Board scraps second transport hub

Rodney Local Board has cancelled its plans to build a $6.5 million community transport hub at Huapai Domain after budget blowouts pushed the estimated costs up to well over $7 million.

Board chair Brent Bailey said the transport targeted rate project had been a cause of frustration since investigations started, with the hub’s location, size and design changing frequently.

“The number of carparks has got smaller and smaller and smaller and the budget has changed,” he said at the board’s April 19 meeting. “It’s been here, and there, and then over there – it’s a constantly moving feast.”

Bailey said the siting issues had been compounded by the fact that Auckland Transport’s Rapid Transport Corridor was now planned to go right through the chosen spot, plus the reserve land would need to be re-designated as a transport asset, adding unforeseen leasing and maintenance costs.

The meeting heard that investigation and design works had already cost $450,000, but there would be just over $6 million left in the Kumeu subdivision targeted rate coffers if the project was halted.

Members voted to cancel the project and reallocate the funds to providing footpaths.