Northcote’s early settlers were mostly young families, who poured across the bridge in the early 1960s, arriving in what had previously been a rural area, with few shops, no public transport (apart from the ferry at nearby Northcote Point) nor even telephones.
Before long, however, a new urban neighbourhood was up and running, complete with a very modern town centre, an uncovered shopping mall that opened to much fanfare, in the mid-1960s.
Along with the privately-owned dwellings which gradually appeared in the suburb, with the majority of residential housing stock constructed between 1960 and 1969, state housing also featured prominently in Northcote’s development. This brings us to present day and a major initiative: replacing 380 now tired and run-down existing state houses on land owned by government housing organisation Kāinga Ora, with an initial 59 warm, dry, modern state houses and apartments.
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These have been completed and in the second stage, which is now underway, more state housing, and homes destined for the open market are being constructed, along with affordable KiwiBuild homes. In total there will be around 1500 new dwellings with apartments and standalone, terraced, and free-standing homes in the mix.
Meanwhile, the town centre is physically run-down, although it retains a strong heart and has been infused with ethnic diversity as new residents have arrived in New Zealand.
The new development will still encompass all those cultures in a modern setting with a new supermarket, town square, shops and parking as well as a multi-purpose community hall.
In this very well-designed development , Auckland’s urban regeneration agency Panuku is also taking this chance to rejuvenate a number of parks and other green spaces and establish others in order to improve local residents’ experiences and help maintain a strong sense of community.
Who lives here?
In recent years, first homebuyers who’ve been priced out of other formerly entry-level suburbs have discovered Northcote and, in many cases, they’ve bought modest, sometimes rundown properties and renovated them.
What’s to love?
Northcote’s proximity to motorway on-ramps and to the Auckland Harbour Bridge is definitely one of its major selling points.
It is also well-situated for educational facilities, including Onepoto Primary School, which has had a major $20,000,000 expansion and makeover as it prepares to cope with an increased number of students whose families will be drawn to the area by the new housing on offer. AUT’s northern campus is in the neighbourhood too.
The new rejuvenated town centre is something else that locals are looking forward to, especially as it will include a multi-purpose community building for residents to gather.
The planned greenway will link public spaces in the neighbourhood creating a pleasant route for residents walking to the new shops and other facilities with places to meet with family and friends on the way. Greenslade Reserve, which will be included in the greenway, is about to be upgraded, as part of the overall Northcote development project.
While Northcote already enjoys many great eateries, more are on the way, and of course locals are within easy driving distance of attractions in nearby suburbs such as Birkenhead and Takapuna.
Buying and selling
With affordable housing difficult to find in Auckland, potential buyers will have plenty of scope pricewise, once the new properties in Northcote are completed.
Fraser Avenue, which was designed by Brewer Davidson Architects, is being developed and built by NZ Living. It is bordered by Koeke Rd, Mowai Rd, Tonar St and Fraser Ave itself. The complex offers 102 apartments, with studios starting at around $415,000 and three-bedroom apartments around $845,000. Some prices vary depending on whether they are KiwiBuild or market price properties.
Steve Walsh, branch manager at Barfoot and Thompson Northcote, says that while he’s not involved in marketing the new homes, he’s excited to see all the new development in the suburb.
“It’s going to be a real shot in the arm, and I think we’ll see a much younger, lively demographic in the area.
“It’s all happening now, and the new state houses are completed, but they haven’t begun refreshing the town centre yet so I’m hoping that will happen soon.
“It’s a really important part of the whole project and it will be great for locals to have it as a meeting place and the hub of their new neighbourhood.”
