$6.5 million upgrade starts in Mt Albert
A $6.5 million upgrade of one of Auckland’s oldest suburbs is underway.
The Mt Albert town centre upgrade began on April 18, three years after a plan was first proposed by the Albert-Eden Local Board.
Mt Albert, a key transport hub with hundreds of road users travelling through the centre every day, was the second suburb to be established in Auckland.
The upgrade, funded by the Local Board and delivered by Auckland Council and Auckland Transport, will feature more trees and gardens, wider footpaths and better lighting.
Cycle lanes, more bus shelters and better management of stormwater runoff is also a part of the plan.
A new pedestrian crossing will also be built, as well as better pedestrian access to Mt Albert train station.
Albert-Eden Local Board chairman Peter Haynes said the upgrade had been a top priority and it was a relief to finally see it happen.
‘‘The upgrade offers the prospect of reversing the decline of the centre after many decades,’’ Haynes said.
‘‘Already we are seeing some exciting new developments, like the up-market Albert’s Post Bar, which should help attract local people back to the centre.’’
Haynes said the streetscape would be transformed into an elegant, spacious and more inviting space.
There would be some disruptions during the upgrade, he said.
‘‘We know that many local residents avoid the centre at the moment. When the work is done, it’s over to them to make it a success.’’
Harminder Singh of Cheers NZ Liquor Mt Albert said the upgrade pleted.’’
Georgia Riley-Wood of Ray White Mt Albert, located next to the Mt Albert train station, said she was looking forward to seeing more trees and green space for people to enjoy.
The upgrade is expected to be completed by February.