Aotea CLG Minutes 25 May 2019

City Rail Link – Aotea Community Liaison Group Meeting MINUTES AND ACTION POINTS Rā: Wā: Wāhi:

4:00pm – 5:30pm Level 18, 29 Customs St

ATTENDEES CLG Members V. Dick B. Castle B. Da Breo S. Greenfield F Staufer T. Loveridge – Heart of the City K. Cox P. Syke CRL staff & contractors Sonya Leahy

Stakeholder Communications Manager

Richard Jenkins

Principal Planner

Lucas Nikkel

C2 Construction Manager

Maria Hernandez-Curry

Communications & Engagement Advisor

Alan Howard-Smith

Stakeholder Manager (Connectus)

ITEM

UPDATE/ACTIONS

1

Welcome and introductions

 SL introduced the agenda for the meeting.

2

Project update

 SL provided a CRL project update. This included the revised cost envelope for the project, procurement for the C3 main stations and tunnels contract, and an introduction to the companies that made up the alliance joint venture which would be delivering C3.  TL asked if aboveground works are included in the C3 scope, and RJ confirmed that they were.  SL then provided some information on the oversite development opportunities that will result from CRL works.

3

Albert St

 SL acknowledged the impact that works on Albert St are having for businesses.  SL also discussed some of the initiatives that CRL are undertaking in collaboration with Auckland Council (AC) and Heart of the City (HOTC) to respond to these challenges and support Page | 1

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ITEM

UPDATE/ACTIONS

businesses.  Finding ways to support Albert St businesses are being delivered under a development response framework. Initiatives include finding engineering solutions to decrease construction impact, mentoring, enhancing accessibility and business profiles.  A CLG member asked whether CRL had an 0800 number, or somewhere she could call about issues as they happened.  SL responded that CRL did have an 0800 number (0800 CRL TALK) for contracts that are in construction, although the best way to get in contact was through the CRL info@ inbox as this was checked regularly.  A CLG member added that there was no compensation available for businesses. They had lost all of their tenants, their tenants were suffering and it’s a massive issue.  TL considered that what was needed was upfront was early planning for businesses.  SL added that keeping the environment tidy was also a big issue, and that part of the response provided by CRL was to increase street-cleaning, continue creating pedestrian friendly spaces, ensuring that good messaging was provided on hoardings, and providing wayfinding.  SL said that CRL was working with AC to reintroduce events for the street, although these had mixed effectiveness for businesses.  SL also encouraged businesses to engage with CRL, as we were looking to take a consultative approach to finding solutions for the street.  A CLG member added that they had issues with homeless people loitering in their area. LN responded that CRL were working with City Mission on this, and Sky City had also increased personnel on the street to help mitigate any potential issues.  SL added that CRL would also appreciate input from CLG members. A CLG member responded that the biggest issue was keeping tenants, problems with access, as well as ensuring the safety of the people coming in to the building.  A CLG member added that the hoardings were like a wall. He assumes that Victoria St would be the next affected, and wondered how this would work over the next few years.  A CLG member added that what was needed was continued access to their apartment building.

RJ responded that traffic access to properties would be required at all times.  A CLG member added that the constant changes to the street set out meant that it was hard to direct customers to their hotel. RJ responded that the works on upgrading and moving utilities was challenging, and that was what was creating the need to redirect traffic.  A CLG member said that they had spent a large amount of money on creating signage for the hotel.  RJ added that things will get more complex between Victoria and Wellesley Sts, and good traffic management plans were needed.  A CLG member asked if Victoria St was going to be blocked off, and RJ responded that we are not able to close Victoria and Wellesley Sts off at the same time, one or the other needs to be open. LN added that two of the three – Customs, Victoria and Wellesley Sts – needed to be open at all times. Works would never require Customs St to be closed.  TL added that an understanding of the road set out could be made simpler in order to help direct businesses. A CLG member agreed with this, stating that he wanted updated maps – and wanted this updated on their website for customers.  A CLG member asked if works could be completed asap, and asked if they can be reinstated earlier. RJ said that north of Wyndham, we were in the process of putting Albert St back Page | 2

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UPDATE/ACTIONS

together.  Another CLG member then raised the great job that Alan and Aude from Connectus were doing – and that they had acted quickly on any queries made.  LN also added that because CRL has a contact at Google, we are able to make updates to street diversions, set out and road access.  A CLG member said that when people look at what’s happening on Albert St, they choose not to stay there – Trip Advisor had made this challenging.  Another CLG member thought that there had been a missed opportunity to use the gap between the tunnel and the road along Albert St – and that it could have been used as a cycleway or a walkway. RJ responded that Albert St would be upgraded with much wider footpaths and pedestrian walkways, and that the road set out has a preference for cyclists and pedestrians.  A CLG member stated that the restricted accessway along Albert St, along with development happening on Quay St, meant it was really challenging operating their business in the area. CLG members and staff in the room then discussed the impacts from development work in the area.

4

Works update

 LN provided an update for C2 works, including tunnel completion in July. The tunnels are complete up until 8m south of Wyndham St. C2 works were also on track for canopy removal.  A CLG member asked if the CLG will be working with different people in the alliance. RJ responded that there would be some new people, and that the CLG could expect discussion on early works coming up and utilities works going down the street.  TL asked about work plans already consulted on and in place, and how they apply. RJ responded that the alliance will pick up on approved documents and use them to complete utility works – the same management plans will be place. The documents are not wasted, and will be put to good use. Further consultation will be done as well.  LN then showed staging plans for Albert St, confirming again that they were trying to go as fast as possible.  A CLG member asked when Albert St below Wyndham would be complete, and LN responded that this would be finished by December 2020.  A CLG member then asked what would be included in works, and LN responded that this would include a whole new stormwater system, tree pits, bus bays, power, traffic signals and water mains. LN then added that the bluestone wall is part of C3 works, and he was not across that.  A CLG member said that the opening of Wyndham St would be a major help to their business.  LN then provided an update of Britomart and lower Queen St, as well as updates on Mt Eden and Otahuhu works.  RJ further described the new stations to be built, and the oversite development opportunity there around those.  The path of the tunnel boring machine was then discussed. It will start at Mt Eden and moves to Karangahape Rd, where it will be taken out, taken back to Mt Eden to complete the second tunnel.  SL also provided an update on the artworks received from schools.

5

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CLG membership

ITEM

UPDATE/ACTIONS

 SL provided an update on the CLG process and membership.  Members agreed that 4pm still works well as a meeting time.  A CLG member stated that people were not really aware of CRL works, and probably weren’t really interested – they just wanted works to be finished as quickly as possible.  RJ confirmed that CRL want the same thing.  SL asked CRL members to please read the CLG charter and keep coming to meetings – we really need a key group of people to continue attending regularly to build up their knowledge of the project and provide feedback.  RJ confirmed that the alliance has started mobilising, and further detail would be provided shortly.

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