‘Creativity’ creates car parks in Albany
A neglected empty lot, just minutes from parking chaos, holds the obvious solution to one of Albany’s biggest problems, an Auckland Councillor says.
Albany ward councillor John Watson said ‘‘significant parking constraints’’ could be alleviated with a some painted lines and a transformation of Hooton Reserve.
‘‘A little bit of creativity and Albany’s car parking challenges could be greatly aided and the park and ride capacity addressed for the next five to 10 years anyway,’’ Watson said.
The large car parking areas at Hooton Reserve, off Oteha Valley Rd, were initially developed to provide parking for sporting events at North Harbour Stadium.
However, many people are unaware that they could park there during the weekday, Watson said.
‘‘Hooton Reserve could easily accommodate another 500 parks – at the moment it just sits empty during the day.
‘‘It takes about nine minutes to walk to the Albany bus station from Hooton Reserve. That’s possibly a stretch for people in a rush but maybe not for others.’’
With a little investment this area could be made more attractive to people in terms of visibility and lighting while some kind of trial shuttle would inevitably attract even more people, Watson said.
Auckland Transport (AT) media adviser James Ireland said the car park at Hooton Reserve is for short term visitors who want to use the recreation facilities.
‘‘If it were used for commuter parking it would disadvantage those who want to enjoy the reserve,’’ Ireland said.
When the new North Shore bus network comes into effect next year, there will be more people using feeder bus services to the park and ride, Watson said.
‘‘Albany is a large, spread out ward where car travel to the park and ride is always going to be the most practical option for many residents. This reality should be recognised and catered for in a pragmatic, low cost way,’’ Watson said.
AT has identified that on-street parking is near capacity in Albany. Due to this, some drivers park poorly and often illegally.
Plans for an expansion to the Albany park and ride, which will be built on the south-side of the bus station and will have at least 120 spaces, are being drawn up.