South Auckland’s Drury Metropolitan Centre has received a fast-track approval for its development by an expert panel, according to Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop.

Kiwi Property Holdings’ 53ha Drury development will include land for future residential use and a mixed-use centre featuring about 10,000sqm of commercial space, 56,000sqm of retail, and 2000sqm for community activities.

“The development is projected to inject over $1.45 billion into Auckland’s economy over the next 11 years and is expected to deliver around 3420 full-time direct employment roles in construction and related services,” said Bishop.

Bishop said the approval was part of a broader government investment in South Auckland, including new train stations at Drury, Ngākoroa, and Paerātā, as well as electrification of the rail line to Pukekohe.

“Major roading projects in the area include the Papakura to Drury project, including additional lanes on SH1, wide shoulders for future bus services, and extensive interchange improvements at Drury,” said Bishop. 

“We are also delivering upgrades to Waihoehoe Road and the SH22 Drury Corridor to enable better access to the new train stations and support long-term growth and housing in the area.”

The Drury Metropolitan Centre is the fifth project to receive fast-track approval this year, following the Maitahi Village development in Nelson, the Milldale Development in Auckland, the expansion of Bledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth, and the Tekapo power scheme’s application for replacement resource consents.

“Fast track is delivering – it’s helping address our infrastructure deficit, it’s boosting housing supply, and it will create jobs and growth into the future,” said Bishop. 

“The government welcomes this investment into this important part of the Golden Triangle’s future prosperity,” said Bishop.