Dargaville Racecourse Plan Change

TUA supported a successful plan change application for mixed-use development in Dargaville, including masterplan concept development and planning provisions, market demand analysis, economic impact assessment and social impact assessment.

‍‍The development opportunity was a challenging proposition from an urban design perspective, seeking to create a mixed-use development with suburban residential activities on a rural site, on the fringe of the Dargaville township. The Kaipara Spatial Plan 2050 had indicated that this site would be a future Industrial area also.

TUA worked closely with the tripartite group, planner and project managers to lead the development of the plan change proposal. Engagement with the tripartite group was ongoing, sharing insights during the process from engagement and analysis, to design, and getting consensus around how to respond to key development challenges, whether financial, social, physical or spatial. 

TUA provided expert evidence for urban design and housing demand at hearings, supporting the successful plan change decision in July 2023.

TUA provided an Economic Impact Assessment (with Castalia Advisors and The Property Group), a Social Impact Assessment, Urban Design Assessment and Concept Design (with Matakohe Architecture and Urbanism) and Market Demand Analysis reports including engagement, housing survey, retirement focus groups and consultation.