It would not have gone unnoticed that there are a huge number of projects underway, not just Downtown but also locally.
The cycling improvements in Herne Bay are part of a wider cycling network that will connect to Westmere and Pt Chevalier and eventually over the Auckland Harbour Bridge. In early February, the New Zealand Transport Agency announced that what has been known as ‘Skypath’ is now one section in the newly named ‘Northern Pathway’, all the way to Albany. The Government is investing $360 million in the first section as part of the $6.8 billion NZ Upgrade Programme, and construction is expected to start next year.
Auckland is playing catchup after decades of under-investment, poor planning and short-sighted decision making. Auckland Council is making progress on essential work like improving the ferry infrastructure, putting an end to poo going into the harbour and ensuring the Quay Street seawall doesn’t collapse. We are going to see a lot more people friendly, safe and vibrant environments as the city changes and grows.
The Quay Street enhancement is now halfway to completion and will be fully opened in time for Americas Cup. It is going to be a stunning street with wide footpaths, rain gardens, heaps more trees and connected to two new public spaces. The new Ferry Basin open space due for completion in December 2020 once the seawall is rebuilt, was named Te Wananga by the Waitemata Local Board last term. An example of the new approach to designing places to linger in rather than car-dominated thoroughfares, is the Daldy Street enhancement that has recently fully re-opened.
All this construction work is being undertaken in partnership with Council’s CCOs including Auckland Transport, Panuku and Watercare. CCOs are independent council-owned organisations that are overseen by their own board of directors, chief executive and staff. A review is currently underway of the CCOs a decade since they were first established. An independent panel led by Miriam Deans is investigating how well the CCOs are working. You can give your feedback about the CCOs until 22 March.
This consultation is underway at the same time as the Annual Budget and Local Board priorities 2020/21 Have You Say process. Details on the council’s website. (PIPPA COOM)