Construction works on Auckland's Karangahape Road concerns business owners

Tuesday, 2 July 2019

Construction to improve Karangahape Road will begin this month with businesses anxious the disruptions could drive customers away (artist’s impression).

Construction work on an iconic inner city street has business owners concerned customers will be driven away.

The Karangahape Road Enhancements project in Auckland's CBD will introduce bus and cycle lanes, trees and gardens and an extended space for outdoor dining and street activities. Car parking paces will also be reduced.

Delivered by Auckland Council and Auckland Transport, the project aims to create an improved street environment to benefit the community while retaining the area's unique character.

But Revel Cafe manager Asa Curtis said he was concerned about the impact of construction on business.

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Thousands of people walk, drive, cycle or take one of the 63 bus services everyday in the iconic inner city suburb.

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“You can see what's happened on Albert Street with all the construction, I don't want to walk down there now because it's too loud,” he said.

Madame George chef Patrick Schmitt shared similar concerns.

The project is expected to be completed by mid to late 2020 and will include new bus and cycle lanes (artist’s impression).

“Construction is definitely going to have an impact on all of us, it’s not going to be good,“ he said.

“I think it might be harder on daytime businesses, but everyone is concerned.”

Auckland Transport’s portfolio delivery director David Nelson said minimising disruption and supporting businesses was a top priority.

'Thousands of people walk, drive, cycle or take one of the 63 bus services everyday [on K Rd]. All this and more makes for a complex construction programme.

'We'll be doing our best to keep the precinct thriving and accessible throughout the transformation, clean and safe during construction.”

In the meantime, AT has offered businesses free mentorship, marketing support, social media training and access to the Chamber of Commerce.

New signs will also be set up so people can navigate around the work sites.

The project will see 27 of the road's 501 car parks removed.

In peak times all car parks on K Road between Ponsonby Road and Queen Street will be unavailable, resulting in a 14 per cent reduction in parking availability.

During off-peak hours, there will be 483 parks available - a 4% reduction in current parking availability.

Auckland Transport said it had addressed this by expanding off-peak loading zones, paid parking and adding 17 car parking spaces.

Twenty new native tree species will also be planted in the area to create a “green” corridor.

Curtis said he was worried the enhancements could result in the area losing its character.

'I like that K’ Road has its own vibe and I am anxious it might lose that unique appeal and become another Ponsonby,” he said.

The first phase of construction will be carried out on K Rd's junctions with Ponsonby Rd to Howe St and from Symonds St to Upper Queen St.

Construction is expected to be complete by mid to late 2020.