The purpose of the Sub-regional Commercial Centres Strategy is to provide direction for managing the growth and development of current and future commercial centres within the sub-region.
Our communities rely on well-functioning commercial areas to access goods, services, community facilities and provide employment opportunities.
Right now, there’s no consistent strategic direction to how our commercial areas function or grow in the sub-region. This lack of coordination means that different centres often develop in isolation from one another, without a shared framework to guide their roles. Without a clear understanding of our different centres, opportunities to support growth and investment aren’t always well-coordinated. This can mean that land isn’t used to its full potential, or some communities do not have good access to the services they need. The Strategy will define the role and function of key centres in the sub-region, guiding their growth to ensure more effective and well-distributed commercial areas and supporting development that benefits both communities and businesses.
How the strategy will achieve its purpose
To do this, the strategy will establish a clear structure that explains the different roles key centres play within the sub-region. This will help set expectations for what each centre should encourage whether that’s shopping, services, jobs, residential, or community spaces and guide where investment and development should be focused to meet the needs of our communities.
In addition, the strategy will set out development principles that offer clear guidance on the planning, use, and development of commercial land.
How we’re developing the strategy
We’re starting by commissioning an economic study to understand how both the local and sub-regional markets are expected to grow. This will help us identify the future roles and functions of our commercial centres.
Based on the findings of this study and additional research, we’ll identify the key issues affecting our commercial centres and draft principles to guide their future planning, use, and development. We’ll engage with key stakeholders to discuss the study’s insights and gather input to shape the draft strategy.
Finally, we’ll prepare a sub-regional map that highlights the current locations of various types of centres, as well as where new ones are needed in the future to best support our communities. This will build on the indicative Centres Strategy contained in the SmartGrowth Strategy 2024-2074.
The strategy does not change rules or existing use rights for commercial land. It will be used – alongside other direction – to contribute to future spatial planning and zoning decisions under the new planning system as proposed by central government’s resource management reform.
What will the strategy deliver?
- An overview of the WBOP sub-region's socio-economy, and its role in the broader economy, accounting for current commercial market trends.
- Inform direction and assist in future planning and decision making for the sub-region by establishing the role and function of key commercial centres.
- Identify each centre’s current and future role and function (30-50 years).
- Provide direction on the planning, use and development of commercial land/centres in the sub-region through the establishment of principles.