ARTA Media Release

14 August 2008

Successful construction company announced for significant Newmarket train station project

The Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) announced today that Hawkins Construction Limited has won the contract to build Newmarket train station, one of the most significant infrastructural projects in the region and the second largest station in the region after Britomart.

ARTA's Chief Executive, Fergus Gammie, says, "The total value of the contract stands at $48 million, which includes $25 million for the station building and $23 million for track realignment work, and aims to reconnect the station with the heart of Newmarket's CBD.

"The new station design includes an entranceway on Remuera Road that has been designed to serve as a focal point to attract commuters. It leads to a glass-surrounded link bridge that transports commuters to a high-roofed atrium-like main station concourse, which is covered by a 'floating roof canopy', supported on elegant columns.

"The elevated main concourse area is designed to be an open, light and attractive space for patrons to gather, mingle or wait for trains above the station platforms below.

"From the main station concourse, commuters will access the station's two island platforms below via lifts, stairs or escalators. The island platforms have generous amounts of shelter, seating, signage and lighting over their entire length.

"At the northern end of the platforms, future proofing will be undertaken for the provision of constructing a northern concourse to link the station with any future new developments and to Broadway, close to the Khyber Pass intersection," says Mr Gammie.

Newmarket Business Association Chief Executive, Cameron Brewer, says, "We are delighted with the design of the new station. Like Britomart five years ago, Newmarket's new central station will give a real boost to public transport and rail patronage.

"It is going to be a significant building and public space, which Newmarket truly deserves. After all, Newmarket is the region's key rail junction, where the West meets the Southern Line. We're also a significant retail and business district, with a number of secondary schools nearby.

"Given the station will sit in between high-rise apartment complexes, we always wanted it to stand out as a beacon for commuters. The architects have achieved just that. As well as being modern, clean and safe, it is going to be well signed. For years many people just couldn't find the old station. That is not going to be a problem ever again.

"Three years ago, we publicly lobbied the local transport authorities to give priority to Newmarket's 100-year-old rail facilities, describing the old station as something out of Whangamomona - a Taranaki ghost town. The authorities have positively responded to the community's calls and these new facilities will literally take us from the 1900s to the new millennium.

"ARTA and ONTRACK's consultation with the community has been comprehensive and we are thrilled with the outcome. We can't wait till the ribbon cutting," says Mr Brewer.

Work on the station begins this month with the Minister of Transport, the Hon Annette King, turning the first sod to start the work on Wednesday 20 August.

ENDS

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