Working together to get results

April 28, 2004

A combined effort by the North Shore City Council, the Devonport Community Board and residents of Cambridge Tce has led to improvements for the whole street.

They joined forces to see what other work could be done while 350m of the road was dug up during a $1.7m project to upgrade stormwater and wastewater pipes under it.

Consequently, the road is being reshaped, power lines put underground, pavements and berms made more attractive and accessible, and new streetlights put in.

North Shore City works and environment committee chairperson and Devonport community board member, Joel Cayford, says the co-ordinated approach has worked well.

"Council took the opportunity to do it once and do it properly. It seemed logical to do some other work that residents wanted, such as undergrounding of overhead power lines, at the same time.

"It's a great example of council's transport, water and other services working together and with the community to get the best result. It means the road only has to be rebuilt once, saving money, time and effort, and will give a great result for everyone," Councillor Cayford says.

Cambridge Tce residents paid for the undergrounding themselves, which is currently under way, with the help of a grant from the United Networks Shareholders' Society.

At their request, and because Cambridge Tce is within a heritage zone, the existing concrete kerb and channelling will be replaced with bluestone when the road is rebuilt over the next two months.

The work will not only extend the road's lifespan, but also make it look more attractive.

Other improvements in the $330,000 road rebuilding include flattening out the berm on the side of Cambridge Tce that borders Devonport Domain, putting a pedestrian refuge in the middle of the road for improved safety, and reshaping a corner to make it less sharp.

The final piece in the project will be the installation of new street lights, at a cost of $11,000.

Joel Cayford also acknowledged the effort put in by Devonport Community Board members John McHugh and Roger Brittenden.

"If it wasn't for the commitment and determination of these two hardworking community board members, this project would not have been such a success.

"This co-ordinated project will not only benefit the people of Cambridge Tce, but everyone who visits Devonport Domain," Councillor Cayford says.

ENDS

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