Two transformational New Lynn roading projects – the new Totara Avenue shared space and the Clark Street extension – were officially opened by Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse on 2 September.
Celebrations continued on Saturday 3 September with a community market day in the new shared space.
This marks the completion of stages 2 and 3 of the New Lynn Transit Oriented Development (TOD) programme. Stage 1 included construction of the New Lynn Transport Interchange and improvements to the surrounding road network, completed in September last year. Together they form part of a wider vision of transforming New Lynn into a vibrant regional town centre.
Shared Space
The shared space transforms Totara Avenue West into a slow-speed zone that creates a more pedestrian-friendly retail area and focal point for New Lynn’s town centre.
Single paving across the full width of the street now allows pedestrians to move more easily in the shared space and expands opportunities for enjoying outdoor dining, street activities and events.
Important! Motorists must give way to pedestrians in the shared zone and drive to the conditions. Pedestrians also need to take care. Pedestrian-only accessibility zones run along both sides of the street.
The Clark Street extension bypasses the shared space. The new 300m dual carriageway extends Clark Street to the west from the Clark/Rankin intersection and curves to the north via a new bridge over the rail trench to connect with Great North Road (next to Cambridge Clothing). The bypass provides a means for heavy vehicles to avoid the New Lynn CBD.
Todd Triangle
The Todd Triangle Reserve is being upgraded as part of the shared space development and will feature several brick artworks – a nod to New Lynn’s clay heritage – by renowned sculptor Peter Lange.
Gardner Reserve
The Gardner Reserve, adjoining the new Clark Street extension, is also being upgraded by Auckland Transport as part of the roading developments.
Some 30-minute parking spaces are available in the shared space zone.
New parking facilities
Extra all-day parking: A total of 48 car parks are now available at the Clark Street end of Astley Avenue. The parking spaces have no time restrictions.
Two drop-off parking spaces are now available next to the New Lynn Transport Interchange bus bays to allow people to drop-off or collect people close to the station within a two-minute time limit. .
Six P5 parking spaces are also located on Clark Street for this purpose. There are three spaces on either side of street, just up from the station.
Funding
A budget of $300m has been assigned to the entire project; the transformation of the New Lynn town centre and improvements to its transport and road infrastructure.