Parklets in Pukekohe
01 January 2022 - TBC
- Pukekohe
- Undergoing Construction
Pukekohe had few existing outdoor dining options to use during the pandemic.
Eke Panuku sought to deliver spaces for local hospitality to continue operating within the Covid-19 protection framework, helping keep local business afloat while protecting the health and wellbeing of locals.
The pandemic severely impacted local businesses and foot traffic in Pukekohe. With reduced capacity due to social distancing measures, local small businesses asked for help getting extra space for patrons. To address this issue, Eke Panuku delivered two parklets on Edinburgh Street in early 2022.
The parklets were featured in the Franklin County News in March 2022. The article included comments from Kaos Café patrons, who enjoyed the outdoor space and had no trouble finding nearby parking, with the parklet having minimal impact only occupying 4 car spaces.
The two parklets were well received and used by local communities; hence, another local business nearby in Pukekohe approached us and asked for a similar parklet along King St.
What was it?
We delivered two cohesively designed parklets on Edinburgh St in early 2022. The parklets aimed to help businesses deal with the impacts of Covid-19, while also foreshadowing and testing future street design by reclaiming street parking for pedestrian-friendly and outdoor dining spaces. This is a great example of the diversity of placemaking initiatives delivered by our team, and the impact we can have within a community and for its future.
The two parklets were well received and used by the local community, with another local business approaching Eke Panuku to build a similar parklet along King St. The project received permission to build a temporary platform on land allocated for the future Pukekohe Town Square, and fixed outdoor dining furniture was installed in late 2022 after consultation with the Franklin Local Board. Fixed outdoor dining furniture was installed in late 2022.
Waiving Outdoor Dining license application and rental fees during Covid-19 Alert Levels 4 – 2.
During the Covid-19 pandemic disruption, Auckland Council scrapped the application and rental fees for Outdoor Dining licenses during Alert Levels 4 to 2 for up to six months. The waiver made it easier for businesses to trial outdoor dining and led to an increased demand for outdoor dining spaces, including the parklets in Pukekohe.
What value did it provide?
The parklets provided value to the Pukekohe community by illustrating the potential of a place and delivering outcomes for locals and small businesses. It added vitality, and safety, and created a welcoming presence for more people. Furthermore, the project allowed Eke Panuku to work more closely with local businesses and the business association. The project was well received by locals and showed the potential of Pukekohe as Eke Panuku moves forward to deliver the Pukekohe Masterplan.
The project allowed Eke Panuku to work closely with local businesses and the business association, providing valuable insights and feedback for future projects. Through this collaboration, Eke Panuku gained a better understanding of the needs and priorities of the local community, which helped inform the draft Pukekohe Masterplan in August 2022.
Overall, the Parklets project was a great example of the diversity of placemaking initiatives delivered by Eke Panuku and the impact they can have within a community and for its future. The project demonstrated the potential of quick, small-scale projects and the importance of collaborating with the local community to deliver successful outcomes. Eke Panuku is committed to working with locals in delivering our placemaking projects and hired local contractors for the construction and delivery of the parklets.
