Key Takeaways:
- The Avondale Market, a beloved institution in Auckland, is facing an uncertain future due to the potential sale of the Avondale Racecourse land.
- A proposal to move the market to the main street of Avondale has been met with skepticism by the market’s operator, Robb Kemp.
- The Avondale Racecourse Alliance has presented a plan to retain the majority of the land for community use, including sports fields, a heritage precinct, and a wetland for stormwater management.
- The council is considering options for the future of the racecourse, including purchasing the land and rezoning it for residential development.
- The community is advocating for a balanced approach that includes both housing and green open spaces, recreational facilities, and flood management.
Introduction to the Avondale Market and Racecourse
The Avondale Market, a weekly Sunday market, has been a staple in the Auckland community for over 50 years. With over 20,000 attendees, it is the largest and one of the longest-running markets in the city. However, the market’s future is uncertain due to the potential sale of the Avondale Racecourse land, where the market is currently held. The Avondale Jockey Club, which owns the land, is in confidential negotiations with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), which will take over the land when racing ends.
The Proposal to Move the Market
A proposal to move the market to the main street of Avondale has been put forward by local board member Ross Clow. The idea is to create a Notting Hill-style market, with the goal of bringing more people and business to the area. The Avondale Business Association and the Avondale Residents Association have expressed support for the idea, but the market’s operator, Robb Kemp, is skeptical. Kemp is concerned about the potential competition from local shopkeepers, traffic and parking issues, and opposition from residents.
The Avondale Racecourse Alliance’s Plan
The Avondale Racecourse Alliance, a community group formed to promote a positive vision for the future of the racecourse, has presented a plan to retain the majority of the land for community use. The plan, known as "The People’s Plan," includes 11 sports fields, a heritage precinct, a wetland for stormwater management, and a loop track for cycling and walking. The plan also allows for some housing development, but only on a limited scale. The Alliance believes that this plan will provide a balanced approach to the future of the racecourse, taking into account the needs of the community, the environment, and the economy.
The Council’s Considerations
The Auckland Council is considering options for the future of the racecourse, including purchasing the land and rezoning it for residential development. The council’s placemaking agency, Eke Panuku, had previously developed a masterplan for the area, which identified the potential for housing density on the racecourse site. However, the agency has since been abolished, and the council’s new Auckland Urban Development Office (AUDO) is not involved with the racecourse. The council is currently weighing the options and considering the community’s feedback, with the goal of finding a solution that balances the needs of all stakeholders.
The Importance of Green Open Spaces
The Avondale community is advocating for a balanced approach that includes both housing and green open spaces, recreational facilities, and flood management. The community believes that the racecourse is a valuable resource that should be protected and enhanced for future generations. The racecourse has been used for recreational activities for over 130 years and is home to several sports clubs and community groups. The community is concerned that if the land is sold for residential development, it will lead to a loss of green open spaces and recreational facilities, which are essential for the well-being of the community.
The Need for Strong Leadership and Goodwill
The future of the Avondale Market and the Avondale Racecourse requires strong leadership and goodwill from all parties involved. The council, the community, and the stakeholders must work together to find a solution that balances the needs of all parties. The community is calling for a collaborative approach that takes into account the needs of the market, the racecourse, and the surrounding neighborhood. With the right approach, it is possible to create a vibrant and sustainable community that benefits everyone involved.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the future of the Avondale Market and the Avondale Racecourse is uncertain, but the community is advocating for a balanced approach that includes both housing and green open spaces, recreational facilities, and flood management. The council is considering options for the future of the racecourse, and the community is calling for strong leadership and goodwill from all parties involved. With the right approach, it is possible to create a vibrant and sustainable community that benefits everyone involved. The Avondale Market and the Avondale Racecourse are important institutions in the Auckland community, and their future should be protected and enhanced for future generations.