Auckland City Rail Link: Goff says hardship fund out of council's hands

Monday, 20 January 2020

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says business owners with concerns about a hardship fund for those affected by the City Rail Link should take them up with the company running the project.

The fund was first announced by Goff and Transport Minister Phil Twyford in October last year to recognise the difficulties businesses in and around lower Albert St had faced due to delays in the $4.4 billion rail project.

But since it was first announced more details have emerged on exactly who will receive support and not all those affected are pleased with what is on offer. It follows a meeting on Thursday between City Rail Link Limited (CRLL), the company behind the project, and nearby business owners to discuss the package.

According to CRLL an independent valuer will assess the impact the construction delays have had on a business. This will then be used to calculate a 'rental loss' amount of up to $75,000 per applicant.

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Heart of the City is a business association in Auckland's CBD. Chief executive Viv Beck spoke with some of the affected businesses on Monday.

'The business owners felt let down and this wasn't what they were expecting. It was a good reminder of the personal impact this is having on people's lives.'

Beck said to qualify businesses had to have been operating before the project started in 2017.

A hardship fund for businesses in lower Albert St affected by City Rail Link has been criticised by a number of the affected business owners.

'Some people weren't even given an opportunity to apply because their circumstances didn't tick all the boxes. We knew it wasn't dollar-for-dollar compensation. But people deserve to get a fair go.

'These people have suffered enough and we want to see some action.'

Beck said she has contacted Goff to request a meeting with him and Transport Minister Phil Twyford. But despite the approach Goff remains defiant and said it is now up to CRLL to address the concerns of affected business owners.

'If they have any concerns with the hardship fund they should raise them with CRL. It's an operational matter that the Auckland Council and the Government shouldn't be involved in. We've set the parameters and now it's up to CRL to implement them.'

The latest video from City Rail Link showing the proposed design features of the Aotea Station.

That's despite the fact the rail project, which is expected to be completed in 2024, is being jointly funded by the Auckland Council and the Government.

Sunny Kaushal, who owns the Shakespeare Tavern, said he was disappointed when he found out what the business owners would receive.

'The eligibility criteria is very narrow and 98 per cent of the businesses won't qualify,' Kaushal said.

He claims his business has lost $1.5 million due to the works since early 2017.

Kaushal said he supports Beck's call for a meeting with CRL chief executive Sean Sweeney, Goff and Twyford and said they need to be held to account.

'They need to front up and take responsibility for this.'