Is it a sleepy North Shore suburb or a commercial centre ripe for further development? Debrin Foxcroft finds out what residents think.
Busker Jack - he declines to give his real name - is fond of Sunnynook and it's not just the clink of coins dropping into his copper collection bowl in the suburb
that warms his heart.
"Sunnynook is a nice wee place, it's comfy for the locals. Most people are family people. It's modest and not overly showy.''
Sunnynook, a dormitory suburb deep in the heart of the North Shore or a bustling hub of activity? It will soon be up to you to decide.
This month, North Shore City Council begins the second phase of its Sunnynook Centre Plan. Council officers will speak with groups in the community to identify issues and opportunities.
Jack watches the residents of Sunnynook pass by from his corner outside the local supermarket. He has stood on the same spot at least once a week for the past six months.
"I'm getting to know the faces of the locals,'' he says. Jack worries that too much development could push prices up and families out.
Other people at the Sunnynook shopping centre tell The Aucklander they're looking forward to improvements in the area. As Sheree Tara puts her groceries in her car, she imagines what the area could be.
"It would be great if we could ensure space for kids' activities,'' she says.
Long-term resident Carolyn Allen says the area needs a clean-up before it can really become a hub.
"It has to be one of the grottiest places on the Shore,'' she says. "The public toilet at the shopping centre is always out of order. With food businesses you need public toilets.''
Mrs Allen agrees there needs to be more for children to do in the suburb.
"The parks are not safe,'' she says. "They are not a place you take kids anymore. It all goes on over there.''
She would like a liquor ban imposed in the area, so that it is safe to walk around Sunnynook's commercial centre at night.
The council's team leader of centres, Douglas Sadlier, says the council hopes to make the suburb more vibrant and more attractive. He says Sunnynook should have a range of housing, transport, recreational and employment opportunities, all close to the town centre and transport.
"During the city blueprint action plan and the North Shore City Council city plan, we identified Sunnynook as an important area. It was seen as a centre with lots of potential considering its proximity to public transport, to the motorway and to Wairau Park.''
Mr Sadlier says officers are waiting on council endorsement before discussing options with local people. "It's hard to say what will change in Sunnynook until we hear from residents about what they actually want changed.''
Mr Sadlier says the council hopes to have finished consultation by June next year. Phase three will involve establishing a vision for the area and phase four will be developing a strategy. Both these tasks will fall under the super-city's purview.
Is it a sleepy North Shore suburb or a commercial centre ripe for further development? Debrin Foxcroft finds out what residents think.
Busker Jack - he declines to give his real name - is fond of Sunnynook and it's not just the clink of coins dropping into his copper collection bowl in the suburb
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