SPLASH into the new Tepid Baths

It was an early start on the 23 April to bless the Auckland Tepid Baths.

The refurbishment of the Tepid Baths respects the old heritage features and creates a great community asset for residents living in the city centre.

The official handover of the project from the contractor to the council has taken place and will be officially re-open for business on Saturday 23rd June.

If you are interested in joining the gym visit www.tepidbaths.co.nz

In the photo Local Board Member Tricia Reed and I at the Tepid Baths site blessing.

Light at the end of the Parnell Tunnel

One of the reasons why I love living near the inner city is accessibility.

For more than 40% of residents living in the Waitemata area walking is a fantastic way to commute into work. As a board member I believe that one of my key roles is to look at the opportunities to make it easy, enjoyable and safe for everyone.

In November 2011, I held a meeting with KiwiRail and Auckland Transport to discuss reopening the Abandoned Parnell Rail Tunnel and create a greenway for walking and cycling from Laxon Terrace in Newmarket to Stanley Street in Parnell.

The planned corridor is outlined in the Waitemata local area plan and supports the current community work underway to restore the Waipapa Stream and build the Parnell Train Station.

Over the December/January period stage one of the Parnell Station track lowering was completed and a second meeting and board site visit was held on the 8 March 2012. At the meeting it was agreed that a feasibility study would be undertaken.

The feasibility study would include the following elements:
• The feasibility of a full length shared walking and cycling route
• Structural integrity of the abandon Parnell Rail Tunnel
• Assessment of the tunnels safety through environmental design
• Retaining corridor access for rail maintenance

The outcome of the report would recommend a possible route and cost to implement. I held a meeting with our local improvement projects officer in March to discuss scoping the project.

A regional context
The Parnell Tunnel and Rail Trail is a well-connected track linking Newmarket to the Central Connector and Auckland Waterfront.

 

Historical context
The Waipapa Stream was used to define the Parnell boundary of the Auckland Domain in July 1840 by Captain Hobson and Apihai Te Kawau. As Parnell’s natural water supply it has been used for Auckland’s first flour mill and first brewery. Waipapa Stream path defines the footprint of one of Auckland’s most sacred volcanic cones – Pukekawa.

The original Parnell tunnel was built in 1870s and provided a vital link for the fledgling Auckland harbour city. In subsequent years the parallel rail tunnel was built and the original tunnel was left abandon until the tunnel was bricked up in the late 1990s.

Local board member Christopher Dempsey and I at the abandoned Parnell Rail Tunnel.