Hurstmere Road is being upgraded to create a more open, modern and lively beachside destination in the heart of Takapuna.
With a more spacious and attractive streetscape, the upgrade will ensure this growing and changing area continues to thrive for years to come.
Since consulting with the community on early designs, Auckland Council has received great feedback on the project from Aucklanders. The council has worked closely with local stakeholders and the final design is now complete.
More space for outdoor dining
North Shore Ward Councillor Chris Darby says the new designs, which reduce vehicle dominance and provide more space for outdoor dining and events, will put a greater focus on people.
“This project is particularly personal to me as we began right back when I was chairing the local board. When complete, Hurstmere Road will be more accessible and it will be a much-improved retail environment, which is great news for our local businesses.
"It’s also an important step in improving our water quality as the rain gardens along the street will filter out pollutants that presently discharge directly into the sea at Takapuna Beach,” he says.
Improving streetscapes
Hurstmere Road currently has a number of maintenance issues that need resolving, such as subsidence of the carriageway. Alongside these improvements, key changes to the street will include the reduction of traffic to one lane north-bound (with south-bound traffic redirected along Anzac Street and Lake Road), and a 30km/h speed limit.
New streetscape features will include wider footpaths, a cycle lane, more public seating and better street lighting. Parallel parking will replace the current angled parking along the street to improve accessibility and safety.
Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Chair George Wood said future-proofing Hurstmere Road is essential to accommodating this growing community and increasing visitor numbers.
“It’s great to see the street being revitalised for local businesses, residents and visitors. Takapuna’s vibrant community will benefit from quality open space and improved connections to our stunning beach,” says Wood.
What's happening next?
The design team is currently working on ‘Detailed Designs’, collaborating closely with underground utility providers to ensure that services including water, stormwater, sewer, and electricity are upgraded at the same time to avoid future disruption.
Works are estimated to start in mid-2019. Auckland Council will be focused on minimising disruption to local business and residents throughout construction.
The Hurstmere Road upgrade is part of a wider programme of works, which includes the development of a new town square and car park facility. Auckland Council is collaborating with Panuku Development Auckland to create a safer and better-connected Takapuna town centre.
Find out more about the improvements to the Takapuna town centre at the Panuku Development Auckland website.
