Slimmed-down Britomart may save $60m

By BERNARD ORSMAN

The cost of building a replacement transport terminal for Britomart has fallen by up to $60 million.

The huge drop in price has been revealed to some councillors by the project manager for the Waitemata Waterfront Development Group, Mark Kunath.

Mr Kunath refused to confirm to the Herald that the cost of the public transport component for an underground terminal had dropped from $120 million to $60 million.

All he would say was ways had been found to build a smaller underground transport terminal at less cost.

Changing the number and length of the rail platforms is understood to have resulted in big savings.

A $60 million saving on the underground transport terminal would see the overall cost for the "Son of Britomart" cut back to $158 million.

Other estimates include $22 million for an above-ground bus terminal, $17 million to restore historic buildings in the area and $27 million for public spaces.

Councillor Jon Olsen said the original costings were absurd and the price could come down a further $10 million through better use of space and having fewer escalators.

The council will be briefed on new costings and an alternative rapid transport system on May 25. The next day entries close for the first stage of a competition to come up with ideas for a new transport terminal.

Meanwhile, the 426m underground tunnel, designed to bring rail passengers back to downtown Auckland for the first time in 70 years, has been completed within a budget of $15.6 million.

The tunnel runs from the old Auckland Railway Station to Britomart Place to connect with the planned underground transport terminal.

The council is also investigating ditching a grand central Britomart station and using the tunnel for a rapid transport system such as light rail or guided buses.