Let’s work on getting CRL built as quickly as possible

Media Release

14 September 2016

Central Rail Link – “Let’s work on getting CRL built as quickly as possible,” says Auckland Chamber head Michael Barnett

Welcoming the Government - Auckland Council heads of agreement to fund the Central Rail Link by way of a special purpose company called CRL Ltd, Mr Barnett said setting up a company structure should allow the project to be incentivized to be completed as quickly as possible.

The disruption to businesses in Albert St is already significant. “The problem in Auckland isn’t the funding, but the speed at which we do things – it is far too slow.”

CRL is programmed for completion by 2023 – that’s seven years of potential disruption to the inner city.

“I would like to think that now the funding has been secured some smart management can be applied to get the job completed sooner.

“The bottom line of CRL is that as well as enabling commuter train services across Auckland to be doubled, it is an urban transformation project which will give investment confidence in the vitally-needed private sector property developments in the inner city that we also need to get on with urgently.”

An important part of the heads of agreement was the commitment for KiwiRail to upgrade the wider rail network not only for improving the efficiency of commuter rail services but also rail freight, noted Mr Barnett.

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