The Hon. Phil Twyford, Minister for Housing and Urban Development (HUD), spoke on  Building Strong, Affordable and Connected Communities, at the AKLGrid Friday 28 September 2018.  His key messages were:

The challenge of affordable homes is at the heart of city progression

The need for integrated transport and community design and planning 

The need for better design in neighbourhoods, homes and the public realm. 

A new town square, adding around 3000sqm of public space for the community, has been proposed for 40 Anzac Street.

This is a great opportunity to showcase good urban design principles of connectivity, activity, mixed use and high quality public realm as a driver for increased economic, social, cultural and environmental  activity in one of Auckland's great centres. In supporting the proposals UDF is encouraging better use of our existing urban environment and creating a wide variety of opportunity and choice for our communities. 

For more information, including a panoramic tour, click here

UDF welcomes and invites your comments

https://www.panuku.co.nz/takapuna

An excellent, informative and entertaining DIY study tour of North American cities exploring how they have addressed the issues that Auckland is facing both now and in the near future, as it continues to grow and prosper. Tamara was focused on the manner in which these cities have succeeded in shifting the travel modes towards walking, cycling and public transport and how this contributes to their ‘liveability’ . She posed the question of whilst they may be similar issues, are the cities the same as Auckland, can we learn from how they have addressed and to some part succeeded or are we too different?

A recent UK study has concluded that compact and walkable neighbourhoods improves peoples physical and mental health, with people living in them being more active and socially engaged than people that live in lower density suburbs. The link between health and urban form is strongly made in the report.  This is an important relationship, particularly when part of the discussion is on the value of urban design.  

The British and Irish Lions didn't manage to clinch the test series, but it was a close run thing in Auckland on 8 July 2017. The arrival of the 20,000 fans in the city certainly added to the vibrancy and activity of the streets and squares with 'pop-up' fan zones, bars and restaurants adding to the excitement. An indicator of how major events can affect the perception of a city.