Auckland Transport (AT) has appointed John Fillmore Contractors Ltd (JFC) to deliver the physical works, starting next month.
The Karangahape Road Enhancements project is being delivered by Auckland Council and Auckland Transport. It aims to preserve the road's unique character and recognise the history of the area while creating an improved street environment to benefit the local community and businesses.
The design has been a collaborative effort. Since 2016, when it was first consulted on, there has been a succession of engagement events, street design development and construction planning with mana whenua, Waitematā Local Board, Karangahape Road Business Association (KBA), business owners and the community.
The chair of Auckland Council’s Planning Committee, Councillor Chris Darby, says revitalising Karangahape Road is at the heart of Auckland’s uptown revival.
“Karangahape Road has its own strong sense of place, heritage and character, and this transformational work will only further strengthen the ‘K Road Quarter’ and its connection to the city centre.
"As a historic crossroad between the city centre and city fringe, I’m committed to seeing the continued success of the area as it develops to accommodate further growth while retaining and enhancing its underlying character, colour and vitality.”
Waitematā Local Board chair Pippa Coom says starting construction is good news.
“We have been looking forward to seeing this project finally coming to life with a comprehensive development response package in place that has the support of the Karangahape Business Association.”
AT’s Portfolio Delivery Director – Projects, David Nelson, says minimising disruption and supporting businesses is a top priority.
“Karangahape Road has a unique mix of retail, hospitality, commercial, neighbouring residents and diverse communities. Thousands of people walk, drive, cycle or take one of the 63 bus services every day,” he says.
“All this and more makes for a complex construction programme. We’ll be doing our best to keep the precinct thriving and accessible throughout the transformation, clean and safe during construction,” he says.
The Karangahape Road Enhancements will provide:
- a safe and appealing environment for people walking
- more space for outdoor dining and street activities
- a design narrative about the Māori history of the Karangahape ridge
- improved transport choices including bus efficiency and reliability
- a safe and attractive route for people on bikes
- and a greener, more attractive environment.
To ensure Karangahape Road remains a great place to visit, live and do business during construction, AT has been working closely with Auckland Council and the Karangahape Road Business Association on a development response strategy.
It includes a programme of activities and events, and wayfinding signage so people can easily and safely navigate around active work sites. A scheme called Business Pac is available through Auckland Council; this offers free mentorship, marketing support, social media training and access to the Chamber of Commerce, to help retailers and businesses get ready for construction.
Stage one will be carried out in two sections:
- Ponsonby Road to Howe Street northern side
- From Symonds Street to Upper Queen Street southern side
For information on the project visit the Auckland Transport website.