Urban Design Review - Ranfurly Street, Dargaville

An urban design assessment for a medium density development in Dargaville.

Far North Holdings had a site they wanted to develop for affordable rental housing on Ranfurly St in Dargaville, using a prefinished building system. 

The final design proposed 46 units, a mixture of 2 and 3 bedroom units, with a new cul-de-sac road and open spaces areas. Some 2-bed units were configured in clusters of four units (quadplex) which were of similar scale and form to standalone dwellings in the existing neighbourhood. Other units were proposed as groups of terraced units with blocks are arranged facing the proposed street, with a focus on supporting residential amenity & character, pedestrian movement and offering a range of housing options. 

Working closely with the planner, engineers and client, TUA supported the design development process to achieve a balance of site constraints to layout and desired yield, with the urban design resolution of a legible streetscape and appropriate residential amenity. The built form and layout considered scale, height and bulk that contributes and integrates with the existing suburban residential character of Dargaville.

The site was zoned residential, but was situated in a growth area that the Spatial Plan had indicated the site would be future medium density development. This design strategy sought to be consistent with the exposure Draft of the Kaipara District Plan which would update District Plan zoning to support medium density development. This resource consent was processed in parallel to the District Plan. The resource consent was granted non-notified.