Another $45,000 has been allocated by Papakura Local Board from its transport capital fund to enable the Central Park path and lighting project to go ahead.
The project will see a pathway and lights for commuters from King Edward Ave to Railway Street West through the park.
A rough order of costs was provided to the previous board, which allocated $249,000 to the project, and with a firm estimate now at hand at $294,000, the new board has funded the difference.
Board chair Brent Catchpole says it’s important the path is started as soon as possible, to make the most of the better summer weather.
“We want to see this underway as soon as possible, and not have it dragging on to the point we end up getting caught by wet winter disruptions to the park, which is a vital route to the railway station for commuters.”
And the board’s Papakura Greenways Plan to link Elliot Street to Freelance Terrace, to develop a pedestrian and cycling link from the town and boardwalk to the new Pescara Point footbridge over the motorway, needs another $900,000 to proceed.
The previous board allocated $1,280,000 to the plan but the project manager has indicated additional funding will be needed.
A site meeting with board representatives, Auckland Transport, New Zealand Transport Agency and the council’s community facilities staff took place this month to discuss funding sources.
