Forward Thinking Prevails for Karangahape Road

I'm stoked that AT has returned in the most parts to the consulted upon urban realm upgrades for Karangahape Road. The original plans in 2021 for the streetscape around Mercury Lane were pretty uninspiring and not that safe for pedestrians. I was sure council could do better and pushed for a people-focused urban realm that would unlock opportunities for local business and culture while maintaining the spirit and character of Karangahape.

Visionary staff were thinking about this too so it was great to see the new proposals - called “Project K” well supported in 2023 (I believe the board was unanimous in their support) and a shock to see them undermined earlier this year.

I have been advocating hard internally as have Richard Hills and other elected members, and am delighted that this is landing back in a good place close to what was consulted upon, and in some ways better, with regard the new footpath "decking" above the trench on the South side of Cross St. Access to business and residential is essential and it can be maintained without undermining the project.

The Mercury Lane/ Karangahape Road intersection will be pedestrian-focused from the beginning with bollards to allow residents and business access. There will be a two year testing by doing approach with the bollards to ensure that things work.

Good to see the two-way cycle lane retained in East St and I am glad to see efforts to discourage ratrunning, or at least slow it down. Hopefully this will be monitored going forward.

Excellent work by Connor Sharp and all those inside and outside of council to get this project back on track. I'm delighted the local board supported it yesterday despite efforts to water it down!