Work Begins on Lower Brougham Revamp

The redevelopment of Lower Brougham Street into an open, shared space begins this Monday (30 July).

During the next 12 weeks the public area in front of Puke Ariki’s South Wing will be made into a space that is shared between vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, and which is more inviting for the public.

“This area is looking quite tired and run down, and the revamp will change it into a much more open and friendly place with grass and seats,” says Let’s Go Project Manager Carl Whittleston.

“We’re using robust design elements that reflect the features of the Coastal Walkway and Puke Ariki Landing, and there will be a much better visual link with Devon St West and the landing.”

The section of Lower Brougham from King to Ariki streets will have no kerbs. “The pavement will be a single level which everyone shares – it will be very much a low-speed place.”

During the 12-week project, King Street (from Egmont to Brougham streets) and lower Brougham Street (from Devon Street West to Ariki Street) will be closed to all traffic, except for service vehicles and residents’ vehicles.

The car park behind the Bus Centre and leased car parks off King Street will still be accessible during the project, however the bus stops on King Street for routes 3 and 4 will move to outside the James Lane restrooms.

A temporary pedestrian ramp will be built from King Street so that library customers can still access the building during redevelopment. “Because car parking won’t be available in front of Puke Ariki during this work, there will be free 30-minute parking in the Central Car Park on the corner of Ariki and Egmont streets,” says Mr Whittleston.

“People can also drop off their books in the return facility in the car park beneath Puke Ariki’s North Wing.”

Ariki Street will be reduced to one lane at Brougham Street during the early part of the revamp.

Businesses on the east side of Brougham Street will have pedestrian access during the construction period, while the Arts Market will relocate temporarily to Huatoki Plaza.

Mr Whittleston encourages people to plan their journeys and parking near the library wing with this construction work in mind, and asks for patience during the coming 12 weeks.