Strong Local Economy
The Avondale Racecourse borders our mainstreet and sits just steps from the train station — the very heart of Avondale’s economic life. Any change to this land will directly influence local jobs, business vitality, and community wellbeing. Research shows that when planning decisions integrate urban design and local economics, communities thrive. To protect Avondale’s character and prosperity, the local economy must be treated as a core consideration, ensuring development strengthens—not sidelines—the businesses and people who already sustain this place.
Why the Local Economy Matters
Decisions about the future of the Avondale Racecourse land will shape not just our open spaces, but the wellbeing of our local economy for decades to come.
Research by New Zealand urbanists Kobus Mentz and Susannah Goble (Urban Economics by Design Down Under, 2014) shows that sustainable cities thrive when urban design, economics, and governance are considered together. In other words, what we build - and where we build it - has a direct impact on jobs, local business vitality, and community equity.
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When local economic needs are overlooked, neighbourhoods risk becoming dormitory suburbs, where people live but must travel elsewhere to work, shop, and socialise. This leads to higher transport costs, more emissions, and fewer opportunities for small local businesses to flourish.
By contrast, integrated planning that values proximity, walkability, and mixed-use development can strengthen the local economy. Supporting nearby employment, retail, and creative enterprise helps money circulate within the community, builds resilience, and sustains Avondale’s distinctive character.
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The Avondale Business Association and surrounding enterprises form part of a living local economy. Any decision about the Racecourse land must recognise this interdependence - ensuring that planning outcomes enhance, rather than undermine, the social and economic fabric that already exists here.
With the Avondale mainstreet directly bordering the Racecourse and the train station just beyond, the site sits at the heart of Avondale’s economic network. Its redevelopment will inevitably affect foot traffic, retail activity, and business viability across the town centre. For that reason, the local economy must be treated as a central, not secondary, consideration in any planning or sale process for the land.
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