The NZ Transport Agency is proud to announce the opening of a multi-purpose visitor centre for its Newmarket Connection: Viaduct Replacement Project.
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is proud to announce the opening of a multi-purpose visitor centre for its Newmarket Connection: Viaduct Replacement Project.
Located at the heart of the Newmarket Connection project, at 5B Mahuru Street, the visitor centre has been designed to accommodate drop-in visitors as well as visits from local schools, businesses and community groups. Displaying the latest photos and updates from the project and providing advice on upcoming works, the visitor centre complements the project’s website and freephone 0508 CONNECT hotline as key information sources.
Part information office, part community resource, the facility also features a fully equipped meeting or function room, which can be hired out, for a charitable gold-coin donation, by schools, community groups or even local businesses wanting to take their staff off site.
“The Newmarket Connection project sees us working within a very tight urban corridor, therefore we are committed to supporting the local community,” explains Tommy Parker, NZTA’s State Highways Manager for Auckland and Northland. “The visitor centre will make it easier for us to provide the community with important information on the project, and we hope it will become an established part of the fabric of Newmarket itself.”
The visitor centre was first unveiled to members of the local business community by Newmarket Business Association General Manager, Cameron Brewer, at a preview opening in May.
“We have been impressed with NZTA’s ongoing communication and engagement. With its fascinating displays, information and historic photographs of when the existing viaduct was built in the 1960’s, the visitor centre is a great initiative and will be an extra asset for our community over the next three years,” comments Mr Brewer.
The visitor centre is open to the public on Thursday, Friday (both days 10am to 4.30pm) and Saturday (10.30am to 3pm) and by appointment. For more information, photos and details of how to book the community room, visit the project’s website: www.nzta.govt.nz/nemarketconnection(external link).
Alternatively please contact the project’s communications manager, Gez Johns, on freephone 0508 CONNECT (266 6328) or by email: info@nganewmarket.co.nz
For all media enquiries please contact:
Gez Johns
Communications and Stakeholder Manager – Newmarket Connection
DDI 09 926 1713
Mob 021 399265
Email gez.johns@nganewmarket.co.nz
About the project
The NZTA’s Newmarket Connection project will see the Newmarket Viaduct replaced in stages by a new viaduct that, built to exacting modern design standards, will have significant benefits for both the motorway user and the local community. The innovative staged approach to replacement will allow the NZTA to keep the motorway operational throughout the project, while the integration of a number of urban design initiatives will enhance pedestrian flow through Newmarket and facilitate the opportunity for more progressive land use beneath and around the new structure.
Stage 1 of the project, a new four-lane southbound carriageway to be built immediately to the east (harbour) side of the existing viaduct, is scheduled for completion in early 2011 and, importantly, will enhance the network capacity in time for the Rugby World Cup. Completion date for the entire project is December 2012.
