Shopping mecca to finally get visionary rail stn

Media release

Tuesday 13 March 2007

Newmarket Business Association

Auckland shopping mecca to finally get visionary new rail station

"Newmarket businesses have long been lobbying for their upmarket precinct to have world-class rail facilities. Today the Auckland Regional Council gave the green light to see this vision delivered. This is a major victory for Newmarket and for Auckland passenger transport generally," said Cameron Brewer, general manager of the Newmarket Business Association.

"In the past we have said our rail facilities unfortunately resemble those in Whangamomona - a central Taranaki ghost town. As the most important rail junction in the region, we needed to do better. Today's decision that the Government and region is to spend $65 million on a new station and junction upgrades is a huge win for Auckland's second CBD.

"There have been all sorts of propositions peddled in recent times. The prospect of perching the existing heritage station up alongside Remuera Road under a modern glass canopy had no public support. What's more no one wanted an additional permanent rail station in Kingdon Street. The decision to have just one new central station in Newmarket is a great outcome.

“It’s going to be a real gateway for Newmarket, with escalators going down to dual platforms, additional rail lines to avoid those shunting delays, and better public access to the station from all directions.

"No one wants to lose heritage buildings but the transport authorities were left with no option. Given the very tight space, the 1908 station simply could not be credibly accommodated with the new in the existing Newmarket rail precinct. That fabulous old Kauri building is set to be restored and relocated to an appropriate environment.

"I salute the ARC, ARTA and Ontrack on committing to deliver something visionary and future-focused," said Mr Brewer.

ENDS

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