Auckland City Council
Media release

26 September 2008

Peer review for opening bridge endorsed by council

Auckland City Council has commissioned an independent peer review on the transport, urban design and amenity requirements, and navigational standards for Te Wero Bridge.

The peer review will examine existing reports on the:

• future transport requirements for a second link between a regenerated Wynyard Quarter and the CBD

• the urban design and amenities associated with Te Wero bridge and the surrounding area, including Wynyard Quarter

• navigational standards for boats continuing to access the inner Viaduct Harbour.

City Development Committee chairperson, Councillor Aaron Bhatnagar says that a peer review is vital on this important piece of waterfront infrastructure.

“We will be spending a significant amount on Te Wero Bridge. We want to ensure we get the best value and the right outcome for the city and the Auckland region,” he says.

The council has previously consulted on the building of a bridge in this location through both the joint Auckland Waterfront 2040 Vision with the Auckland Regional Council and concept plans for Wynyard Quarter in 2006. Further consultation on the design and its operations will be undertaken during the resource consent process.

Mr Bhatnagar says that the council will still need to talk to stakeholders, the public and development partners about how the bridge will operate.

“Everyone wants a fantastic waterfront, but how we get there needs more discussion. The council is committed to making sure we do the right things today with a view to the kind of city Aucklanders want in the future.”

Te Wero bridge is designed to meet the transport needs for 7,000 new residents, 8,000 new employees and thousands of visitors, whether they are travelling by public transport, walking or cycling.

It will also make accessing parks, events, markets and shops in the upper part of Wynyard Quarter a convenient 10-minute walk from downtown and most of Auckland’s buses, trains and ferries.

The council needs to complete a preliminary design to apply for resource consent and NZ Transport Agency funding.

The peer review will be reported back to October’s council meeting.

Ends

Editor’s notes

Te Wero bridge will be funded in the following way:

• $31.9 million by Auckland City Council through development contributions

• $5.2 million contribution from Auckland Regional Holdings

• NZTA subsidy for the remaining costs, which are yet to be decided

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