ARTA Media Release
14 August 2008
Successful construction company announced for significant Newmarket train station project
The Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) announced today that Hawkins Construction Limited has won the contract
to build Newmarket train station, one of the most significant infrastructural projects in the region and the second
largest station in the region after Britomart.
ARTA's Chief Executive, Fergus Gammie, says, "The total value of the contract stands at $48 million, which includes $25
million for the station building and $23 million for track realignment work, and aims to reconnect the station with the
heart of Newmarket's CBD.
"The new station design includes an entranceway on Remuera Road that has been designed to serve as a focal point to
attract commuters. It leads to a glass-surrounded link bridge that transports commuters to a high-roofed atrium-like
main station concourse, which is covered by a 'floating roof canopy', supported on elegant columns.
"The elevated main concourse area is designed to be an open, light and attractive space for patrons to gather, mingle or
wait for trains above the station platforms below.
"From the main station concourse, commuters will access the station's two island platforms below via lifts, stairs or
escalators. The island platforms have generous amounts of shelter, seating, signage and lighting over their entire
length.
"At the northern end of the platforms, future proofing will be undertaken for the provision of constructing a northern
concourse to link the station with any future new developments and to Broadway, close to the Khyber Pass intersection,"
says Mr Gammie.
Newmarket Business Association Chief Executive, Cameron Brewer, says, "We are delighted with the design of the new
station. Like Britomart five years ago, Newmarket's new central station will give a real boost to public transport and
rail patronage.
"It is going to be a significant building and public space, which Newmarket truly deserves. After all, Newmarket is the
region's key rail junction, where the West meets the Southern Line. We're also a significant retail and business
district, with a number of secondary schools nearby.
"Given the station will sit in between high-rise apartment complexes, we always wanted it to stand out as a beacon for
commuters. The architects have achieved just that. As well as being modern, clean and safe, it is going to be well
signed. For years many people just couldn't find the old station. That is not going to be a problem ever again.
"Three years ago, we publicly lobbied the local transport authorities to give priority to Newmarket's 100-year-old rail
facilities, describing the old station as something out of Whangamomona - a Taranaki ghost town. The authorities have
positively responded to the community's calls and these new facilities will literally take us from the 1900s to the new
millennium.
"ARTA and ONTRACK's consultation with the community has been comprehensive and we are thrilled with the outcome. We
can't wait till the ribbon cutting," says Mr Brewer.
Work on the station begins this month with the Minister of Transport, the Hon Annette King, turning the first sod to
start the work on Wednesday 20 August.
ENDS