North Shore Times (New Zealand)
Seven car parks worth more than $1 million
Business owners in Birkenhead say they would rather turn away a $1 million upgrade than lose seven car parks.
Kaipatiki Local Board voted on a design for the Birkenhead’s Highbury Corner upgrades at its April 19 board meeting.
The contentious plans for the area around the main roundabout will shave seven car parks from the main street’s shops.
Birkenhead Town Centre Association chairman Pete Taylor said, at the board meeting, this result is really disappointing and concerning.
‘‘Our research shows each main street car park is worth $3000 per week to local businesses,’’ Taylor said.
‘‘We are talking around a million dollars in pure income per annum being taking out of the town centre’s revenue, for pedestrians and beautification, and I think that’s shocking,’’ he said.
Taylor added the design ignored expert advice and would damage the livelihood of businesses in the area.
‘‘The [association] members would rather the money was spent elsewhere, than to invest in something that will have a negative impact on local businesses.’’
Highbury Corner is where Birkenhead Ave, Hinemoa St and Mokoia Rd meet at a roundabout. These most recent upgrades follow on from the 129 parking space expansion to Rawene car park, and the building of lookout, Kaimataara o Wai Manawa.
North Shore Councillor Richard Hills said major community consultation during planning showed 60 per cent of the public submissions were in favour of the upgrade plans.
Taylor said the objection against losing car parks has been consistent from the businesses from the start.
Our survey showed 54 out of 56 businesses say they don’t want any upgrades, he said.
Local board member Paula Gillon said she was ’’struggling’’ to see how this upgrade would be detrimental to businesses, with the amount of people it would encourage.
However, Taylor said the revenue lost can not be replaced with foot visitors only.
Local board member Ann Hartley said the accusation that people won’t walk 100 metres from Rawene car park to the main centre is ‘‘nonsense’’.
‘‘Birkenhead does not have a parking problem. ‘‘This is just a mess.’’