Source: Auckland Council
Auckland Council’s Hurstmere Road transformation is well underway with the completion of the intersections at either end of what is now a one-way road, which will create a pedestrian-friendly retail boulevard within Takapuna’s town centre.
Exciting glimpses of what’s to come once the transformation of Takapuna’s main street is finished in mid to late 2021 can now be seen in the new wider high-quality pavements, timber seating, and stonework walls in the finished sections.
Construction now begins near Hurstmere Green, the heart of Hurstmere Road that will connect Takapuna’s beach with a future revitalised, vibrant boulevard and new town square being delivered by Panuku Development Auckland.
North Shore Councillor Richard Hills said it was an exciting milestone to reach for the long-anticipated project.
“The Hurstmere Road transformation is on its way to delivering a greener and more people-friendly space for Takapuna,” says Hills.
“Not only will the project result in an improved retail destination for locals and visitors, but importantly, ageing infrastructure like the road, mains water and stormwater pipes will receive a much-needed upgrade at the same time.
“The stormwater infrastructure is being replaced with rain gardens which will give the street new life while filtering stormwater runoff to improve water quality at Takapuna Beach.”
Hurstmere Road is now a one-way road for north-bound traffic between Lake Road and Anzac Street with a safer speed limit of 30km. The upgrade will also include a new cycle path. The reduction of vehicle dominance will make it more accessible for both pedestrians and cyclists. South-bound traffic now travels along Anzac Street and Lake Road.
The works include new stormwater rain gardens set in native plantings that will be located along the road. They have been carefully designed to collect rainwater and filter out street pollutants that currently discharge directly into the sea.
Pedestrian access to shops and other businesses remains open throughout construction.
Auckland Council and contractor JFC Ltd. are collaborating closely with the Takapuna Beach Business Association and will liaise with businesses throughout construction. JFC Ltd is staging construction work to reduce disruption to business activity and has a Stakeholder Liaison Manager to assist local businesses with day-to-day queries.
For more information on the Hurstmere Road Transformation, visit Progress AKL.
