New Lynn redevelopment funding secured and celebrated

Waitakere City Council today formally thanked its partners in its biggest ever project – the redevelopment of New Lynn.

The $300 million project involving the undergrounding of rail, road improvements and town centre development, is larger than Eden Park’s upgrade and the number of public funders for this single project is rare for New Zealand.

Following confirmation of all funding for the project, Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey hosted about 50 representatives from KiwiRail, Auckland Regional Transport Authority, the New Zealand Transport Authority, the Auckland Transition Authority, Watercare and Fletcher Building.

“This project is the result of persistence and passion over many years,” Mayor Harvey said. “It’s also what true partnership looks like. Waitakere has generated a vision and a project far bigger than itself and we couldn’t have done it without our partners’ commitment, competency and of course cash.

“I want to thank you all and I think we can and should be very proud that New Lynn is well on its way to becoming a vibrant and people friendly town centre and a place where people will want to live, work and play.”

There are three phases to the project – the rail trench, the railway station and a variety of road improvements. KiwiRail has committed $140 million to the trench and Waitakere $69 million to the trench and road upgrades. ARTA is contributing $13.6 million to the new station and Waitakere $22 million. NZTA and Watercare provide the balance.

KiwiRail’s deputy chair, Paula Rebstock spoke and read a congratulatory message from Transport Minister Steven Joyce who was unable to attend the event.

“One of the key issues for transport is getting the right balance of local, regional and national input and ensuring transport infrastructure projects are successfully matched with land use development,” Mr Joyce said. “New Lynn has shown the way – and the importance of that investment mix. Congratulations to everyone working together to successfully manage and deliver what is a very challenging project.”

Trains are expected to be running underground early next year and Waitakere City Council’s work to transform the streetscapes (which began this week) will be finished towards the end of 2010. This will make the area much safer for pedestrians and will create an integrated town centre.