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The spread of the Auckland urban area northwards has resulted in considerable commercial, industrial, and residential development on the North Shore over the last 20 years. Although the expansion of economic activity and associated employment in the area has helped boost the attractiveness of living on the North Shore for many people, the increasing number of commuters heading southwards across the Auckland Harbour Bridge for work has also placed additional pressure on public and private transport infrastructure.

Completion of the Western Ring Route, including upgrades to the Northern Motorway and extension of the Northern Busway, will help improve access from Albany and other northern areas to the central and western parts of Auckland. The nature of Auckland’s economic growth means that the greatest pressure over the medium-term is likely to come on transport links to the CBD, an outlook recognised by planning that is currently underway towards the completion of an additional Waitematā Harbour crossing by about 2030. An effective increase of around 75% in the cross-harbour transport infrastructure capacity, including the addition of rail links, will greatly enhance the attractiveness of living on the North Shore for central Auckland workers.

With these significant plans in mind, there has already been growth in the population around Albany, although the expansion during the last three years has not been quite as rapid as had been expected. Nevertheless, continued investment in infrastructure will boost growth over the medium term. This population growth is being complemented by the development of retail and commercial space along with distribution facilities. Continued increases in student numbers at Massey University’s Albany campus have also boosted activity in the area.

Further north, the spread of demand for property near or at the coast will also result in substantial population growth at Long Bay, Silverdale, and Orewa. Silverdale’s transition from a standalone town towards more of a suburban township is likely to see considerable investment in retail, community, and civil facilities take place. Growth in Orewa will be less pronounced, but the town is likely to have less of a “resort” or retirementarea feel about it as economic activity and population more generally spread northwards.

Critically, though, the more expensive nature of coastal property means that the disposable incomes and spending power of the growing population in the northern reaches of Auckland are likely to be higher on average than across Auckland as a whole. This aspect of the area’s development makes prospects particularly attractive for businesses looking to tap into growth markets.

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