Media release

Browns Bay beachfront upgrade almost complete

April 28, 2008

The upgrading of Beach Front Lane on the Browns Bay foreshore is virtually complete and there's now a people-friendly link between the shopping area and the beach. What was formerly an uninviting and shabby parking area has been transformed over the past ten months by North Shore City Council.

The shopping area used to turn its back on the beach and it was hard for people on foot to access the waterfront. But now an attractive connection has been created, with a natural flow between the two areas.

The road has been completely resurfaced, a wide boardwalk built and specially designed seating added. New planting's been put in and the street lighting improved. The boardwalk will allow for walking, rollerblading, gatherings and other recreational activities.

Finishing touches are being added over the next few weeks and the formal opening will be on Saturday, May 17. The project has been completed on time and on budget, at a cost of $3.3 million.

The council is encouraging adjacent businesses such as cafés to add to the upgrade by opening up their beach-side frontage in the future.

Mayor Andrew Williams says the changes have created a natural open connection between the shopping centre and the beach. "Many European cities have similar beachside areas where people gather and enjoy the pleasant environment.

"The Browns Bay playground is already very popular with families from all over the North Shore and the improvements will be the icing on the cake for a very important beach destination."

Sally Cargill of the East Coast Bays Community Board says the changes are fantastic. "We now have a wonderful venue for community events. A huge amount of work has been done on the beachfront and I would like to thank the contractors who've worked so hard to keep disruption to a minimum."

The formal opening event will include attractions for the whole family including:

* Children's performers 'StarFish' performing on the beachfront (under a marquee) from 12.45am-1.45pm.

* 500 free sausages and free face painting for kids, a free bouncy castle and 200 free ice cream vouchers.

* Live music.

ENDS

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