Mayor Len Brown Reacts to News of Skypath consents being approved

From the Office of the Mayor

Skypath approval “a game changer”

Mayor Len Brown calls the granting of resource consent for SkyPath – a cycling and walking path adjacent to the citybound clip-on lanes of the Auckland Harbour Bridge – “a real game changer for Auckland.”

“This exciting project is another part of the physical uniting of Auckland, building on the cycleways we have recently built such as at Grafton Gully and the Westhaven promenade.

“Besides being of enormous benefit to cyclists, it’s a fabulous opportunity for Aucklanders and visitors to the city to walk across and have great views of our spectacular harbour.

“It illustrates how our roads are no longer just about trucks and cars but also for the use of cyclists and pedestrians.”

Len Brown says the next step to enable the project to proceed will be a report to be completed by Council staff on the proposed commercial arrangements and recommendations on how to proceed from here.

There is a 15 working day appeal period.

The Independent Planning Commissioners, in their decision, acknowledge that SkyPath is a “critical transport link and a positive gain for Auckland’s transportation network.

They say that “the proposal will help promote alternative transportation modes and active lifestyles and improve recreational options for Aucklanders and visitors to the region.”

It says the proposal is consistent with the RMA including having positive economic impacts.

The application received 11,586 submissions with 11,413 in support, five neutral and 168 in opposition.

The commissioners say they believe issues raised by residents at either end of the bridge can be adequately mitigated.

“The traffic and parking effects associated with parties who chose to drive to SkyPath will be adequately mitigated through provision, implementation, and review and monitoring of the operational plan,” the decision reads.

It says adverse amenity effects at the northern end can be mitigated through design and site management as proposed by the applicant.  Those effects are primarily associated with increased activity, privacy, noise and perceptions relating to safety and security.

—ends—

The Decision