Architectural design is change.
Some people fight for the built environment to never change, but they are happy to buy a new car, new appliances, new iPhone, new fashion, and so on. In fact, they don’t mind changing their house, but not you changing yours.
Why they fear the neighbourhood changing I have never understood.
I lived in Parnell while it was going through its renewal. The run-down houses and flats were bought up by new young families, the houses repaired or renovated for today’s lifestyle with modern kitchens, ensuites, swimming pools, outdoor access, and garaging. Gardens were put in.
The feel of the suburb changed to become more alive with families, kids, dogs, and they attracted different shops and cafes.
While some of the new builds may not have been to everyone taste that was the same situation before the renewal. Not every house was pretty. Some of the early renovations were hideous but worked for the then owners. Heritage safeguards also don’t guarantee a pretty result.
I now live in what I thought was Ponsonby, the house being only a block from Ponsonby Road, but is actually Grey Lynn. We competed with younger people prematurely returning from overseas due to the GFC for the house. They had enjoyed living in the inner city on their OE where you walked everywhere, to transport, to the shops, but more importantly to the cafe and the pub. They wanted that again so bought a run-down inner-city villa in preference to a newer suburban house. The villa they will do up over time.
It’s a natural cycle of regeneration and it happens in all neighbourhoods.
So, what’s the problem? Run down houses get a much-needed new lease of life, the streets are activated with cafes, life goes on. Yes, the neighbourhood has changed, but it was going to anyway as people move out of the area for work or downsize when the family had left home.
paul@leuschkekahn.co.nz
021 894 895
leuschkekahn.co.nz
