7 minute read
City Rail Link: Great Dame digs – and Phil’s in!
MILL ROAD PROJECT SHOVED ASIDE
The controversial widening and realignment of Mill Road in the Papakura/Alfriston district, now looks unlikely to go ahead despite being on government and council agendas for a number of years and even being announced as ‘shovel ready’ in 2020.
In mid 2021, the Government announced a budget blowout had stalled (and probably buried) the long awaited project, at least for the time being.
In past years, Design & Build has published various plans put forth and has seen these altered and retrenched, despite the route being a key link to the east and usually heavily congested at peak commuter times.
One of six projects from the NZ Upgrade Programme which won’t go ahead as planned because of the recent expensive cost blow outs, the rebuilding of Mill Road, was initially costed at $1.3 billion but in 2021 was recosted at $3.5 billion.
So, instead of rebuilding the road, Transport Minister, Michael Wood has said that the Government would focus on important safety improvements to the road, upgrades to SH1 and rail, and new rail stations connected to public transport, walking and cycling infrastructure. Infrastructure Minister, Grant Robertson, added that the changes represented a “balanced approach”.
“Fully funding the new estimated costs for every project (six in total) would have cost up to $6 billion extra on top of the original $6.8 billion, so instead we’ve taken a balanced approach with a mix of additional investment and a handful of projects being re-scoped while also keeping a lid on debt,” he said.
As it stands, this vital link to east Auckland, which was also seen as a way to relieve congestion on the Southern Motorway, may well continue to remain clogged at peak traffic times during the week.
Furthermore, with exponential growth occurring in Takanini – townhouses and terraces style housing now covering a vast tract of land in the vicinity of Mill Road and adjoining Cosgrove Road – the route may well be more heavily used than ever.
It remains to be seen if an upgrade, considered essential by many commuters especially as direct links to the east from the south are limited, will go ahead in the future, particularly if there is a change of government.
Transport Minister Michael Wood and Auckland Mayor Phil Goff.
City Rail Link:
GREAT DAME DIGS – AND PHIL’S IN!
Politics may bore many people but, when politicians lent a helping hand to set wheels in motion for Auckland’s City Rail Link, (ironically) ‘boring’ was far from boring.
“The official start of tunnelling represents an important milestone on Auckland’s journey towards providing a world-class, 21st century transport network,” Auckland Mayor, Phil Goff, said of the official 2021 launch of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), named Dame Whina Cooper – who was far from boring!
The tunnels will play a vital role in the overall City Rail Link, ‘on track’ until (and in another way, after) completion in late 2024. The link is also expected to ease pressure on the beleaguered road network, which should be great news for local commuters who work in the city.
Although the first 50 metres of tunnel at the Mt Eden site had already been mined, the TBM is now at work excavating the remainder of the 1.6km tunnel which will run under the motorway and connect with the CRL (City Rail Link) tunnels already constructed from the Britomart Station.
“When complete, the City Rail Link will transform rail travel in Tamaki Makaurau,” Mr Goff believes. “It will carry up to 54,000 people an hour, moving the equivalent capacity of three Auckland Harbour Bridges or 16 extra traffic lanes into and through the city at peak times.”
Joined by another boring enthusiast, Transport Minister Michael Wood, Mr Goff pressed a button to start the machine in early May 2021. Such ‘shovel-ready’ projects also provide further benefits, Mr Wood added.
“Building infrastructure like the City Rail Link is part of our Covid-19 economic plan – this project is providing real jobs and opportunities for thousands of Aucklanders. It’ll give us a step-change in our public transport and cultivate a diverse and highly-skilled workforce.”
A home to call your nest!
Every homeowner wants to enjoy a feeling of pride and comfort when driving up to their home not just for the first time, but every time. And, that’s exactly what the team at Homes by Nest works hard to create – even the name reflects that sense of warmth and snugness which envelops homeowners when they walk through the front door into their very own living space.
Created by Bru and Linda Goldfinch over the past 18 months, Homes By Nest is built on their belief that a team effort of appreciated subcontractors and suppliers will deliver nothing but top quality, long-lasting family homes with features which continue to please year after year.
“Our end goal is for clients to enjoy their family home as much as we enjoy ours,” Linda says. “We want them to be completely satisfied in their decision to build with Homes By Nest and to be absolutely delighted with the home we give them,”
After spending 12 years as a new home consultant with various building companies throughout Papakura, Franklin and Christchurch, Linda says she and Bru were given the opportunity to purchase a building company franchise in Christchurch.
“However, with a change of circumstances, we made the decision to create Homes By Nest within our local stamping ground of Papakura and Franklin.
“Being locals, and having operated in this area for a long time, the decision was easy especially as we had already built up excellent contacts in the construction world, many of whom we consider good friends.” Today Bru and Linda are enthusiastic about the sub-contractors and suppliers who work alongside them.
Their company tagline – Premium Service – Personalised Solutions – Fair Price – reflects their dedication to excellence in every quarter from initial consultation through to planning, construction, price, timeliness and more.
“We carefully consider everyone who is involved in the build project and genuinely believe that happy subbies and suppliers will ensure onsite energy is positively charged. Subsequently, the only possible outcome is the delivery of a ‘happy’, well built, long-lasting family home,” Bru says.
With Bru the first point of call for any query, whether it be meeting for an initial consult, or going through the final home check, all queries are met with complete professionalism and expertise.
“Having Linda on hand to bounce off ideas, clients benefit from a close knit team where communication is key.”
With an eye for décor and accessories, Linda also works alongside Picturebook Interiors for the all important interior design and colour schemes to finish each home with individual and personalised style. “These days new homeowners look for that special ingredient; they don’t want the ‘same old’ anymore,” she says. “Therefore, from the outset, we are intent on helping clients to get their dream home; a home which is set apart from others. We don’t believe their years of hard work should come down to the ordinary.”
Once a build project is entrusted to Homes by Nest, Bru and Linda agree it is always a pleasure to take time to talk through exactly what it is the client wants in a home and why the choice to build from scratch.
“The building of a new home should never be a chore, done properly the process should be great fun and hugely satisfying,” the pair contends. “We will ensure our customers have an enjoyable home build experience by mixing fun and professionalism. We fully engage with them throughout.
“So, if you are seeking a new home and have the time to talk, we have the time to listen. We look forward to hearing your ideas and priorities for a build, and to using our expertise to bring it all together, keeping within budget and ensuring the highest standard of finish.
“We take the responsibility of building every new home very seriously; we promise to relieve clients of stress and ensure they have fun along the way to becoming new homeowners.”
