This is a guest blog from Jonathan and was originally published on his blog http://jonathanbgood.com/
With so many good ideas, we have split this into two parts – this is part 2.
Today is Auckland’s birthday and a chance to celebrate the best little city in the world! It’s also a good chance to think about what could make the next 175 years even better.
5. What if we had a high-speed train to Hamilton?
I have to confess a little bias here as a commuter between Auckland and its little southern brother….but….Hamilton it is less than 100km away** with house prices that are less than half those here and some great restaurants, cafes and more!!!
Imagine if we built a high-speed railway that made Hamilton just a 20 minute train ride to Auckland.
6. What if you could walk, bike or run from Pakuranga to Takapuna?
Auckland has phenomenal scenery of our great harbours and thanks to the “Queen’s Chain” public access is mostly assured. But our little beach reserves and walkways never quite seem to connect.
Imagine if we created a beautiful walkway (a promenade even!) that ran through our city – joining the Rotary Walkway in the South, with the Greenways project around the Tamaki River, Tamaki Drive, Westhaven, the SkyPath across the harbour bridge and the SeaPath to Takapuna. What a way for tourists and residents alike to see the magic of the Waitamata.(even better it we could edge the Manukau with another beautiful walkway and connect them along the historic portages in Otahuhu and New Lynn).
7. What if we opened an Auckland “Highline”?
New York’s highline was been a hit – reinventing a disused, elevated railway as a park has attracted people downtown and reinvigorated whole neighbourhoods. Auckland could do the same. At Spaghetti Junction there is an old dis-used overbridge.
Imagine it as a stunning park – and a sanctuary of people to play and relax in the middle of the countries busiest interchange and Auckland’s heart.
