Queen Street standoff softens after talks between council and businesses
Todd Niall
Court action over a planned upgrade to Auckland’s Queen Street may be averted after peace talks between a group of businesses and the council.
Parties are tight-lipped with the Save Queen Street group set to seek an injunction on May 5, but in a joint statement described Friday’s 90-minute meeting as “productive”.
“Save Queen Street, Auckland Council and Auckland Transport had a productive meeting this afternoon and are working together to reach a resolution,” they said in a statement.
The group of retailers and landlords argued that the council was breaking the law in using the restriction of traffic lanes brought in during Covid-19 in 2020, as the basis for a new upgrade due in May.
The “emergency works”, carried out last year, widened pedestrian space by reducing traffic from four lanes to two on the CBD’s main retail strip.
The council plans next month to partially close a section of lower Queen Street to general traffic, and make it more pedestrian-friendly with pocket parks, widened footpaths and seating, in a $1.1 million trial.
Save Queen Street wants all the Covid-19 changes stripped away, before new discussions can begin on making the struggling street more attractive.
The society partly blamed the changes for the declining health of the street, which now has dozens of empty shops, following the loss of tourists, foreign students, and a trend to office employees working more from home.
Today's talks were chaired by the Auckland Council chief executive Jim Stabback, with senior officials from both council and Auckland Transport, but without the mayor Phil Goff.
Goff had previously told Stuff he supported the changes in the council plan.
Hi neighbours, what do you think of the planned upgrade to Auckland's Queen St?
*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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60.1% Yes, supporting people is important!
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23.4% No, individuals should take responsibility
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16.5% ... It is complicated
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
Stolen Haro red mountain bike
My son’s red Haro mountain bike was stolen near Cornwall Park Avenue.
It was parked at our residence on 22nd January at around 8:00pm. We discovered it missing on 25th January at around 2:00pm.
If anyone living near Cornwall Park Avenue has CCTV footage between those dates and times, could you please check and let me know if you notice anything suspicious or see a red Haro mountain bike (photo attached)?
We would really appreciate any help. Please message me if you have any information.
Thank you so much.
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