Road commercial area – are poorly connected,

especially for pedestrians.

New development and redevelopment of existing sites and

buildings within Newlands Centre should contribute to the

creation of a more attractive, efﬁcient, accessible and well-

connected urban area. New buildings and spaces that are well-

designed, attractive and consider the context of the wider centre

in their design, will considerably improve the overall ‘look and

feel’ of Newlands Centre as well as its day-to-day functioning

as a district centre serving the local community.

Short-term and ongoing strategies:

• Newdevelopmentandredevelopmentactivitieswithin

Newlands Centre should be consistent with the urban design

guidance provided in the District Plan design guide.

• TheCouncilwillencouragetheinnovative,sustainablere-use

of any existing buildings that are retained and incorporated

into new developments.

• Ensurethetwo‘hubs’oranchorsofNewlandsCentre–the

community centre and the main shopping area (McMillan

Court) – are strongly linked and are the focus of the improved

pedestrian network.

• Ensurethecreationofgoodqualitypublicspacesandcar-

parking areas as part of any redevelopment activities or

improvements to the pedestrian environment, for example:

– visually reduce the scale of large areas of car parking and

create a more pedestrian friendly environment by using

planting, landscaping and surface treatments like paving

– create an inviting character for the main shopping area

with shop fronts opening directly to pedestrian routes/

footpaths and public open space areas, and awnings for

weather protection

– ensure good quality landscaping compliments all new

buildings and developments

– align new buildings to better deﬁne and enhance the

quality of existing and proposed future public space areas.

• Protectthecharacter,amenityandoutlookofresidential

areas neighbouring the centre by ensuring the buildings are

scaled appropriately.

Long-term strategies:

• Encouragesetbacks(oorsabovegroundlevelaresetback

from the street front to make the building appear lower)

for any redevelopment of the following sites, to maintain a

‘pedestrian’scaleandforamenityreasons:

– corner of Stewart Drive and Batchelor Street

– corner of Bracken Road and Stewart Drive; setbacks also to

the car park to minimise overshadowing, provide privacy

and reduce noise

– Newlands Road – for residential amenity and to provide

privacy and reduce noise; also setback from the rear service

lane to ensure adequate sun penetration to all units south

of the steep bank up to the higher part of the site

– northern-most retail group next to the old bakery building

– setback to the pedestrian route.

• Encouragetheredevelopmentandconsolidationofthe

corner lot on Stewart Drive/Batchelor Street to provide a more

appropriate building and higher intensity of use.

• Ensurethatthescale,massandproportionsofanynew

building development along Newlands Road reﬂects the

original scale of smaller lot subdivision.

• Makethemostofthestrategiclocationofthesouthern

‘entry’pointtoNewlands–thecornerofAtkinsonStreetand

Newlands Road – by requiring any signiﬁcant redevelopment

of the site to include a high quality building, integrated with

public domain and pedestrian elements. The corner building

on this site could be a feature building.

land use encouraged to

transition to trade retail / high

quality showroom from industrial

Redesigned car

park - all edges

to be high quality

and provide a high

amenity pedestrian

experience.

Important pedestrian

intersection / node:

to be redesigned

as high quality,

pedestrian focussed

public space.

Pedestrian safety of

key importance.

To Newlands

School

Proposed

walkway link to

Robert Street

Community building

to be removed

Council Housing

Skate

Park

Improved pedestrian

/ public space area

between shops

provides an attractive,

covered, usable,

all-weather space for

people.

Millan Court

Community

Centre

KEY ELEMENTS

Potential retail/commercial development active frontages of

redeveloped building should be provided (minimum 70 per

cent transparency) where shown.

Enhance area as a focal point for pedestrian activity

comprising attractive, usable space.

Remove small canopy from North-South link, redesign public

space area to work with proposed pedestrian focal point at 2.

Improved pedestrian conditions. Southern most shop ‘turns

the corner’ with window to improve safety.

Require active frontage to the tavern site (fronting accessway)

with any signiﬁcant redevelopment proposal.

LEGEND

public open space

open space

pedestrian network

existing buildings

potential new development

active frontages

parking

service area

BUS

bus stop

new pedestrian focal point

existing pedestrian crossing (zebra)

enhanced pedestrian crossing point

(indicative location)

Potential supermarket development. Active building frontage

to the main car park. Clear and visible pedestrian access

to existing retail and proposed supermarket entry. Parking

underneath supermarket - access off Newlands Road.

Development subject to road stopping application - to be

consulted on at a later date.

Retain and enhance the walkway linkage to Newlands Road.

Supermarket to provide awnings and lighting to ramped

section alongside its western edge including wrapping

around to Newlands Road.

Proposed East-West shared access link. Surface treatment

is to be consistent with the pedestrian network through

the site. Link to be used by a range of users, but priority to

be given to pedestrians. Appropriate signage and safety

measures required. Access to be negotiated.

New public toilets, well lit and visable from street, bus stop,

and car parking area.

Improved safety for pedestrian access across Newlands Road.

To be subject to more detailed design process. Could include

new pedestrian crossing and bus stop relocation.

Investigate re-opening Atkinson Road to left in-left out trafﬁc

with kerb widening to prioritise pedestrians and to slow

vehicle speeds.

Consider relocating the Bracken Road pedestrian crossing

to form continuation of East-West link alignment if car park

entry moves north with supermarket development.

Formalise car parking areas; potential for long-stay commuter

parking.

As part of any new development proposals, buildings on

Newlands Road to provide pedestrian entry canopies to

footpath. Relocate footpath to front of buildings to improve

pedestrian safety.

Fire station building to be removed if Fire Service relocates,

enabling space to be potentially redeveloped as a community

park including a new community playground.

Investigate the opportunities (and their feasibility) for

redevelopment of the the former Community House site.

Short Term Development Vision, 1-5 years

Newlands School

2.3 Newlands Centre concept plans: possible short and long term

development visions

2.3.1 CoNCept plaN demoNstratiNg key elemeNts oF the short-term visioN (1–5 years)

Shaping the future of Newlands Centre

land use encouraged to

transition to trade retail / high

quality showroom from industrial

Redesigned car

park - all edges

to be high quality

and provide a high

amenity pedestrian

experience.

Important pedestrian

intersection / node:

to be redesigned

as high quality,

pedestrian focussed

public space.

Pedestrian safety of

key importance.

To Newlands

School

Proposed

walkway link to

Robert Street

Community building

to be removed

Council Housing

Skate

Park

Improved pedestrian

/ public space area

between shops

provides an attractive,

covered, usable,

all-weather space for

people.

Millan Court

Community

Centre

KEY ELEMENTS

Potential retail/commercial development active frontages of

redeveloped building should be provided (minimum 70 per

cent transparency) where shown.

Enhance area as a focal point for pedestrian activity

comprising attractive, usable space.

Remove small canopy from North-South link, redesign public

space area to work with proposed pedestrian focal point at 2.

Improved pedestrian conditions. Southern most shop ‘turns

the corner’ with window to improve safety.

Require active frontage to the tavern site (fronting accessway)

with any signiﬁcant redevelopment proposal.

LEGEND

public open space

open space

pedestrian network

existing buildings

potential new development

active frontages

parking

service area

BUS

bus stop

new pedestrian focal point

existing pedestrian crossing (zebra)

enhanced pedestrian crossing point

(indicative location)

Potential supermarket development. Active building frontage

to the main car park. Clear and visible pedestrian access

to existing retail and proposed supermarket entry. Parking

underneath supermarket - access off Newlands Road.

Development subject to road stopping application - to be

consulted on at a later date.

Retain and enhance the walkway linkage to Newlands Road.

Supermarket to provide awnings and lighting to ramped

section alongside its western edge including wrapping

around to Newlands Road.

Proposed East-West shared access link. Surface treatment

is to be consistent with the pedestrian network through

the site. Link to be used by a range of users, but priority to

be given to pedestrians. Appropriate signage and safety

measures required. Access to be negotiated.

New public toilets, well lit and visable from street, bus stop,

and car parking area.

Improved safety for pedestrian access across Newlands Road.

To be subject to more detailed design process. Could include

new pedestrian crossing and bus stop relocation.

Investigate re-opening Atkinson Road to left in-left out trafﬁc

with kerb widening to prioritise pedestrians and to slow

vehicle speeds.

Consider relocating the Bracken Road pedestrian crossing

to form continuation of East-West link alignment if car park

entry moves north with supermarket development.

Formalise car parking areas; potential for long-stay commuter

parking.

As part of any new development proposals, buildings on

Newlands Road to provide pedestrian entry canopies to

footpath. Relocate footpath to front of buildings to improve

pedestrian safety.

Fire station building to be removed if Fire Service relocates,

enabling space to be potentially redeveloped as a community

park including a new community playground.

Investigate the opportunities (and their feasibility) for

redevelopment of the the former Community House site.

Short Term Development Vision, 1-5 years

Newlands School

2.3.2 CoNCept plaN demoNstratiNg key elemeNts oF the loNg-term visioN

(lookiNg Forward 20 years)

Shaping the future of Newlands Centre

Potential comprehensive

redevelopment of Council

housing. Higher density

residential - up to 3 storeys

(suggest limit overall max

height to 11 metres)

KEY ELEMENTS

Potential for comprehensive redevelopment of this site as

mixed use with retail / commercial focus.

Potential for redevelopment as mixed use with residential

focus (could include home oﬁces) : potential for 3 storeys.

LEGEND

public open space

open space

primary pedestrian pathways

existing buildings

potential new development

relocated canopy

active frontages

minimum 50% active frontages

parking

service area

BUS

bus stop

new pedestrian focal points

existing pedestrian crossing (zebra)

enhanced pedestrian crossing point

(indicative location)

potential redevelopment site

Long-term redevelopment opportunity for mixed uses

- opportunity to reconﬁgure building form and street

frontage. Work with owner to incorporate a high quality

public space with a relationship to the community centre.

2-3 stories possible.

Enable redevelopment of units on Newlands Road

as commercial / trade retail at ground level with

residential or commercial above. Possibly 3-4 storeys in

height. Opportunity to reconﬁgure parking as part of

redevelopment.

Future redevelopment of Newlands Road units provides

opportunity to create high quality gateway entry to

Newlands, including landmark building on visible corner

with Atkinson Street.

Future redevelopment of Old Bakery site to support a mix

of uses including potential for residential above ground

level (would need good design to provide appropriate level

of amenity for residents as well as an attractive facade to

the car park on McMillan Court).

If / when long stay parking areas no longer required, work

with key landowners to ensure development of Council

land for more active uses is viable.

Potential redevelopment / refurbishment of existing

shop buildings fronting onto McMillan Court to provide

low scale central retail bulding (max 2 storeys). Require

redevelopment (if it occurs) to be integrated to maintain

integrity of horizontal form and sense of ‘one building.’

Redevelopment to consider reducing building footprint to

provide more pedestrian space to south of building.

Potential redevelopment of existing Council housing

to provide higher density residential of up to 3 storeys.

Possible mixed tenure. Would be dependant on feasibility

study and new funding and/or partnership with third party.

Potential redevelopment of Council reserve land -

dependant on the results of the feasibility study to be

undertaken in years 1-5.

Investigate potential to provide covered all-weather space

which could be achieved by extending the existing canopy.

Hindu Temple potential extension

Skate

Park

Supermarket

To Newlands

School

Footpath in front

of shops

Proposed link to

Robert Street

Land use encouraged to

transition to trade retail / high

quality showroom from industrial

Potential new community park,

subject to master planning

exercise

Potential reconﬁguring of Atkinson

Street corner - dependant on

results of feasibility study (would

include relocation of pedestrian

crossing to ensure safety)

Important pedestrian

focus point. Pedestrian

safety of key importance

Newlands School

Long Term Development Vision, 20 years

Shaping the future of Newlands Centre

Potential comprehensive

redevelopment of Council

housing. Higher density

residential - up to 3 storeys

(suggest limit overall max

height to 11 metres)

KEY ELEMENTS

Potential for comprehensive redevelopment of this site as

mixed use with retail / commercial focus.

Potential for redevelopment as mixed use with residential

focus (could include home oﬁces) : potential for 3 storeys.

LEGEND

public open space

open space

primary pedestrian pathways

existing buildings

potential new development

relocated canopy

active frontages

minimum 50% active frontages

parking

service area

BUS

bus stop

new pedestrian focal points

existing pedestrian crossing (zebra)

enhanced pedestrian crossing point

(indicative location)

potential redevelopment site

Long-term redevelopment opportunity for mixed uses

- opportunity to reconﬁgure building form and street

frontage. Work with owner to incorporate a high quality

public space with a relationship to the community centre.

2-3 stories possible.

Enable redevelopment of units on Newlands Road

as commercial / trade retail at ground level with

residential or commercial above. Possibly 3-4 storeys in

height. Opportunity to reconﬁgure parking as part of

redevelopment.

Future redevelopment of Newlands Road units provides

opportunity to create high quality gateway entry to

Newlands, including landmark building on visible corner

with Atkinson Street.

Future redevelopment of Old Bakery site to support a mix

of uses including potential for residential above ground

level (would need good design to provide appropriate level

of amenity for residents as well as an attractive facade to

the car park on McMillan Court).

If / when long stay parking areas no longer required, work

with key landowners to ensure development of Council

land for more active uses is viable.

Potential redevelopment / refurbishment of existing

shop buildings fronting onto McMillan Court to provide

low scale central retail bulding (max 2 storeys). Require

redevelopment (if it occurs) to be integrated to maintain

integrity of horizontal form and sense of ‘one building.’

Redevelopment to consider reducing building footprint to

provide more pedestrian space to south of building.

Potential redevelopment of existing Council housing

to provide higher density residential of up to 3 storeys.

Possible mixed tenure. Would be dependant on feasibility

study and new funding and/or partnership with third party.

Potential redevelopment of Council reserve land -

dependant on the results of the feasibility study to be

undertaken in years 1-5.

Investigate potential to provide covered all-weather space

which could be achieved by extending the existing canopy.

Hindu Temple potential extension

Skate

Park

Supermarket

To Newlands

School

Footpath in front

of shops

Proposed link to

Robert Street

Land use encouraged to

transition to trade retail / high

quality showroom from industrial

Potential new community park,

subject to master planning

exercise

Potential reconﬁguring of Atkinson

Street corner - dependant on

results of feasibility study (would

include relocation of pedestrian

crossing to ensure safety)

Important pedestrian

focus point. Pedestrian

safety of key importance

Newlands School

Long Term Development Vision, 20 years

Shaping the future of Newlands Centre

Part 3: Draft action plan

3.1 Achieving the vision for Newlands Centre

This section outlines the action plan for achieving the long-term vision for Newlands

Centre. The action plan gives an overall picture of the Council’s intentions in terms of

Newlands Centre and allows for coordination and partnership with other organisations,

landowners, developers and community groups.

Shaping the future of Newlands Centre

Actions are set out in accordance with the following headings:

• Our current actions (Table 1)

• Priorities for new funding (Tables 2 and 3)

• Working with others (Tables 4, 5 and 6)

• Working within the Council (Table 7)

• Monitoring and review (Table 8).

The tables show the indicative timing for actions, their relative

priority and resourcing implications. Flexibility has been built

into the Action Plan to recognise that some actions require

further feasibility testing, and also to enable work programmes

and new proposals to be developed in more detail over time. It

also recognises the linkages of many of the actions with other

related projects and work programmes and their timeframes,

including private sector development proposals.

Actions have been given a timeframe for implementation – these

will assist work programme planning and funding applications,

and help ensure the vision is affordable for the Council and the

community. The timeframes used in the action plan align with

the concept plan timeframes in section 2.3 of this Plan, that is:

• 1–5 years = short term

• 5–20 years = long term

• Ongoing = continual action over time.

In terms of the importance of actions to achieving the vision,

three levels of priority are identiﬁed:

• Priority 1 = essential to achieving the vision

• Priority 2 = important to achieving the vision

• Priority 3 = valuable opportunity to achieve the vision as

resourcing and funding becomes available.

A review provision is included in the action plan to ensure

changes can be made to the Plan over time, and to enable

progress to be measured.

3.2 Roles

Role of local businesses, retailers, landowners

and developers

While the Council will play an important role in realising the

vision, the majority of the development opportunities identiﬁed

will only be successfully achieved with buy-in, motivation and

investment from private landowners and developers, businesses

and retailers. The Council will work with these interests as much

as it can to encourage and stimulate development activity and

investment in order to achieve the goals set out in this town

centre plan.

Role of Council

The Council’s role in revitalising Newlands Centre will take

several forms from supporting and promoting positive change,

to directing investment in public works and improvements. The

Council has a real opportunity to work collaboratively on public

and private initiatives to ensure than any redevelopment and/or

infrastructure proposals maximise beneﬁts to the community.

Role of other stakeholders

Many of the opportunities proposed in this Centre Plan will only

be successfully achieved in partnership with others, including

the community. Key stakeholders and potential partners for the

Council in the revitalisation of Newlands Centre include:

Key stakeholders and potential partners Relevant issues/roles

Landowners, investors, developers and business owners Landowners; business owners; development of land and businesses

Business groups Business-led initiatives; community networks

Residents groups and community groups Community-led initiatives; community networks

Local schools Primary and secondary education providers; landowners

Early childhood education providers (eg creches, kindergartens) Early childhood education; landowners; community support

and networks

Local churches and religious groups/ associations Landowners; community support/ service/facility providers;

youth groups

Other community service providers Community support and networks

Wellington Tenths Trust Kaitiakitanga

Te Runanga o Toa Rangatira Kaitiakitanga

Greater Wellington Regional Council Public transport strategy; park and ride facilities; bus services; travel

planning; regional planning

Mana and Newlands Coach Services Bus services

Ministry of Education Schools; landowner

Housing New Zealand Corporation Social and affordable housing provider; landowner

Shaping the future of Newlands Centre

3.3 Funding

It is important to note that the availability of funding from the

Council for new projects proposed in this Plan is not guaranteed.

The prioritisation and funding of new proposals will be

determined as part of future Long-Term Council Community Plan

(LTCCP) and Annual Plan processes, when the Council considers

new initiatives and weighs up the priority and funding to be

given to individual projects across the city.

Some of the actions proposed can be achieved through

existing or planned Council work programmes and budgets.

Other actions may be able to be part-funded through other

means, such as the re-investment of funding from the sale of

Council land or other assets in and around Newlands Centre,

or development contributions (for example improvements to

Newlands Park).

Shaping the future of Newlands Centre

3.5 Action Plan

3.4.1 Our Current Actions

Table 1 highlights that there are a number of projects and programmes currently underway (or committed to) that contribute to the

achievement of the goals of the Newlands Centre Plan. These include the development and/or review of plans and policy frameworks,

as well as upgrading and improving of Council owned infrastructure and assets.

table 1: key projeCts plaNNed or uNderway

Action Completion date Key linkages to Newlands Centre

A1 District Plan

review: DPC 73 –

suburban centres

Hearing complete in mid

2010

New controls and design guidance for development in the centre zone. Will support

the aim of having higher quality and better designed buildings and spaces within

the Centre.

A2 Housing upgrade

programme –

Batchelor Street

ﬂats

Construction scheduled for

2013-18 however proposal

to bring forward to 2012/13

The upgrade will substantially improve the liveability and amenity of the housing and

surrounding open spaces, providing beneﬁt for tenants as well as the surrounding

neighbourhood and the Centre itself. Bringing forward the upgrade construction date

will better align with the proposed supermarket development and McMillan Court car

park and public space upgrade, providing a signiﬁcant boost to the attractiveness and

vitality of Newlands Centre.

Note: The Plan includes an action to investigate the feasibility of undertaking a

comprehensive redevelopment of the Batchelor Street housing units – refer Action A18.

A3 Construction of

new public toilets

in Centre

Construction due

2011/12, but aligned with

supermarket development

and McMillan Court

car park / public space

improvements – see

Action A5

The current public toilets are in a poor state of repair and are located on the site

proposed for the supermarket development. Council funding of $120,000 for new

public toilets in this area has been identiﬁed for several years but construction has

been delayed in order to integrate with the proposed supermarket development and

associated car park and public space improvements.

A4 School travel plan

preparation

Within 5 years The Council is working with schools across the city to develop school travel plans

to help reduce congestion and to improve safety. Working with Newlands Primary

and Bellevue Primary to prepare a school travel plan will help increase safety in and

around the Newlands Road area and help address congestion issues.

3.4.2 Priorities for new funding

The 2009-19 LTCCP does not currently identify any capital funding for any upgrades or improvements works associated with the Newlands Centre

Plan (excluding the funding for the new public toilets and the upgrade of the Batchelor Street ﬂats). The Centre Plan identiﬁes a number of actions

that would signiﬁcantly contribute to the revitalisation of Newlands Centre.

Table 2 identiﬁes a key project considered essential to facilitating the proposed supermarket development and hence kick-starting revitalisation of

the Centre. This project requires consideration as part of the 2011/12 Annual Plan process.

Shaping the future of Newlands Centre

table 2: aCtioNs esseNtial to support revitalisatioN

Action When Priority Resources Potential

partners

A5 McMillan Court car park upgrade and public space

improvements including improvements to:

•themainshoppingcentreentrancewayfrom

Bracken Road

•thepedestrianaccessrampandstepsupfrom

Bracken Road into the shopping centre

•thekeynorth-southpedestrianroute(thelink

from Stewart Drive past the existing shops to

Newlands Road)

•thejunctionofthenorth-southandeast-west

pedestrian routes between the end of the existing

shops and the proposed supermarket.

Also includes implementation of parking restrictions

within McMillan Court to support shoppers and

short-stay visitors.

1 - 5 years

(short-term)

Critical link

to proposal

for new

supermarket –

helps facilitate

development

Priority 1 New funding required. Reinvest

funds from any road stopping

and sale of Council-owned land.

•Indicativecostestimate:$600k

approx. (requires further work

to ﬁnalise estimate for Annual

Plan consideration in 2011/12)

Requires input from

Infrastructure, Urban Design,

Property, Development Planning,

City Planning and Parks and

Gardens.

Businesses,

landowners

table 3: other proposals For Future FuNdiNg

Table 3 identiﬁes several other projects that are considered important for the revitalisation of Newlands Centre, but are of a lesser

priority. These projects require further detailed investigation, design and costing to quantify and conﬁrm their feasibility, design

and cost. On completion of this work, projects would be included for consideration as part of future Annual Plan/LTCCP prioritisation

processes.

Action When Priority Resources Potential

partners

A6 Undertake additional planning studies to establish

the feasibility and design of the following

proposed projects:

(a) The proposed ‘shared street’ connection

between Batchelor Street and the main McMillan

Court shopping area (east-west link)

(b) The formalisation and upgrade of other car

parking areas within the centre including the

Council-owned land adjacent to the Tavern

point/public space area between the existing

McMillan Court shops (under glass canopy).

1-5 years

(short term)

Priority 2 New funding required.

Potential to align with the

McMillan Court car parking

upgrade and public space

improvements.

Requires input from

Infrastructure, Property,

Development Planning, City

Planning, Parks and Gardens and

Urban Design.

Business

owners/

operators,

landowners

A7 Investigate other pedestrian improvements in and

around Newlands Centre including:

•improvedpedestriansafetyandaccessinthe

Newlands Road, Bracken Road, Stewart Drive and

Batchelor Street areas, including improved access

across Newlands Road connecting with Newlands

Park, schools and public transport

•kerbextensionstoincreasepavementwidthsand

reduce road widths at key pedestrian crossing/

access points and corners

•squaringoffoftheBrackenRoad/StewartDrive

corner to help reduce vehicle speeds and improve

pedestrian safety.

1-5 years

(short term)

Priority 2 New funding required.

Some elements may be able to

be funded from existing roading

improvement and pedestrian

safety budgets.

Requires input from Infrastructure

and Urban Design.

Landowners

Shaping the future of Newlands Centre

3.4.3 Working with others

Achieving the vision and realising the opportunities in this Centre Plan will require partnerships and good working relationships

between key public and private sector agencies (including the Council) and the community. Tables 4 and 5 identify key actions for the

Council in working with others to achieve the Centre Plan’s goals.

In addition, communicating the Centre Plan’s vision is particularly important to achieving the goals of the Plan and to ensuring

momentum is maintained in its implementation – see Table 6.

table 4: eNCouragiNg developmeNt oF key opportuNity sites

Action When Priority Resources Potential

partners

A8 Support revitalisation of key opportunity sites by working

with private owners and developers to better realise land

development opportunities and options, for example:

•theTavernsite

•NewlandsRoadshops

•themedicalcentresite

•theoldbakerybuilding

•existingretailshopsfrontingMcMillanCourt.

Initial focus

1–5 years, but

ongoing as

new private

developments

are proposed

Priority 1 Existing resources.

Requires input from Project

Management Ofﬁce, Urban

Design, Development

Planning, City Planning

and Property.

Landowners,

Business

owners/

operators

Shaping the future of Newlands Centre

table 5: workiNg with key stakeholders

Action When Priority Resources Potential

partners

A9 Liaise with key public sector agencies to ensure consistency

with the Centre Plan aims, including:

Existing resources.

a. Greater Wellington and local bus companies to ensure

integration and consistency with bus network plans.

Ongoing Priority 2 Requires input from

Transport Planning.

GWRC,

local bus

companies

b. Greater Wellington to ensure good pedestrian and cycle

links to public transport facilities and the provision of

secure bicycle parking areas within the centre and/or in

conjunction with public transport.

Ongoing Priority 3 Requires input from

Infrastructure, Transport

Planning.

c. Housing NZ (and housing trusts) and developers to

investigate opportunities to provide affordable housing

and quality medium density housing within and around

the Centre.

1-5 years

(short term)

Priority 3 Requires input from City

Planning, Urban Design

and City Housing.

Developers,

land

owners,

Housing NZ,

property

trusts

A10 As part of new private sector development proposals, work

with landowners, business owners and operators to:

a. Ensure active building frontages and good quality

pedestrian provisions

b. Ensure good design and layout of vehicle access, servicing

and car parking

c. Ensure good quality landscaping, planting and

surface treatments

Ongoing –

as private

development

proposals are

proposed

Priority 2 Existing resources.

Requires input from Urban

Design, Development

Planning, Infrastructure,

City Planning

Landowners,

business

owners /

operators

d. In relation to the properties fronting Newlands Road,

investigate the introduction of a service lane to the

front of these properties with any signiﬁcant private

redevelopment proposal to help improve the functioning

of this area and safety for pedestrians.

5-20 years

(long term)

Dependant

on private

sector

development

proposals

Priority 3 Existing resources. Any

subsequent roading

construction works could

require new funding.

Requires input from Urban

Design, Infrastructure,

Development Planning,

City Planning

Landowners,

business

owners /

operators

e. Work with landowners to ensure good design proposals

for any redevelopment of the following key sites:

•thecornerofNewlandsRoadandAtkinsonStreet,and

along the northbound Newlands Road frontage

•thecornerofBrackenRoadandNewlandsRoad

•theeasterncornerofStewartDriveandBatchelorStreet.

5-20 years

(long term)

Dependant

on private

sector

development

proposals

Priority 3 Existing resources.

Requires input from Urban

Design, Development

Planning, Infrastructure,

City Planning

Landowners,

business

owners /

operators

table 6: CeNtre plaN CommuNiCatioN

Action When Priority Resources Potential

partners

A11 Ensure on-going communication of this Plan’s

initiatives to the community, public-sector

organisations, and the private sector (including

landowners, business owners and operators).

Ongoing Priority 1 Requires input from

External Communications

and Marketing

Community,

business groups,

other agencies

and developers

Shaping the future of Newlands Centre

3.4.4 Working within Council

The Council also has to ensure its own operations and activities are consistent with and help support the achievement of the

Centre Plan’s goals. Table 7 highlights actions that are important to the Centre Plan and that the Council has direct responsibility for.

They include for example, ensuring adequate project support, ensuring supporting policy frameworks including the District Plan

and ﬁnance policy, Asset Management Planning, and investigating potential development opportunities and options for

Council-owned land.

table 7 – workiNg withiN CouNCil

Action When Priority Resources Potential

partners

A12 Ensure on-going project support for initial

implementation phases of the Centre Plan.

1-5 years

(short term)

Priority 1 Requires re-prioritisation of

existing resources.

Requires input from Project

Management Ofﬁce.

A13 Review and amend Asset Management Plans and

operational policy to ensure Council infrastructure

works, upgrades or improvements are consistent

with the aims of the Newlands Centre Plan.

Ongoing

and as new

projects are

conﬁrmed

through the

LTCCP/ Annual

Plan process

Priority 1 Existing resources.

Requires input from Infrastructure,

Transport Planning, Parks and

Gardens, Urban Design,

City Planning.

Capacity

A14 Review Council’s development contributions

approach for Newlands Centre to ensure the

growth component of new infrastructure is

adequately included.

1-5 years

(short term)

Priority 2 Existing resources.

Requires input from Policy, Finance

and Parks and Gardens.

Landowners,

property

developers

A15 Undertake a master-planning exercise for the

Newlands Park area to develop up more detailed

plans for future use of the park as a sportsﬁeld and

community park. To include consideration of new

facilities such as a new playground, incorporation

of an all weather track/ﬁtness course, a walkway

link to Robert Street and the expanded youth

facilities. Would also consider the provision of

parking and better drainage facilities to support

the park’s operation.

1-5 years

(short term)

Priority 2 Existing resources.

To be led by Parks and Gardens.

Requires input from City Planning,

Infrastructure, Transport Planning,

Urban Design, City Communities,

Property.

Implementation would take place

in the long term (5-20 years) and

would require new funding.

Landowners,

Capacity

A16 Investigate speciﬁc opportunities to improve the

utilisation and efﬁciency of Council property assets

to help achieve the revitalisation goals of the

Centre Plan, including:

1–5 years

(short term)

Priority 2 Existing resources.

Requires input from Property,

Infrastructure, Transport Planning,

Urban Design, Parks and Gardens,

City Communities, City Planning,

Development Planning.

Implementation would be

dependant on the results of the

work undertaken – likely to take

place in the long term (5-20 years)

and would require new funding.

Landowners,

Business

owners/

operators

a. Investigating the opportunities and their

feasibility for the use and/or redevelopment

of the former Community House site (Council-

owned reserve land).

b. Investigating the feasibility of re-opening

Atkinson Street to limited vehicle trafﬁc (e.g.

left-in left-out).

1–5 years

(short term)

Priority 2

c. Working with the Newlands Volunteer Fire

Brigade to explore the relocation of the

Newlands Fire Station to a larger, more ﬁt-for-

purpose site.

1–5 years

(short term)

Priority 3

Shaping the future of Newlands Centre

Action When Priority Resources Potential

partners

A17 Undertake a safety audit of Newlands Centre, prior

to the planned supermarket development and car

park/public space improvements, to identify and

help address public safety concerns.

1–5 years

(short term)

– likely to

take place in

2010/11.

Priority 2 Existing resources.

To be led by City Safety. Would

require input from Urban Design,

Infrastructure, Parks and Gardens,

Property, City Planning.

Implementation would be

dependant on the results of

the audit and would require

new funding.

Community,

landowners,

business

owners /

operators

A18 Investigate the feasibility of comprehensively

redeveloping the Council housing units located

on Batchelor Street. Would include identifying

potential partners.

Short term

- complete

study before

start of

scheduled

upgrade

works

(Action A2).

Priority 2 Existing resources.

To be led by City Housing Project

team. Requires input from City

Planning and Urban Design.

Implementation would require new

funding and/or partnership with

third party(s).

Housing

NZ, other

investors/

developers

3.4.5 Monitoring and Review

Centres are dynamic places and subject to ongoing change. Recognising this, it is important to ensure progress is monitored and the

actions in the Centre Plan are reviewed and adjusted as necessary.

table 8 – moNitoriNg aNd review

Action Completion date Key linkages to Newlands Centre

A19 Monitor and report on progress against the goals and

actions in the Centre Plan every 2 years.

Priority 1 Existing resources.

Requires input from Project Management Ofﬁce.