11 October 2005

Swanson Street upgrade approved

The transformation of Swanson Street from a forgotten thoroughfare into a high-quality 24-hour pedestrian route has been given the go-ahead.

Auckland City's Urban Strategy and Governance Committee yesterday approved revised concept designs to upgrade Swanson Street from Queen Street to Mills Lane.

"Swanson Street is an important but long-neglected pedestrian thoroughfare that will soon be safer and more attractive," says Councillor John Hinchcliff, acting chairperson of the Urban Strategy and Governance Committee.

"The planned upgrade will introduce wider footpaths, new paving, lighting and landscaping to enhance the lane's existing character and provide a safe environment for people and businesses. "Providing a high-quality and safe pedestrian thoroughfare from Queen Street to Albert Street is a key reason for this project, particularly now that residential density and passenger transport on Albert Street has significantly increased.

"Pedestrian safety will also be enhanced through the addition of traffic-calming measures at the intersection of Swanson Street and Mills Lane. These will slow vehicles and provide an informal pedestrian crossing.

Construction is scheduled to start in March 2006 and expected to take 4-5 months to complete.

The project is part of Auckland's CBD Into the future strategy. It contributes to the high quality urban environment outcome and is part of a wider programme to upgrade the CBD streets and open spaces to a standard befitting a world-class city.

The upgrade of Swanson Street is funded by the CBD targeted rate.

ENDS

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