Auckland shopping centre and hotel owners are up in arms over moves to redirect traffic away from Quay St and Auckland’s waterfront Central Business District.

The move is part of the Britomart Transport Centre Development which will clear traffic away so pedestrians can have easy access to the waterfront.

It’s all part of a $40 million development which is fast becoming a white elephant for Auckland business people and ratepayers.

Business owners have grouped together and lodged an appeal against Auckland City Council resource concent which allows for a tunnel to be drilled beneath Quay St.

The business people believe if the tunnel goes ahead their businesses will suffer, particularly as construction will continue for around 18 months and traffic will be routed away from their shop and hotel fronts.

But Auckland City mayor, Christine Fletcher, says consultation will win the day. She expects normal consultation with businesses near the construction to resolve any problems.

Last month, work began on a second tunnel project in the area to bring passenger trains to the bottom of Queen St. The 506m-long tunnel running from the railway station to the site of the proposed Britomart Transport Centre is due to be built by April next year.

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