Agenda of Auckland City Centre Advisory Board

Auckland City Centre Advisory Board

28 September 2016

City Centre Progress Update for the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board - to 21 September 2016

File No.: CP2016/21334

Purpose

1. To update the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board (ACCAB) on progress on City Centre projects to 21 September 2016.

2. The report provides a high-level overview of progress on projects and initiatives in the City Centre, including:

a. City Centre Targeted Rate projects

b. Other City Centre projects

c. City Centre strategies / initiatives

For each project, a coloured bar shows the three stages of development:

Feasibility / Investigation
Design / Consultation
Construction

An arrow then shows what stage the project is currently at.

Executive summary

3. At the August Auckland City Centre Advisory Board (ACCAB) meeting, the board supported proceeding with a revised public art proposal for the Mayoral Drive underpass.

4. The board also supported providing additional budget for the artwork and for two elements of the project that had previously been removed as cost-saving measures – the upgrade to the Queen Street entrance and the western stairs connecting Mayoral Drive to Myers Park. The newly scoped project will now be led by the Development Programme Office (DPO).

5. The splash pad will continue as a separate project and will continue to be delivered by Community Facilities.

Ellen Melville Centre and Freyberg Place Upgrade

6. Construction of hoardings is complete and the hoarding skin (graphics) is likely to be installed in the week starting the 26^th September.

7. Significant demolition of Freyberg Place has been undertaken and scaffolding has been constructed around Ellen Melville Centre to facilitate work on the building.

8. A programme of activation and construction mitigation opportunities is being implemented, including artist’s installations on fencing along the Metropolis and Courthouse Lane boundaries and way-finding graphics to be installed on the ground in the High Street District.

Homelessness

9. At the August ACCAB meeting the board resolved to support, in principle, the allocation of $2 million from the City Centre Targeted Rate for capital investment in the James Liston Hostel. The funding was approved by council’s Finance and Performance Committee on 22 September 2016.

10. Quarterly written updates on the James Liston Hostel project will be reported to ACCAB. The updates will also include available data on homelessness in the City Centre.

11. The Elliot Street location of the soon to be installed Auckland Transport public toilets and bus driver facilities will include the provision of a trial shower facility. The shower is a pilot to support the needs of homeless people, which will be carefully monitored so that any issues that may arise can be resolved quickly.

12. Discussions are being held between Libraries, ACE, DPO and Community Facilities about the provision of lockers for the homeless in the vicinity of the Central Library.

Karangahape Road Streetscape Enhancement

13. The draft concept design and public consultation package is being brought to ACCAB for endorsement at the September meeting. Please refer to separate item on the agenda.

City Centre Maintenance

14. In response to ongoing concerns raised by members of ACCAB with regard to cleaning of City Centre streets and the maintenance of assets, a small group of council and Auckland Transport staff are undertaking a condition survey of the following assets on Thursday 29 September:

· Pavements;

· Seats;

· Bollards;

· Bike racks;

· Rubbish bins

15. The purpose of undertaking the condition survey is to identify elements that need attention, map their location and scope the cost for undertaking repairs. We will then be in a position to make a call on where budget will come from for the repairs and plan the timeframe for getting things repaired.

Albert Street and Lower Queen Street Reinstatement Upgrades

16. A letter from the Chair of ACCAB has been sent to the CRL Project Director, which outlines the Board’s endorsement for and conditions upon which the $20 million contribution for the reinstatement of Albert Street and $10 million for the reinstatement of Lower Queen Street – please see CRL item on the agenda.

17. A letter in response from the CRL Project Director to the Chair of ACCAB has been sent – please see CRL item on the agenda.

18. Meetings to discuss these conditions and the best way to incorporate the ACCAB requirements for public realm outcomes, are underway with the CRL team.

19. Members of the CRL team will be giving a presentation at the September meeting. Please refer to separate item on the agenda.

City Rail Link

20. Early in September there were changes implemented that are impacting pedestrian and traffic flow along Customs St between Albert St and Queen St to enable works for City Rail Link construction.

a. Traffic flow is reduced to single lane both ways on Customs St between Albert and Queen Streets

b. Albert St northbound between Wolfe and Customs St is closed and diverted through Wolfe St onto Fanshawe St (see below)

c. Pedestrians crossing at the Albert and Customs St intersection can no longer cross diagonally and will need to follow street markings.

Downtown Infrastructure Development (DID) programme

21. The Environment Court process regarding the rezoning of Queen Elizabeth Square (QES) began 18 July 2016. A decision on the rezoning of the square is anticipated to be released from the court in September 2016.

22. A business case for the combined Downtown Infrastructure Development programme (including the Downtown Public Spaces and Ferry Basin) is being jointly developed by Council, AT, Panuku, ATEED and Ports of Auckland, to enable a decision to be made on how the constituent projects should be delivered and procured.

Wynyard Quarter Redevelopment

23. Auckland Council has allocated $26 million to Auckland Transport to put toward the upgrades of Gaunt Street, Daldy Street and the new Wynyard Common local park, in the Wynyard Quarter. Auckland Transport will manage these upgrades.

Sky Path

24. At the Finance & Performance Committee on 21 July 2016 (and then ratified at the Governing Body meeting on 28 July 2016), Councilors voted unanimously to deliver the SkyPath project through a public private partnership (PPP).

25. The Environment Court hearing date has been set for 31 October 2016.

Learning Quarter

26. An integrated working group has been formed to discuss the alignment and integration of projects in and around Albert Park, which met for the first time on 28 July 2016.

27. The focus of the group is on CCTV, lighting and improvements to paths until discussions about the future role of Princes Street have been resolved through the Mid Town East West Public Transport Study.

Activate Auckland

28. CRL have requested that Barabara Holloway and her team personally lead the work to deliver activation and place-making in Lower Queen Street, in collaboration with Fresh Concepts, AT, CRL, DPO, Panuku, ATEED, Precinct, Cooper and Company and Heart of the City.

29. A number of successful events and installations have been undertaken, including Operanesia, in O’Connell Street, a lighting installation on the gantry of the St James Suites development site and the upcoming occupation of the former Griffith Building site.

30. In response to the impact of construction activity on businesses, 38 City Centre small local businesses have utilised the social media training offered by Council. Training is provided by Easy Social Media and offers group introduction training followed up by a tailored one on one targeted consultancy.

Recommendation/s

That the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board:

a) receive the City Centre progress update report, updated to September 2016.

Comments

City Centre Targeted Rate Projects

O’Connell Street Shared Space

31. The suspended artwork for O’Connell Street, following completion of the shared space, is progressing with funding and in principle agreement from the owners at 5 and 10 O’Connell St to host the artwork from their buildings. Both property owners have signed letters of intent, to allow the art works to be attached to their buildings if the outcome of the structural feasibility for attaching the artworks is satisfactory to them.

32. The Arts and Culture team and the Advisory Panel for Art in Public Places (APAPPA) have recommended that the project proceeds.

33. The artwork is to be funded by the City Centre Targeted Rate.

Myers Park Upgrade – Stage 2

34. At the August ACCAB meeting, the board supported proceeding with a revised public art proposal for the Mayoral Drive underpass.

35. The board also supported providing additional budget for the artwork and for two elements of the project that had previously been removed as cost-saving measures – the upgrade to the Queen Street entrance and the western stairs connecting Mayoral Drive to Myers Park. The newly scoped project will now be led by the Development Programme Office (DPO).

36. The splash pad will continue as a separate project and will continue to be delivered by Community Facilities.

Homelessness:

37. At the August ACCAB meeting the board resolved to support, in principle, the allocation of $2 million from the City Centre Targeted Rate for capital investment in the James Liston Hostel.

38. The funding was approved by council’s Finance and Performance Committee on 22 September 2016.

39. The grant will be subject to due-diligence and appropriate legal structures or contractual arrangements so as to ensure the Council investment is used to deliver the proposed outcome.

40. Quarterly written updates on the James Liston Hostel project will be reported to ACCAB. The updates will also include available data on homelessness in the City Centre.

41. Auckland Transport are proposing to install public toilets and bus driver facilities in six locations in the City Centre. DPO and ACE staff have negotiated the provision of a shower unit, at the Elliott St location, to support the needs of homeless people, in particular.

42. The shower is being trialled as a pilot and will be carefully monitored so that any issues that may arise can be resolved quickly.

43. Discussions are being held between Libraries, ACE, DPO and Community Facilities about the provision of lockers for the homeless in the vicinity of the Central Library.

Beach Road Maori Artwork

44. A resource consent application has been lodged for five bronze sculptures of working waka prow that are proposed to be located on the existing “waka plinths” between Britomart Place and Tangihua Street.

45. The sculptures are planned to be installed in April 2017.

Ellen Melville Centre and

Freyberg Place Upgrade

46. The tender has been awarded to the preferred contractor JFC Ltd in collaboration with Corbel Construction.

47. The contractor took possession of the site on the 15th August to commence site establishment. Construction programme is anticipated to be 9 months’ duration.

48. The construction of hoardings is complete and the hoarding skin is likely to be installed the week starting the 26^th September.

49. Internal demolition of the hall continues and first stage of demolition of Freyberg Place is complete.

50. Next steps include construction of a retaining wall to protect phoenix palms followed by construction of the extensive terraces.

51. A programme of activation and construction mitigation opportunities is being implemented. Upcoming changes include:

· Metropolis & Courthouse Lane Fence Installations

The Metropolis fence panels will be installed later this week to coincide with the Auckland Heritage Festival. The installation includes panels High Street District historical images and an exhibition of Lord Freyberg and Eliza Ellen Melville.

This theme will be continued through to Courthouse Lane where a collaborative exhibition of emerging artists, Paper Assassin’s, will coincide with an exhibition in the Chancery Square, all part of Artweek.

· Way-finding Ground Graphics

Ground graphics will be installed following the move of the Courthouse Lane fence this week. These are a trial to help pedestrians navigate through the District. Sites include:

· Upper Vulcan Lane

· Metropolis steps on High Street and Courthouse Lane

· High Street District Map

Hard copies of the High Street District map with alternative pedestrian routes are being distributed to businesses and stakeholders in the area.

· Phantom Billstickers

Coinciding with Heritage Festival (and again in December), we have booked 4 poster sites in entry points and nearby the area. The posters direct passers-by to visit the High Street District page on the Heart of the City website for details on things to do and how to get around.

High Street District Framework

52. The purpose of the framework & reference design is to provide Auckland Council with a supported vision and priority for the High Street District to guide future decision making and stimulate investment.

53. A number of intercept surveys in the High Street District have been completed. The purpose of surveying people using the area is to understand current perceptions of the district and people’s vision for the future.

54. A number of indepth ‘informant’ surveys will be completed in September. These surveys will be undertaken with a range of people who have both a long history and a vested interest in the future of High Street.

Karangahape Road Streetscape Enhancement

55. The draft concept design and public consultation package will be brought to ACCAB for endorsement at the September meeting. See separate item on the agenda.

Britomart Streetscapes - Stage 1: Galway Street

56. Project is continuing to progress well with construction having begun on 14 June. The upgrade is currently on track to be completed by October 2016.

Britomart Streetscapes - Stage 2: Tyler Street

57. Discussions are now underway between Cooper and Co, Auckland Council and Auckland Transport regarding a funding agreement and procurement approach for Stage 2: Tyler Street.

Federal Street upgrade

58. Work has commenced on a reference design for future upgrade of the remainder of Federal Street (from Mayoral Drive to Fanshawe St) and the adjoining side-streets.

59. The intention is for the next stage of physical works to be undertaken in the section between Mayoral Drive and Wellesley Street.

Hobson and Nelson Street upgrade

60. A project team is in the process of being established and a Project Lead has been appointed.

61. Discussions have begun with New Zealand International Convention Centre’s Project Director (NZICC), Sarah Ballantyne regarding a partnership approach to the public realm improvements on Hobson and Nelson Street around the new facility.

62. Initial staging of the streetscape upgrades will be aligned with construction of the NZICC, indicating a potential construction start in 2017.

63. This project will also consider safety and amenity improvements to the Nelson Street slip lane.

Other City Centre Projects

City Rail Link

64. The demolition of the Downtown Shopping Centre continues, with the northern half of the site cleared and internal demolition of the southern half of the site ongoing. Fletcher Construction has been busy constructing the two deep pile stub walls at each point where the City Rail Link rail tunnels intercept the Commercial Bay development site, at Lower Queen Street and at the Albert Street and Customs Street corner. These two stub walls will eventually form the CRL tunnel portals. Also underway are preparation works for deep diaphragm walls (or D-Walls) that will form the outer perimeter of the Commercial Bay site. The first wall will be constructed along the edge of the HSBC building.

65. From early September there are changes impacting pedestrian and traffic flow along Customs St between Albert St and Queen St to enable works for City Rail Link construction.

a. Traffic flow is reduced to single lane both ways on Customs St between Albert and Queen Streets

b. Albert St northbound between Wolfe and Customs St is closed and diverted through Wolfe St onto Fanshawe St (see below)

c. Pedestrians crossing at the Albert and Customs St intersection can no longer cross diagonally and will need to follow street markings.

66. Pedestrians and motorists are advised to take extra care in the area, expect delays and where possible use alternative routes such as Quay St – for more information see the City Centre Transport Changes page on the Auckland Transport website.

Lower Queen St & Albert St Reinstatement upgrades

67. The financial contribution to these projects has been considered as part of the review of the City Centre Targeted Rate Work Programme and the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board has endorsed contributing $20 million for the reinstatement of Albert Street and $10 million for the reinstatement of Lower Queen Street.

68. A letter from the Chair of ACCAB has been sent to the CRL Project Director. The letter outlines the conditions upon which $30 million of City Centre Targeted Rate may be allocated to the upgrade of Albert Street and Lower Queen Street as part of the CRL reinstatement works.

69. Meetings to discuss these conditions and the best way to incorporate the ACCAB requirements for public realm outcomes, are underway with the CRL team.

70. The CRL team are to present the design for Albert and Lower Queen Street to ACCAB at the September meeting for review and comment. See separate CRL item on the agenda.

Downtown Infrastructure Development (DID) programme

71. The Downtown Infrastructure Development (DID) programme is focused on the delivery of key infrastructure within the downtown precinct and provides programme level governance and integration of key projects within the downtown precinct to ensure that the objectives and delivery of each project is aligned. The projects that currently fall under this programme are:

i. Seismic Upgrade of the Quay St Seawall

ii. Downtown Public Spaces

iii. Interim Ferry Infrastructure reconfiguration

iv. Interim Cruise Infrastructure (Queens Wharf Dolphin)

72. The Central Wharves Strategy, Waterfront Plan and Ports Future Study will provide the strategic basis for the DID programme, to ensure that the long term strategy for the central wharves is considered by both the programme and constituent projects.

73. A business case for the combined Downtown Infrastructure Development programme (including the Downtown Public Spaces and Ferry Basin) is being jointly developed by Council, AT, Panuku, ATEED and Ports of Auckland, to enable a decision to be made on how the constituent projects should be delivered and procured.

74. It is proposed that a high level of community engagement, including the establishment of a community reference group, will be undertaken as part of the DID programme.

DID - Downtown Public Spaces

75. The Environment Court process regarding the rezoning of Queen Elizabeth Square (QES) began 18 July 2016. An outcome on the rezoning of the square is anticipated to be handed down in September 2016.

DID - Interim Cruise Infrastructure

76. Discussions are underway about which part of council is best placed to deliver the interim cruise infrastructure and how costs are to be shared.

DID - Quay St Seawall Seismic Upgrade

77. The Seismic Upgrade of the Quay St Seawall will form part of the concept development for the Downtown Infrastructure Development programme. This will be developed in conjunction with key Auckland Transport stakeholders, based on work already undertaken and any new investigation and design required to make an informed decision.

78. $1.5m of funding has been confirmed in each of FY17 and FY18 for the planning and design phase of the project, and $17m has been confirmed in FY19 for construction.

DID - Ferry Basin Regeneration

79. Auckland Council and Auckland Transport are considering options to enable funding of initial stages to align with timing for Quay St Seawall upgrades, and delivery of Downtown Public Spaces in 2018.

80. Council and Auckland Transport have begun progressing a document called the Ferry Basin Water Space Strategic Review and Design Options.

81. It was agreed that the feasibility work for the Ferry Basin Regeneration project should be started as soon as possible to understand the configuration and operational constraints and how these will impact upon the other projects within the Downtown Infrastructure programme. Specialists have been engaged to develop a design brief and technical requirements for this next phase of work.

Central Wharves Strategy

82. The Ports Future Study was released in July 2016, and will now begin to form an integrated part of the Central Wharves Strategy work programme.

Wynyard Quarter Redevelopment

83. Auckland Council has allocated $26 million to Auckland Transport to put toward the upgrades of Gaunt Street, Daldy Street and the new Wynyard Common local park, in the Wynyard Quarter. Auckland Transport will manage these upgrades.

84. The ASB Waterfront Theatre is practically complete and they are holding a public open day on Saturday September 24.

Learning Quarter

85. The Learning Quarter Working Group has been established and has representation from the University of Auckland, AUT, the Development Programme Office, the Auckland Design Office, Auckland Transport and Auckland Council Resource Consents.

86. An integrated working group has been formed to discuss the alignment and integration of projects in and around Albert Park.

87. The Mid Town East West Public Transport Study has convened four workshops, the most recent on 13 September.

Cycle Network

88. Nelson Street Cycleway Stage 2 (Victoria St to Quay St and a branch on Pitt St) is planned to be completed by April 2017.

Sky Path

89. At the Finance & Performance Committee on 21 July 2016 (and then ratified at the Governing Body meeting on 28 July 2016), Councillors voted unanimously to deliver the SkyPath project through a public private partnership (PPP).

90. A date has been set for the Environment Court hearing - 31 October 2016.

City Centre Strategies / Initiatives

City Centre Unit

91. Ralph Webster will provide a presentation on the City Centre Unit at the September meeting of ACCAB.

Quay Park Framework

92. Stage 1 of the Quay Park Framework, which focused on a development led approach to the precinct, concluded in July 2016. The study recommends that four key aspects are sufficiently resolved before the study progresses to the next phase:

a. Funding – there is not currently any funding in place from any key stakeholders to develop Quay Park;

b. Podium costs and development height constraints – height is currently limited to 4-5 storeys;

c. Development identity – need to determine whether key driver of precinct is entertainment/sports/residential/commercial; and

d. Port future - recognising the port will remain in its current location for the medium term.

93. However, recently there has been progress on a number of fronts within the transport sector, that could suggest further integration work be continued:

a. Auckland Transport Alignment Project (ATAP) - recommends that investment in Port to Motorway access is brought into 2nd decade priorities – i.e. 2028+ (previously was stated by NZTA as not being a strategic priority)

b. Port Future Study has concluded

c. AT / KiwiRail developing plans for re-alignment of tracks and stabling in Quay Park, to provide future capacity for their rolling stock post CRL

Precinct Frameworks

94. Framework documents are underway for key City Centre precincts, to collate planning and project information and inform decisions on projects and initiatives.

i. Downtown – complete.

ii. Aotea – complete

iii. Learning Quarter – implementation plan is underway.

iv. High Street District – underway.

v. Victoria Quarter – on hold.

Activate Auckland

95. CRL have requested that Barabara Holloway and her team personally lead the work to deliver activation and place-making in Lower Queen Street.

96. The activation programme of Lower Queen, whilst led by the Activate Auckland, will be undertaken as a collaboration between Fresh Concepts, AT, CRL, DPO, Panuku, ATEED, Precinct, Cooper and Company and Heart of the City.

97. A lighting installation by Angus Muir Design has been installed along the hoardings/under the gantry of the St James Suites development site on Queen Street to bring life and colour to the street at night.

98. 38 City Centre small local businesses have utilised the social media training, offered in response to the impact construction activity on their business. Training is provided by Easy Social Media and offers a group introduction training session followed up by a tailored one on one targeted consultancy.

99. Jasmax have designed a set of modular furniture pieces called ‘Place kit’ for the Activate Auckland team which can be used in various temporary public spaces within the City Centre. This kit is in prototyping phase with full fabrication expected by the end of this year.

100. A consultant has been engaged has been engaged by the Auckland Design Office to assist with the development of a mitigation strategy for the disruption caused by development works in the City Centre.

101. ADO Activation team has entered into a license to occupy agreement with Auckland Transport/Panuku to manage and activate the former Griffith Building site on the corner of Wellesley and Albert Streets for the next 18 months – 2 years. This site will be a temporary public space and feature a community garden/permaculture teaching space and a place for people to sit, meet and relax.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

102. The Waitemata Local Board has been engaged with on all City Centre projects that are actively progressing. Specific engagement with the board is included in the project plans for individual projects. The board is generally supportive of the direction being taken.

Māori impact statement

103. Monthly hui are being held throughout 2016 with iwi representatives, with the purpose of seeking mana whenua input into the scoping and design process of City Centre projects.

104. The most recent hui was held on 9 September.

Implementation

105. Prior to the implementation of City Centre projects and initiatives, regular meetings and workshops are held with many stakeholders including the Waitemata Local Board, Heart of the City, Learning Quarter stakeholders, iwi and the Auckland Development Committee.

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Signatories

Author	Catherine Edmeades - Development Programmes Lead
Authoriser	Ralph Webster - Manager Development Programmes

Auckland City Centre Advisory Board

28 September 2016

Karangahape Road Public Realm Enhancement and Cycling Project

File No.: CP2016/21317

Purpose

1. To seek endorsement from the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board for the draft concept design for the Karangahape Road public realm and cycling enhancement project, prior to going out for public consultation.

Executive Summary

2. The Karangahape Road (K Road) is a significant public realm project identified in the objectives of the Karangahape Road Plan.

3. Due to efficiency gains it has been paired with a key city centre cycling project that will form part of the Auckland strategic cycling network. The project team has developed a draft concept plan (see attachment A) for consultation, which has been developed with an awareness of other large transport projects that are in the same area, including the City Rail Link (CRL) station, potential Light Rail Transit, the new bus network, introduction of double decker buses and other connecting cycling projects.

4. This project is not proposing a full streetscape upgrade. A Karangahape Road Streetscape Upgrade project was completed in December 2006. This project seeks to compliment that upgrade rather than replace it.

5. The typical design provides for a separated cycleway on each side of the 4 lane road, with the proposal to have the outside lanes used for parking, during off peak times and bus lanes during the peak. The inner lanes are proposed to be general traffic lanes; one in each direction.

6. An interim design in the block between Pitt Street and Queen Street is proposed, due to uncertainties around the construction impacts of the adjacent CRL station on Mercury Lane, the potential Light Rail Transit and likely post construction pedestrian volumes.

7. The K Road project currently has a combined budget of $11.7m, with $9m from the City Centre Targeted Rate (CCTR) and $2.7m jointly from AT and NZTA, through the Urban Cycleways Programme.

8. The project team has been engaging with Mana Whenua at regular hui throughout the development of the concept design, resulting in the agreement to procure a Mana Whenua endorsed design professional and the incorporation of stormwater treatment devices and rain gardens.

9. The project team has been engaging with the local K Road community in a number of ways, through events, surveys, opportunities to provide feedback online, letter drops, and face to face encounters with business owners, residents and landlords.

10. The project team is aiming to go out for public consultation in the week of October 10 2016.

11. Following detailed design in the first half of 2017, the project team intends to engage with the community on the finer details of the project.

Recommendation/s

That the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board:

a) endorse the draft concept design for the Karangahape Road cycleway and public realm enhancement project prior to going out for public consultation.

Comments

Background

12. This project has arisen from two key drivers: the Auckland Cycle Network – City Centre priority projects, and the Karangahape Road Plan 2014-2044.

13. Auckland Transport previously identified that a Karangahape Road cycleway would be one of a few city centre priority projects to be delivered as a part the NZTA funded Urban Cycleways Programme. The funding from NZTA is only available until mid-2018.

14. The planned Karangahape cycleway project created an opportunity to deliver on the Karangahape Road Plan 2014-2044 earlier than anticipated. Of the six key moves identified in this plan, the one relevant to the cycling project is Key Move 3 – Provide safe and convenient connections in and through the Karangahape Road area. Identified methods to achieve this include:

a) Prioritisation of pedestrian safety

b) Pedestrian crossing improvements

c) Pedestrian movement prioritization

d) More space for pedestrians

e) Improved safety for people on bikes

f) Provision of cycle lanes

g) Speed reduction and traffic calming

h) Improvements to pedestrian and cycle route connections

i) Improved streetscape amenity

15. This project is not proposing a full streetscape upgrade. A Karangahape Road Streetscape Upgrade project was completed in December 2006. This project seeks to compliment that upgrade rather than replacing it.

16. The Karangahape Road project area is intercepted by a number of other transport projects:

· City Rail Link (CRL)

· Cycling

· Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)

· New Bus Network

17. The Karangahape Road CRL train station will lie underneath the K Road and Pitt Street intersection, with an entrance at Mercury Lane near Cross Street. In the peak hours this station could reach 3700 patrons per hour, based on growth forecast modelling. Construction of the Karangahape Road station is likely to be in 2019-2021. Liaison with the CRL project team will continue to be undertaken throughout the life of the project.

18. Light Rail Transit (LRT), is currently being investigated as part of a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) strategic assessment with a potential route along Queen Street and a proposed station at the junction of Queen Street and K Rd. The timing and funding for the MRT has yet to be confirmed. Liaison with the MRT project team will continue to be undertaken throughout the life of the project.

19. Proposed cycle projects on Great North Road (completion 2018) and Pitt Street (stage 2 of the Nelson Street cycleway project, completion mid-2017) will connect into the proposed K Road cycleway

20. The introduction of the New Bus Network, and the introduction of double decker buses, will be rolled out by areas, with the western network introduced in mid-2017, the central suburbs in late 2017 and the North Shore network in early 2018. Each of these areas has bus routes with stops on K Road.

21. In line with the proposed transport projects, it is anticipated that there will be a significant number of new developments, including residential developments in the area. This trend has started to occur with a number of new buildings and residential conversions especially along the Hopetoun Street ridgeline.

Draft Concept Design

22. The development of the draft concept to date has been at the high level, focusing on how the space is allocated to the different users of K Road.

23. The overall concept of the project is to enhance the public realm and prioritising pedestrians as well as create a separated cycleway on each side of the road. As outlined at the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board meeting in June 2015, enhancement to the public realm include investigation into pedestrian priority initiatives at intersections, additional landscape and street furniture features, improved walking and cycling connections to other important streets and laneway linkages, feature lighting, parking way-finding and reduced speed limits. A copy of the draft concept plan is attached to this report.

24. The project team is conscious of the distinctive character of K Road, and seeks to ensure that the design of the project is sensitive to this character.

25. The draft concept design has had a high level design review from MRCagney, and a design review from the Council Projects Design Review Panel. Feedback was that the quantum of landscaping needed to be reduced owing to the urban character of K Road.

26. This feedback is at odds with the feedback received from Mana Whenua which stresses the need for a high proportion of landscaping to assist with a high standard of stormwater treatment through rain gardens.

Typical Cross Section

27. Where possible the draft concept seeks to apply a uniform treatment to the full length of K Road. (see Figure 1) Exceptions to this are described in paragraph 36.

Figure 1: Example of draft concept cross section

28. The preferred typical treatment is a 1.8m wide cycleway that is separated from traffic by a 1.2m wide partly planted buffer. This buffer is proposed to contain trees, rain gardens, light poles, traffic signs, and will provide a refuge for people attempting mid-block crossings and people getting in and out of parked cars. The buffer will also protect people on bikes from being ‘doored’ by people in parked cars.

29. The relocation of trees, light poles and other street signs will reduce the ‘clutter’ in the existing footpath, increasing the effective width of the footpath and maximising space for street trading, outdoor dining and pedestrians.

30. The width of the footpath will be widened wherever possible.

31. The location of the trees, rain gardens in the buffer will visibly extend the public realm by an additional 3 metres on each side of the road.

32. The location of trees, light poles and other vertical elements close to the road corridor will visually narrow the road and act as a traffic calming measure.

33. Within the road carriageway the outside (kerbside) lane is proposed to provide parking during off peak traffic times (10am-4pm, 7pm-7am), and bus lanes during peak times. There will also be one lane in each direction for general traffic.

34. It is noted that this design (the preferred typical treatment) has a lot of support from the community as shown in the feedback received at the Open Streets event (see paragraph 48b).

35. The concept design also proposes the use of kerb build-outs and raised tables as an established method to slow vehicles down at intersections, and to prioritise pedestrians and people on bikes. The kerb buildouts will also be used for additional street trees and rain gardens where appropriate, cycle parking and create opportunities for outdoor dining. Restrictions on right turning traffic (turning right into side streets or turning right out of side streets) also improves the safety for people walking and cycling.

36. There exceptions to the typical treatment are:

a) The block between Gundry Street and Newton Road will likely need three lanes of traffic (westbound) to allow sufficient room for cars stacking at the intersection. This is likely to result in a narrower cycleway with a narrow separator.

b) The motorway overbridge section includes the proposed removal of the indented bus bays and bus shelters relocated closer to the kerb. This will then allow the widening of the footpath and the introduction of a cycle way behind the shelters. The cycleway would likely be flush with the surface of the footpath, and delineated with the distinctive pink colour from the Light path which travels below the motorway overbridge. The existing metal perforated panels on the bridge that currently screen views to the Waitemata harbour and Mangawhau (Mt Eden) are proposed to be trimmed.

c) The block between Pitt Street and Queen Street will need to be developed in a staged approach to cater for an anticipated significant increase in pedestrian movement and the impact of construction from the CRL station and potential LRT station within the next five to seven years.

d) The block between Liverpool Street and Symonds Street will need to retain the three eastbound lanes, in order to create sufficient room for cars to stack at the lights. The cycleway on the north side of K Road in this block would be flush with the footpath, but separated from pedestrians by the existing line of Plane trees. The only separation between the cycleway and the traffic would be the full height kerb. On the south side of this block, the cycleway would be located between the footpath and the road with little separation. Methods for separation are restricted to colour/markings and perhaps vertical separation.

e) The section of Upper Queen Street, between K Road and the motorway overbridge will have a very simple cycleway at road level with concrete separators. The existing lane arrangements and parking will be retained.

Pitt Street to Queen Street

37. As a result of new CRL station and potential LRT station on K Road, the amount of people walking along K Road, particularly in this Pitt to Queen block is projected to increase significantly. The widths of the existing footpaths will be insufficient to cater for large numbers of people walking, and staying for coffees or meals.

38. Any major public realm enhancements within this block may be damaged or need to be removed as a result of construction of these significant transit projects.

39. Given the uncertainty around timing and future impact of these major transit projects, an interim treatment is proposed for this block, which can be flexible to changing transport requirements and can support a cycleway for minimum investment.

40. The current interim proposal has large movable planters or similar to separate the cycleway from traffic. These planters have the added benefit of being able to be used to trial different lane arrangements such as, differing parking options and lane configurations. The interim treatment also creates opportunities for creative engagement with the local artistic community.

41. The combination of reduced capacity at the Pitt Street and Queen Street intersections as a result of these two major transit projects, and significant increases in the number of people walking and staying in K Road will provide an opportunity (in the mid to long term) to reduce the traffic lanes to one lane in each direction. This will result in significant improvements to the public realm, and make this block the centre for festivals and other public street events.

Funding

42. At the June 2014 meeting, the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board considered projects in the Auckland City Centre that could be funded from unallocated City Centre targeted rate. At the meeting there was support in principle for funding to be allocated for pedestrian improvements along Karangahape Road.

43. At the June 2015 meeting, the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board approved $5m of funding to support the Auckland Transport and NZTA cycling allocation of $2.7m.

44. In April 2016 a further $4m of City Centre Targeted Rate was endorsed by the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board and approved under delegation from council’s Finance and Performance Committee in September 2016, making a total project budget of $11.7m.

45. Recent high level cost estimates suggest that the current draft concept plan will cost approximately $15.5m (including 30% contingency). The project team is seeking an additional $1.8m from Auckland Transport (total of $4.5m). Whether or not the additional $1.8m is approved by Auckland Transport, some alignment between scope and budget will be required.

46. It is noted that except where necessary, the project concept and the cost estimates do not provide for any replacement of existing footpaths. The project team has requested indicative costs for a replacement of existing footpath materials. Option A.1 (replacing existing footpaths with new exposed aggregate concrete for the full length of Karangahape Road) has been estimated to cost $1.95m.

Community Engagement

47. The project team has engaged with the local Karangahape community and other key external stakeholders in a number of ways. These include:

a) The creation of a community reference group which includes representatives from K Road residents and business owners, Bike Auckland, Generation Zero, the Waitemata Local Board, the K Road Business Association. This group has met five times so far.

b) Participation at public events in K Road such as Myers Park Medley (28 February 2016), White Night (12 March 2016), and Open Streets (1 May 2016). In addition to engaging with the public at these events, we also sent letters in late February and again in late April to over 2800 members of the community inviting them to provide feedback online or in person. Engagement for the Myers Park Medley and the White Night was focussed on broader concepts – ‘What do you love about K Road?’ and ‘How could we make K Road even better?’. Engagement centred on the Open Streets event sought feedback on the projects initial design options. We received 142 online feedback responses and at the K Road Open Streets event 842 people ‘voted’ on their preferred option. All feedback heavily favoured a cycleway separated from the road by a raised island with some planting.

c) Working closely with the manager of the K Road Business Association. This has also lead to participating in a heritage walk around K Road, having a tour of a selection of businesses and meeting with a group of architects and designers who work in K Road.

d) Meeting with key external stakeholders such as Transport Blog and Bike Auckland.

e) Meeting with individual business owners, landlords and residents.

f) A brief is currently being prepared, with Arts Management, to obtain assistance from the local artists to help engage with the K Rd community in an interesting and creative manner.

Consideration

Local Board views and implications

48. Feedback and input from the Waitemata Local Board (the Board) has been provided on several occasions. Following public consultation period, a report on the consultation, including responses will be formally presented to the Board. Formal endorsement of the concept plan will be sought at this time.

Māori impact statement

49. Mana Whenua have been engaged with throughout the development of this concept. Feedback from Mana Whenua has resulted in changes to the concept as rain gardens and proprietary stormwater treatment devices are now proposed to be included as a part of the project. The current draft concept design provides for the treatment of 75% of stormwater discharging from Karangahape Road. Mana Whenua are not satisfied with this level of treatment and request a much higher level of stormwater treatment.

50. The project team has also agreed to procure a Mana Whenua endorsed design professional, whose task will be to ensure that Mana Whenua values and narratives are captured and translated into the design of this project. The development of the Expressions of Interest document and the brief is underway.

Implementation

51. If endorsed, the draft concept plan will go out for public consultation in October. The consultation report will be prepared at the end of 2016, and will likely be shared with the Waitemata Local Board in February 2017, when their project endorsement will also be sought.

52. Development of the detailed design would also commence in February 2017, with further consultation planned for in mid-2017. The Mana Whenua design professional would participate in the development of the detailed design, which would include:

· More work on intersections and how people on bikes will be provided for at intersections,

· further investigations on lowering the speed limit,

· other improvements to safety, design of bus shelters, street furniture, lighting,

· changes to parking restrictions, taxi parking,

· species of trees and ground plantings and the location of trees and rain gardens.

53. These matters would then be further consulted on with the local community in mid-2017.

54. Consenting and finalisation of the design is anticipated in the second half of 2017, followed by construction in 2018.

No.	Title	Page
a⇩	Karangahape Road - Concept Design	75

Attachments

Author	Ana Hancock - Project Lead, Development Programme Office - Auckland Council
Authoriser	Ralph Webster - Manager Development Programmes

Signatories

Auckland City Centre Advisory Board

28 September 2016

Activate Auckland Quarterly Report

File No.: CP2016/21180

Purpose

1. To update the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board (ACCAB) on progress of the Activate Auckland Programme, formerly referred to as Urban People Places (UPP) programme.

Executive summary

2. The Auckland City Centre Advisory Board endorsed the allocation of $1.05m of City Centre Targeted Rate, for the Activate Auckland Programme, in June 2016 for delivery in July 2016 - June 2017.

3. The Auckland Design Office committed to quarterly reports to the City Centre Advisory Board on programme progress.

4. The Activate Auckland Programme comprises two work-streams:

· City Centre Place Activation (formerly referred to as UPP Activation) and;

· Urban Intervention and Pilots (formerly referred to as UPP Tactical Urbanism Initiatives).

5. A range of initiatives are in place to deliver programme objectives. Each of these is being developed in partnerships/collaborations.

Recommendation/s

That the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board:

a) receive the Activate Auckland programme quarterly progress report for June/July/August 2016.

Comments

6. The City Centre Place Activation and Urban Intervention and Pilots are two partner work-streams of the Activate Auckland Programme .

7. Programme objectives are:

· To improve the quality of the city centre environment by implementing small-scale streetscape interventions and pilot projects that;

§ enable quicker and smarter delivery of planned projects benefits

§ identify or address gaps and deficiencies in pedestrian or cycling network.

§ enhance city centre place experience

· To facilitate specific place propositions in the context of existing place-based plans and in doing so support distinct place experience and enhanced sense of city centre belonging.

· To enable a place activation programme that off-sets the impact of city transformation (construction) through initiatives that;

§ engage, empower and mobilise the community in the celebration and evolution of specific and distinctive places

§ foster pride in place

§ support the localised economy by inviting and increasing visitation.

· To harness resource from and maximize connections between existing and proposed activation programmes, projects and talents where these promote both existing and planned transformation moves.

8. A range of initiatives are in place to deliver programme objectives. Each of these is being developed in partnerships/collaborations.

These include;

a) Partnering with “Auckland Live” in the delivery of an Aotea Quarter activation programme: “Piano Stairs”, Graduation Day Celebrations.

b) Working with O’Connell Street businesses on summer and winter activations and use as an alternative rest and recreation space during Freyberg works.

c) Trialling the use of two car park spaces on Lorne Street (western side outside No.1 Pancake) as a Parklet.

d) Partnering with the Auckland Transport Walking and Cycling programme on development of Open Streets 1 May on K Road.

e) Developing the Laneways Circuit as alternative walking and cycling routes during development disruption. Creating temporary and permanent responses to the western laneways; investigating CPTED and social issues alongside investment and economic development opportunities.

f) Partnering with Heart of the City, businesses and local community to support the community through the Freyberg Place disruption with a range of responses, digital, analogue mapping, parking promotion, temporary wayfinding signage and art.

g) A collaborative team of representatives of Auckland Transport, CRL, Panuku, Auckland Live, ATEED, Heart of the City and Council has been forged to co-ordinate the management of publicly owned billboards, temporary wayfinding, an ambassador programme and a visitor info site.

h) The ADO co-ordinates a group of 30 activators across the city both public and private to offer disruption mitigation services and support a co-ordinated approach.

i) Aotea Quarter Destination Plan Development

Introductions to Strategic partners

Context – capturing group thoughts (big picture)

Making a difference – across cultural assets and activities

Current situation in the external public space within the arts, cultural and entertainment venue network

Future situation (future stretch)

Cultural capacity (discussion for research)

Programmes and activities, diversity, creative collaborations,

physical/digital activity and market reach, audiences

Interviews with participants and strategic advisors.

9. The role of the ACCAB advisory board, as outlined in the previously endorsed City Centre Place Activation Strategy is:

· To endorse strategy

· Inform, advise and support programmers

· Bringing potential projects to programme leader

· Receive quarterly programme reports

ADO Activation Team Recent/Current Colabs

ADO Partner/s

Activity

Agreement with

ACE

Skycity

Matariki

Shared Spaces

Matariki Director Anahera Higgins

ACE

Auckland Library

Matariki

Aotea Quarter

Matariki Director Anahera Higgins

Library Historian Sue Berman

Heart of the City

High St

Artweek

Restaurant Month

HOTCITY Jane Stewart

ATEED

CRL

Auckland Live

Heart of the City

Ambassador Programme

Development Response

CRL Carol Greensmith

AT Kathryn King

HOTCITY Fiona Johnston

DPO Catherine Edmeades

DPO Johanna McIntosh

ATEED Karen Thompson-Smith

PANUKU Connie Clarkson

ADO Liz Allen

ATEED

CRL

Heart of the City

Billboards/wayfinding

Development Response

DPO Ralph Webster

AT Marie Cotter

AT Di Schnauer

CRL Carol Greensmith

AT Kathryn King

HOTCITY Fiona Johnston

DPO Catherine Edmeades

DPO Johanna McIntosh

ATEED Karen Thompson-Smith

PANUKU Frith Walker

Heart of the City

Lego Xmas Tree

Activation

AC Louise Mason

HOTCITY Viv Beck

Art Gallery

Auckland Live

(Aotea, Townhall, Civic)

AUT

AUT Co-Lab

Studio 38

Library

Q Theatre

Basement Theatre

Saint James

The Classic

Skyworld Movie Theatre Complex

Aotea Quarter Destination Plan Development

Strategic Advisors

RFA

ACE

AC Heritage

Panuku

AC DPO

Advisory Panel for Art in Public

Places, Auckland APAPPA

Heart of the City

CRL Property

AT Walking & Cycling

CRL

Fresh Concept

Downtown Space

Development Response

CRL: Carol Greensmith

Fresh Concept: Simon Van Praag

Heart of The City

O’Connell St businesses

Restaurant Month Operanesia

High St District

Saint James

Development Response

Saint James James Bielby

AT David Dick

ACE

Urbanesia

ACE Olivia Taouma

Consideration

Local board views and implications

10. Waitemata Local Board was consulted with in the development of the Place Activation and Interventions and Pilots work-streams.

11. The Local Board are consulted on Place Activations as delegations require, through event facilitation processes.

Māori impact statement

12. The programme may provide a platform for the place-specific celebration of culture and heritage. ADO Iwi engagement channels will enable continued dialogue on opportunities or issues.

Implementation

13. The programme is jointly managed by the Auckland Design Office and Development Programme Office, in collaboration with partner organisations.

14. In line with the principles of the Programme, all investments are being delivered in partnerships public or private or both enabling the programme to progress City Centre place-based initiatives and value to City Centre residents, businesses and visitors through effective use of resource.

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Signatories

Author	Barbara Holloway - Specialist Activation Designer, Auckland Design Office
Authoriser	Ralph Webster - Manager Development Programmes

		City Centre Stakeholder
Chairperson	Kate Healy	Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei
Deputy Chairperson	John Coop	Urban design/institute of architects
Members	Viv Beck	Business Improvement District
	Mayor Len Brown, JP	Auckland Council
	Shale Chambers	Waitemata Local Board, Auckland Council
	Greg Cohen	Tourism/Travel
	Terry Cornelius, JP, FCA	Retail sector
	Jillian de Beer	Arts and Cultural Sector
	Andrew Gaukrodger	Corporate sector including financial and other professional services
	Stephen Greenfield	City Centre Residents Group
	Mark Kingsford	Corporate sector including financial and other professional services
	Mike Lee	Liaison councillor, Auckland Council
	Amy Malcolm	Tertiary Education (University of Auckland & Auckland University of Technology)
	Nigel Murphy	Tertiary Education (University of Auckland & Auckland University of Technology)
	Adam Parkinson	City Centre Residents Group
	Michael Richardson	Business Improvement District
	Alex Voutratzis	Property Council of NZ
	Sky City representative (To be confirmed)	Tourism/Travel

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	ACCAB letter to CRL re City Centre Targeted Rate contribution for albert Street and Lower Queen Street reinstatement	19
b ⇩	CRL letter to ACCAB re funding for Albert Street and Lower Queen Street Reinstatement	23
c ⇩	Albert Street Council Projects Design Review Panel Recommendations	25
d ⇩	CRL presentation to ACCAB	33