Henderson residents can look forward to improved water quality, reduced flooding and upgraded recreation areas and walkways as stage one of the Corban Reserve Stormwater Upgrade Project begins in January 2022.
The $26.8 million Auckland Council project will see the installation of a new 2.1m diameter stormwater pipeline from the Upper Waitaro Stream at Imperial Place, along Border Road, to the Opanuku Stream at Border Road Esplanade.
The project will also include daylighting a section of the Waitaro Stream within Murillo Reserve, while the reserve itself will also be upgraded with new paths, children’s play elements, park furniture, boardwalks, and a new pedestrian bridge over the daylighted stream.
A new boardwalk and walkway will also connect the Twin Stream Cycleway within Border Road Esplanade to Taranui Place. The Upper-Waitaro Stream will be naturalised with the removal of weeds and reinstating the stream with native planting, and the footbridge between Spode Place and Imperial Place will be upgraded.
Artists impression
Waitākere Ward Councillors Shane Henderson and Linda Cooper are pleased with the project.
“We are well aware of the work that needs doing to upgrade our water infrastructure, and this huge project will make a significant impact in Henderson,” says Cr Cooper.
“Not only will it reduce the chances of flooding in the area, but it will also connect the much-loved Twin Stream Cycleway for a whole new generation of users to enjoy.”
Clr Henderson says the project will bring many positive outcomes.
“The project will create focal points in Murillo Reserve as well as a new boardwalk. In addition to the infrastructure upgrades the community benefit will be enormous.
“With the expected population growth in Henderson this is another great example of building for the future of the area.”
Artists impression of the finished space
Stage one of the project will take between 12 and 18 months to complete, with stage two and three to follow. Stage two involves decommissioning of the stormwater pipe through Corban Reserve closed landfill, and an upgrade of reserve. While stage three will have section of the existing stormwater network along Henderson Valley Road upgraded.
The project will improve the water quality in the Opanuku Stream and amenities within local parks, reduce localised flooding, and safeguard maintenance workers.
Biggest projects
The project’s manager Gerhard van Rooyen says this is a project where several outcomes can be delivered for the community.
“A big driver for this project is to provide health and safety for the community and maintenance workers and our whānau. This is achieved by eliminating risks posed by the closed landfill at Corban Reserve, and by upgrading the stormwater network to reduce the likelihood of flooding along the Upper-Waitaro stream.
“We’ve aimed to deliver on elements that can bring a community together by creating focal points in the upgraded Murillo Reserve by daylighting a section of the Waitaro Stream within the reserve with a new boardwalk, natural play elements for kids and native planting. Overall, this is a project that I’m really excited about and making a difference in the community - which is why we all are here.”
While some minor traffic detours and construction noises are expected, the project team have proactive in ensuring this is minimised by using underground tunnelling techniques for most of the installation to limit disruption to the community.
The project will provide necessary infrastructure to support population growth and development and enable future-proofing for climate resilience in the area.
Find out more about the project here.
