KEY POINTS:
Demolition and construction work is well under way at Auckland's Eden Park, with a survey showing the majority of local residents back the redevelopment project.
The poll was carried out before Christmas, following the start of demolition of the south and southwest stands and the start of construction of the new 22,000 seat south stand.
The poll showed that 81 per cent of those surveyed said the project had caused no inconvenience, which was very encouraging, redevelopment board chief executive Adam Feeley said.
"After many weeks of demolition and construction in the neighbourhood, it is very pleasing that locals are still supportive of the project despite the short-term inconvenience it will cause some residents," Mr Feeley said.
Results from the poll showed 72 per cent of residents surveyed agreed the redevelopment of Eden Park was a good idea, with 18 per cent who disagreed.
A total of 81 per cent of residents surveyed said the demolition of the south stand at Eden Park had caused no inconvenience.
However, those residents living closest to Eden Park said the demolition had caused a great deal of inconvenience (10 per cent compared to 4 per cent overall).
The poll showed that key sources of inconvenience for all residents were noise (64 per cent) and traffic (37 per cent).
Those inconvenienced said that the best compensation would be free tickets to games (44 per cent); more public space (40 per cent); or more neighbourhood consultation (41 per cent).
A total of 14 per cent of residents said they had experienced adverse effects from the redevelopment at Eden Park, and this was most prevalent among those who live closest to Eden Park.
Mr Feeley said that there was a strong sentiment coming through in the poll that the disruption was an inevitable and accepted part of the efforts needed to get ready for the Rugby World Cup in 2011.
"We have remained on track with the redevelopment throughout the past 18 months and, provided we maintain that schedule and keep everyone informed, we think the vast majority of the local community will continue to support us," Mr Feeley said. The poll was commissioned by the Eden Park Redevelopment Board and carried out by polling company, Versus Research Ltd.
It surveyed 506 houses in the local Kingsland/Mt Eden area , and followed an earlier neighbourhood poll in July 2008.
- NZPA
