Pathway now in Auckland Council's hands... "It's do or die time"

With NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) giving its sign-off on structural feasibility, the AHB Pathway’s future is now in Auckland Council’s hands.

The AHB Pathway Trustee and project director, Bevan Woodward says “At their next meeting on May 15, Auckland Council’s Transport Committee will decide whether or not to support the Pathway project.  It’s do or die time, Council’s support will enable the completion of the final stages of detailed design, including local consultation, consenting and construction approval.”

“The AHB Pathway Trust has identified a potential funder and a naming rights sponsor.  The project now requires seed funding from Council of $2 million to cover the pre-construction costs, however these costs can be capitalised and reimbursed to Council by the project’s external funders once construction begins.”

Heart of the City CEO, Alex Swney says "Now with this sign-off from NZTA we have the green light. This project ticks many of the boxes contained within its own Auckland Plan - it celebrates our harbour, our environmental credentials and the growing cycling commuter community. It is funded from a partnership with the private sector and adds to our tourism offering on our waterfront -  it's now over to Auckland Council to support this project through the next phase of delivering this project."

Mr Woodward says “The Pathway can be built at minimal or no cost to Auckland Council, the revenue projections show Council receiving healthy dividends from the Pathway’s toll revenue in return for underwriting some of the project risk. The majority of the project risk will be carried by the private debt and equity funders.”

“I certainly hope Council chooses to support the Pathway, given that NZTA has finally agreed it’s structurally feasible and won’t affect future bridge traffic in any way. It’s up to Council to carry through the benefits for Auckland and continue the positive progress made so far.”

“The Pathway will have significant long-term tourism, commuting and recreational benefits for Auckland, with Council’s support it is possible that we can start construction next year.”