22 May 2002

Hutt City has agreed to assume ownership of Petone Railway Station, clearing the way for Wellington Regional Council to commence building a new station immediately.

"Council agreed to this request to end the uncertainty that has surrounded the future of Petone Railway Station and we now look forward to the construction of a new station that reflects the heritage values of the area," said Mayor Terris.

"The station is an important 'gateway' to Petone and in its present state was more of an embarrassment than advertisement for the great things Petone can offer."

The Wellington Regional Council has allocated $400,000 over the 2001/02 and 2002/03 financial years to construct the new station. All future maintenance costs would be met by WRC.

WRC is currently prevented by legislation from owning transport infrastructure.

The agreement between WRC and Hutt City is that the Council will take ownership of the station until such time as the WRC is legally able to assume ownership.

Hutt City General Manager Asset Management, Stuart Duncan, said the key issue was the need to get work underway as soon as possible while ensuring that Hutt City was not exposed to any future maintenance costs.

"I am confident that all outstanding issues have been resolved to everyone's satisfaction and that there are no risks to Hutt City inherent in the proposal," said Stuart Duncan.

"The key thing is that work can now start and the people of Petone and Hutt City can look forward to a new station."

A working group made up of representatives from Hutt City, Wellington Regional Council, Tranz Rail and the Petone Community Board selected a preferred design in March 2002.

The preferred design was submitted by Tony Bartley Architect.

ENDS

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