City Rail Link: Albert St businesses take fight to Parliament, launch petition

Tuesday, 1 October 2019

City Rail Link construction is affecting businesses on central Auckland's Albert St (video first published April 2019).

Local businesses have launched a petition calling for help as construction for Auckland's City Rail Link continues to lose them money.

Albert St business owners are locked in a lengthy fight for financial compensation to recoup losses they blame on disruptive and delayed works.

Some aggrieved owners Stuff has spoken to want out of the street, while others are gritting their teeth, despite claiming their losses are in the millions.

The overall CRL project is due to be completed by the end of 2024.

Now, business group Heart of the City has launched a petition to Parliament and Auckland Central National MP Nikki Kaye says she will deliver it.

* Auckland City Rail Link: $4.4b project finds just $72k to help business owners

* Auckland City Rail Link: Albert St shop owners get back-up in fight for payouts

* Auckland businesses continue fight for compensation over City Rail Link construction works**

'It's been around six months since I first met with Albert St businesses impacted by CRL disruption,' Kaye said.

'In that time we have had several meetings with councillors, City Rail Link Limited (CRLL) officials and council officers.

'A month ago I met with the Minister of Transport and I've also written to the mayor and the Minister of Transport advocating for local businesses. There has been a lot of discussion but little action.'

Kaye said businesses on Albert St had faced 'extreme hardship' as a result of significant delays with the project.

'The reality is, this is an extraordinary situation where the length of delay has ruined the lives of businesses owners in the area.

'I have worked closely with Heart of the City, who represent businesses in Auckland Central and who have now set up a petition which I will present to Parliament to consider these issues once we have obtained signatures.

'These people deserve much better. I encourage people to sign the petition and I hope that the Government and council will act to provide greater support.'

The overall CRL project is due to be completed by the end of 2024.