Rail designation approval will open up potential of Parnell and Auckland Domain

Auckland Council has approved an extension of a railway designation into the Auckland Domain to allow a lowering of tracks for electrification and the construction of a Parnell rail station.

Councillor Sandra Coney, chairperson of the council’s Auckland Domain Rail Corridor Designation Committee, hailed the decision as a major step forward in improving access and unleashing the tourism potential of historic Parnell, the Domain and Auckland Museum.

“The Domain has been ring-fenced by the preference for roads which have severed it from easy access. The station project with its new connections to the Domain, Parnell and the CBD will kick-start the revitalisation and restoration of the valley,” she said.

The Auckland Transport application for the extension covers a 538m strip of land alongside the existing rail line, covering 2954m2. A decision to grant landowner approval of the designation was necessary to allow track-lowering works to start before Christmas. Work on the station, based on the historic Newmarket rail station, will start Christmas 2012.

“We’re assured that works will be carefully carried out to ensure minimal disruption to the Domain environment,” said Councillor Coney. “The committee’s approval requested careful landscaping and general improvement of the area with much better access to Parnell and the Domain.”

The committee required that Auckland Transport engaged with Maori over the plans as the additional works surrounding the station were developed.

Further agreements between the council, Auckland Transport and New Zealand Railways Corporation have to be settled regarding the construction and operation of the railway station.