Broadway boost set in bluestone

From City Scene, published on 2 December, 2007

The first stage of Auckland City Council's $6 million upgrade of Broadway in Newmarket has finished ahead of the busy Christmas shopping period.

Street improvements outside Westfield 277 Newmarket and the Olympic swimming pool include new footpaths, seats, planting and lighting. The upgrade will help boost Broadway's appeal as an attractive destination for shopping and entertainment, and as a transport hub.

Cameron Brewer, general manager of the Newmarket Business Association, says local businesses are pleased that disruption has been kept to a minimum and work is running to schedule. "Local businesses are ready for a busy Christmas and shoppers can now enjoy the sections that are finished. Everyone thinks the Timaru bluestone paving looks great," he says. The council's project manager for the upgrade, Edoardo Canal, says the project is going smoothly. The next phase of the project will start in January, with the final stage due to finish by August 2008. There will be no work on the project between 1 December and 7 January.