Unlocking value through impactful urban design
Jasmax Principal Alistair Ray is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading urban design experts. As an advocate for increased density delivered with a people-centric focus, he challenges the perception that urban design is mere ‘gold-plating’, noting it plays an important, often under-appreciated role in shaping functional, vibrant and prosperous cities. Working behind the scenes on major developments in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and across Aotearoa New Zealand, he recognises the critical importance of strategic growth to the prosperity and success of city centres.
“There is a strong correlation between urban density and prosperity, seen in cities like London, Hong Kong, Sydney, and Singapore, where high-quality urban design attracts residents, business, and tourists, generating substantial returns on investment. In particular, density thrives in areas well-served by public transport, with established populations in desirable locations. A thriving, well-designed urban centre acts as an economic engine, boosting property values, creating jobs, and improving the quality of life for inhabitants,” says Ray.
Urban designers are crucial in coordinating the work of town planners, architects, engineers, transport planners and ecologists, urban designers to unlock complex and challenging sites. They establish a vision for future development that achieves the economic returns needed to make investment in infrastructure and amenities, such as green spaces, viable. The process involves supporting clients, local councils, Mana Whenua, business and residential communities to develop a shared vision that can be realised over time. Ray shares three examples where strategic urban design has facilitated high-density, high-quality and high-value living for future generations.
A vertical village: Amaia at 48 Esmonde Road
Located on an underutilised promontory overlooking the Waitematā Harbour on the main approach to Takapuna, the Amaia development is set to transform this two-hectare site. Jasmax helped to double the landmark site’s development potential by securing a plan change that increased the height limit from 16m to 48m. Once complete, Amaia will feature a high-density, mixed-use urban community, with 500+ apartments, a range of shared amenities and a new nature reserve along the water’s edge.
Supercharging a seaside neighbourhood: Beachlands
Jasmax supported the client to obtain a plan change to convert 300 hectares of farmland and a golf course near the seaside suburb of Beachlands into a new urban community. The visionary masterplan aims to provide up to 4,000 new homes with a strong connection to the water and natural landscape. The proximity of the site to the existing Pine Harbour ferry terminal, linking the suburb to central Auckland, makes this a prime location for development. The masterplan anticipates the needs of the growing population for schooling and creates significant employment opportunities within the newly urbanised zoning.
Transforming low-density housing into a vibrant town centre: Wesley Neighbourhood Plan
Jasmax supported Kāinga Ora to develop a strategic neighbourhood plan for Wesley, acting as master planner and coordinating input from various stakeholders and specialists. The compelling proposition unlocks millions of dollars of development uplift, with provisions for approximately 3,000 new homes, a new town centre, community facilities and upgraded green spaces, walkways and cycle paths. Supporting a growing community, the plan will also inform infrastructure upgrades and act as a framework guiding development over the next 10 – 15 years.
Urban design is a long-term investment, yielding social, economic, and cultural prosperity. As cities face increasingly complex challenges, a collaborative, strategic approach to urban planning is essential. Now is the time for big-picture thinking – creating urban spaces that not only meet today’s needs but also lay the foundation for resilient, thriving communities in the future.
In addition to his project work, Alistair is a Chair on the Auckland Urban Design Panel and in 2023 was honoured with the Urban Design Award at the Auckland Property People Awards for his involvement in iconic projects that are transforming Auckland. He is also a founding member of the recently created Urban Designers Institute Aotearoa providing a professional registration pathway for urban designers in New Zealand.
Alistair also undertakes urban design reviews and assessments for numerous councils, including Christchurch City Council, Waimakariri District Council and Queenstown Lakes District Council, reviewing plan changes, resource consents and Outline Development Plans.