27 October 2006

Getting on with upgrading Queen Street

Independent commissioners have granted Auckland City a non-notified resource consent to complete the next phase of the Queen Street upgrade.

The consent covers improvements between Wellesley and Customs streets, which include new paving, kerbs, street furniture, artworks and additional tree planting.

The upgrade plans to re-establish Queen Street's status as the country's number one destination for business, shopping and entertainment.
Pedestrians take priority in the transformation.

Mayor of Auckland city Dick Hubbard says the council is pleased they are able to get on and progress the upgrade. Mr Hubbard says they have worked closely with property owners, businesses and users of the street for more
than two years.

"Our approach to this multi-million dollar makeover has been to listen to stakeholders and the community and to strike a balance between meeting
the requirements of a wide variety of groups while creating a world-class
main street," he says.

ENDS