Lower Queen Street turns Green
With a heave and a ho, the Mayor of Auckland and City Rail Link’s Chief Executive planted the first of five pōhutukawa that will breathe life into the soon-to-be completed Lower Queen Street square - sandwiched between the Chief Post Office and Commercial Bay.
The planting last Tuesday not only celebrates a milestone, but also symbolises the beginning of the end of one of CRL first contracts, C1.
Delivered by contractor DSBJV, the scope of C1 works includes the creation of the temporary Britomart ticketing building, the successful raising and lowering of the historic former Chief Post Office building, the construction of the rail tunnels beneath, reinstating the station and upgrading urban space and surrounding roads.
The urban space, between Commerce and Quay Streets, will not only be a place for celebration, gathering and parade – but an important transport hub.
Mayor Goff says the square will be the centre of a busy crossroads for people on the move - close to Britomart Station, buses, the harbour and ferry terminals, offices and shops.
“When all the trees have been planted, street furniture installed and the final tiles - which tell a story unique to Tāmaki Makaurau—have been laid, Aucklanders will be able to enjoy a welcoming, people-friendly destination.”
The event was also welcomed by the group representing central Auckland businesses and residents.
“It’s great to see this significant public space getting close to completion in the city centre,” says Viv Beck, Chair of the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board (ACCAB). “It shows the value of quality and meaningful design, which has been enabled by city centre businesses and residents through the City Centre Targeted Rate.”
City Rail Link Ltd (CRL Ltd) is building the square on top of its twin rail tunnels some 14 metres below ground level. The tunnels will eventually link Britomart with the brand-new underground, stations Aotea and Karangahape, before joining the existing train network at the redeveloped Mt Eden Station.
“CRL will have a huge impact on Auckland’s future, and this sort of improvement at Lower Queen Street will be repeated at our other project sites - places that will be easy on the eye and attractive to visit,” says CRL’s boss, Dr Sean Sweeney.
“Pōhutukawa are our own Christmas tree, and we hope this one will have settled into its new home in time to flower for Aucklanders for the festive season.”
The event was also attended by Councilors Pippa Coom and Chris Darby, members of ACCAB, representatives from CRL, its C1 contractor’s DSBJV and JFC Ltd, and nearby residents.