Takapuna street upgrade nears completion

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Community News

Auckland Council’s Hurstmere Road transformation is progressing with the completion of the intersections at either end of what is now a one-way road.

New wider pavements, timber seating, and stonework walls in the finished sections hope to turn the area into a pedestrian-friendly retail boulevard within Takapuna’s town centre.

Construction now begins near Hurstmere Green, the heart of Hurstmere Road that will connect Takapuna’s beach with a future boulevard and new town square being delivered by Panuku Development Auckland by 2021.

North Shore Councillor Richard Hills said it was an exciting milestone to reach for the long-anticipated project.

“The Hurstmere Road transformation is on its way to delivering a greener and more people-friendly space for Takapuna,” he said.

“Not only will the project result in an improved retail destination for locals and visitors, but importantly, ageing infrastructure like the road, mains water and stormwater pipes will receive a much-needed upgrade at the same time.”

Hurstmere Road is now a one-way road for north-bound traffic between Lake Road and Anzac Street with a safer speed limit of 30km. The upgrade will also include a new cycle path. The reduction of vehicle dominance will make it more accessible for both pedestrians and cyclists. South-bound traffic now travels along Anzac Street and Lake Road.

The works include new stormwater rain gardens set in native plantings that will be located along the road. They have been carefully designed to collect rainwater and filter out street pollutants that currently discharge directly into the sea.