Rail link may tie in with shopping centre

Auckland Mayor Len Brown says a deal between his council and a property developer to incorporate the proposed City Rail Link (CRL) with the Downtown Shopping Centre is an ‘‘exciting development’’ in the $2.86 billion project.

Auckland Council and Precinct Properties are in negotiations to co-ordinate the development of the shopping centre with the construction of the CRL.

The NZX-listed property investment company and the council are working to develop the shopping complex so it will allow the CRL to pass beneath it.

‘‘After last week’s exciting news from Government about funding, this is another great step for the City Rail Link,’’ Brown said.

The negotiations marked the 10th anniversary of the first train service at the Britomart station.

‘‘The City Rail Link will be a catalyst for urban redevelopment throughout the city centre and this is a good example of that,’’ Brown said.

The shopping centre sits on land required to build and operate the CRL.

Two rail lines will punch out of Britomart and be built below QEII Square and Downtown before curving under Albert St as they head south to connect with the existing rail line at Mt Eden.

Auckland Council property chief executive David Rankin said co-ordination to advance the CRL at the same time as Precinct begins redevelopment would be a constructive outcome for the city.

‘‘I look forward to the redevelopment of Downtown given the importance of strengthening retailing and providing quality office space for the growing number of businesses choosing to locate in the city centre,’’ he said.

Precinct chief executive Scott Pritchard said the company had been planning to focus on the city’s harbour-front area for some time.

‘‘Precinct has been a long-standing supporter of the CRL and the council’s City Centre Masterplan,’’ he said.

‘‘This is a unique location right on the waterfront and near Auckland’s transport hub. It offers an exciting opportunity to create a special area in the heart of the city to attract people into Queen St.’’

The physical development was not expected to begin until 2016 at the earliest.

The final costs will not be known until after any agreement is reached.