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Projects

Eden Park precinct upgrade


We are funding a range of transport and infrastructure improvement projects in the streets surrounding Eden Park.

Aerial photo of Eden Park Stadium and the surrounding streets.

Aerial photo of Eden Park Stadium and the surrounding streets.


These projects will provide significant long-term benefits to local residents, business owners and those that travel through the area and support the successful delivery of Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011).

These improvements will be made under the provision that they are sensitive to, and appropriate for, the residential neighbourhood.

Long-term benefits for residents include:

  • improvements in vehicle flow around Eden Park, and between the stadium and the central city
  • significantly improved passenger transport connections in the precinct, easing parking requirements for the area
  • improved infrastructure and enhancements to the key town centres in the precinct
  • improved walking routes between Eden Park and the CBD, Morningside and Eden Valley and Kingsland town centres
  • improved traffic management and crowd management during all events and matches held at the stadium in the lead-up to RWC 2011 and beyond.

Transport projects

RWC 2011 has been the catalyst for several transport initiatives and improvements, most of which occur in the Eden Park precinct. These include:

Realignment of Sandringham Road

A great deal of work to improve public transport facilities, traffic flow and safety has taken place along Sandringham Road over the past 10 years and this project is another step towards making improvements along the whole corridor.

The improvements to Sandringham Road adjacent to Eden Park will mean pedestrians can move to and from Eden Park, Kingsland rail station and the city centre more efficiently and safely.

The improvements will provide safer intersections, open public spaces and facilitate increased movement and management of large crowds during major events at Eden Park stadium.

Improvements to the intersection of Sandringham and Walters roads will also be undertaken to make crossing the road safer for pedestrians.

Project timeline: The realignment of Sandringham Road project involves the removal of land frontage from some properties, with some houses being relocated within their current boundaries. All affected property owners and tenants have been consulted throughout this project.

Improving access between Eden Park and New North Road, via a new link lane

Construction of a new link lane from New North Road to Walters Road will enable improved access to and from the stadium from this main artery and will reduce pressure around Kingsland rail station by separating train-bound and New-North Road/CBD bound pedestrians.

The new link will be a shared vehicle and pedestrian space, except when events are on at Eden Park, when it will be used only by pedestrians.

This project involves the removal of two houses at 6 Sandringham Road and 27 Walters Road during the coming months before preparation work for the link lane begins, early November 2009. Actual construction to build the link lane will begin in early 2010.

Walking routes

In order to relieve pressure on the public transport system on event days, the council is looking at ways to provide alternative and more sustainable travel options.

One identified internationally recognised alternative means of transportation for major events, is walking routes.

To enable the movement of several thousand pedestrians to and from Eden Park on game days, and to ensure people use a variety of routes so crowds are not concentrated in one area, several walking routes have been identified which take the most direct, safe and accessible routes, to and from the CBD, Dominion Road, and Morningside rail station.

The three identified routes are:

  • CBD to Eden Park: Queen Street, Karangahape Road, Great North Road, Bond Street, New North Road, the link lane, Eden Park. This is the main CBD-Eden Park route, approximately 3.6km in length, with an estimated walking time of 45 minutes. It was chosen as it provides pedestrians with entertainment, food and beverage outlets, wider footpaths than other considered routes, and some shelter.
  • Dominion Road, Walters Road, Eden Park
  • Morningside station, Morningside Drive, Altham Avenue, Sandringham Road, Eden Park.

The work to be carried out on these routes includes some footpath renewals, kerb extensions, channelling work, and additional lighting from Kingsland, Morningside and Eden Valley to Eden Park.

Street improvements and maintenance

As Eden Park will be a key venue during RWC 2011, it is crucial that the roads in the immediate area are of a high standard.

Improvements such as resurfacing, kerb repairs and traffic calming measures to the following roads will be considered on a priority needs basis:

  • Walters Road (from Sandringham Road to Dominion Road)
  • Reimers Avenue
  • Cricket Avenue
  • Bellwood Avenue
  • Altham Road to Morningside railway station
  • Rossmay Terrace to Morningside railways station

Undergrounding utilities

Auckland City Council is working with Vector to underground utilities on the streets immediately surrounding Eden Park in time for RWC 2011:

  • Walters Road
  • Cricket Avenue
  • Reimers Avenue

Work is due to begin in October 2009.

Minor Town centre improvements

Key gateways presenting Auckland and Eden Park to the world during RWC 2011 are Kingsland and Eden Valley town centres.

  • Kingsland town centre will feature prominently as an entertainment district with food and beverage outlets frequented by both rugby patrons and visitors to the area as well as the local community
  • Eden Valley town centre will play a vital role to spectators and patrons with food and beverage outlets

Some minor and essential work will be carried out to these two centres to ensure a safe and welcoming precinct for visitors and the community in the lead up and during the tournament.

Work may include footpath maintenance, minor town centre upgrades including updated street furniture and amenities.

Any long-term upgrades of these centres will not be done before 2011.

Parking zones and signage

Planning is underway to review parking zones, parking schemes and signage in the Eden Park area.

One change could see the use of permanent flip down signs instead of the installation of temporary event signage for each game, which is cumbersome and labour intensive.

Changes to current residents parking schemes will occur during the tournament to ensure safe and successful transport and traffic operations during the tournament. These changes will be communicated directly to those affected.

Bus and coach parking

During RWC 2011 Eden Park will be a hive of activity, especially with the predicted number of rugby fans travelling to the stadium on package coach tours.

The current bus hub in the southwest corner of Eden Park will not be able to meet expected demands.

Consideration is being given to temporary bus and coach parking areas close to the stadium, which could include New North Road, Sandringham Road, Morningside Drive, Bond Street, and Great North Road.

Security measures – CCTV

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) is an important component in the successful delivery of a large-scale event.

The council has identified a number of key locations for the installation of new CCTV devices that compliment the existing systems in place across the city.

This system will help monitor transport operations and traffic flow as well as providing increased security during events held in and around Eden Park.

 

Updated September 2009

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