Fears Avondale consultation will end with workshops

An Avondale community worker hopes consultation with local residents on the suburb’s development continues beyond public workshops that begin tonight.

Dayne Smith says the workshops are a good idea but he wants included community input into the development of specific facilities planned for Avondale.

Mr Smith points to Te Oro in Glen Innes, a community arts space that was not used as intended because youth felt alienated by the building.

“It wasn’t fit for purpose. A lot of the youth apparently didn’t want to use the facility because it was too flash . . . they weren’t used to it.”

Smith says while it’s too early for consultation on specific buildings, he worries the same would happen in Avondale.

The workshops are run by urban design company Motu Design and are part of the council’s call for public involvement in the development of Avondale.

Funded by the Whau Local Board, Motu Design is part of the council’s Community Empowerment Unit.

Senior urban designer and Avondale resident Nina Patel says the role of Motu Design is to bridge the gap between the community and council.

She hopes resident groups will feel empowered and have their voice heard through the workshops.

Motu Design aims to create a non-statutory document that outlines what the community deems to be important amid the residential and commercial expansion occurring in the area.

This document is set to be presented to the council and other property developers with the intent that the community’s values are reflected in the area’s development.

A draft document will be given back to the community for feedback before being shared with organisations such as the Whau Local Board, Panuku Development Limited, and Housing New Zealand.

Avondale residents interested in attending a workshop can register for the event on Eventbrite.

Avondale Community Workshops

Wednesday 29 August, 7.00 - 9.30pm

Avondale Primary School Hall – Crayford St West- by Avondale Train Station

Friday 31st August 9:30am - 12.00pm

Avondale Community Centre – 99 Rosebank Road- Next to Avondale Library

Saturday 1st September (Family Friendly Session)

1.00pm- 3.30 pm

Avondale Primary School Hall - Crayford St West- by Avondale Train Station