AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE

2 April 2007

Refining the natural environment of Vulcan Lane

Preparatory work on lower Vulcan Lane will begin 5 April, with initial marking and then lifting of pavers in two-metre wide strips along the northern and southern sides.

The pavers will be taken off-site for cleaning, with areas of temporary asphalt laid to maintain safe access into adjoining businesses.

The preparatory works will occur mostly at night, outside normal business hours.

Eric van Essen, project manager for Vulcan Lane says that the Vulcan Lane upgrade is all about repairing, restoring, better safety and giving people a high quality environment to shop and socialise in.

"Vulcan Lane is unique to Auckland and getting this project right has been paramount.

"We set up a reference group consisting of businesses, residents and owner representatives, to ensure that our design and implementation processes were well tested and communicated.

"We also coordinated the Vulcan Lane works with the upgrade on Queen Street to minimise overall disruption," says Mr Van Essen.

Main works on the lower lane will run from 30 April to 30 July and from 30 June to 28 July for the upper lane.

Businesses will be open throughout the works and the lane will always be accessible to pedestrians.

Works in Vulcan Lane will result in improved drainage capacity, an improved paving surface, replacement of damaged pavers and installation of new street furniture (seating and bins), lighting and planting of two Nikau palms.

Upgrading Vulcan Lane is a priority project under the $134 million streetscape and open space programme, which will create a CBD full of diversity, which reflects the heart and soul of Auckland city.

ENDS

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