Gasometer site carpark open
Takapuna’s new carpark, officially named Toka Puia at a dawn ceremony on 27th November, opens this month in time for summer shopping on the site of the old gasometer (gas storage chamber). It delivers another 420 parking spaces for cars, 84 bike spaces, including 28 e-bike spaces; four changing rooms; provision for nine electric car-share vehicles, with four available at opening; and eight dedicated motorbike or scooter spaces, with the option to expand based on demand. The The new building is just a few minutes’ walk up Huron or Northcroft streets to the main shopping centre, and while covered verandas and permanent street environment changes are yet to be finalised, it’s a real boon for parking around Takapuna over summer, and good news for retailers and shoppers/ beach-goers alike.
Take in a show
Shows are back at the Bruce Mason Centre – and there’s something for everyone in the pre-Christmas line-up, starting with the final Morning Melodies for 2020 – Christmas with The Royal New Zealand Navy Band – on 7th December. This is followed by The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s performances of The Sleeping Beauty on 11th and 12th of December, and the Auckland Philharmonia’s ever-popular offering for under sixes (especially tailored for to build Christmas excitement): APO 4 Kids: Christmas with Suzy Cato. Watch out too for a number of dance showcase performances throughout the month. Details at www.aucklandlive.co.nz/venue/bruce-mason-centre
Hurstmere Road looking good
The Hurstmere Road middle section is complete in time for Christmas shopping – and all future construction is on hold over summer to give retailers and shoppers alike a clear run at shopping and eating out without disruption. The two intersections at either end of Takapuna’s main strip, plus the newly finished mid section are looking great – you can now see what the whole street will look like once it’s all completed next year.
Send a letter to Santa
Three special mail boxes have popped up in central Takapuna just in time for Christmas. With special delivery direct to Santa, these are a sure-fire way to get Christmas wish lists to where they need to go. And there’s even the possibility that Santa will reply – as long as the sender has remembered to include their return address. Find the distinctive red boxes during December outside Paper Plus and KiwiBank, and at 38 Hurstmere Road near the Christmas tree.
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Making the best of work in a Covid world
Covid-19 has shown us the benefits of avoiding a long commute. But working from home all the time isn’t quite all it’s cracked up to be, especially if you thrive on social contact. BizDojo, in central Takapuna, offers co-working spaces for individuals or companies, compete with meeting rooms and event spaces, and a shared kitchen. For locals who are loath to resume a long commute, but crave leaving the kitchen or dining room table for even a day a week, BizDojo is offering a one-day free trial over summer, so you can check out their spaces, and maybe even meet some useful contacts around the (figurative) water cooler
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