Reopen the Albert Park Tunnels

Help us reopen the Albert Park Tunnels after 72 years of neglect.

The plan involves restoring the central Auckland tunnel complex to create a new transport link and new public amenities. See www.albertparktunnels.co.nz for more details.

The plan includes:

*A modernised walking and cycling tunnel between Parnell and the City Centre, with two sets of high speed lifts going ten storeys up to the university.

*Preserving parts of the tunnels to their original condition, with additional spaces restored for historical displays.

*A café and boutique retail area, including a wine cellar and cheese cave showcasing New Zealand produce.

*A new cluster of world class tourist attractions inside the tunnels, including the Auckland Glowworm encounter.

This combines a mix of free and paid attractions, with the commercial parts helping to pay for the community parts. That way we can reopen the tunnels without a big subsidy from ratepayers. In fact, this plan would pay a lease back to the council for the use of the tunnels.

The historic tunnels will be brought up to modern building standards using state of the art construction methods. They will be lined with steel reinforced concrete and fitted with all the lighting, ventilation, safety and security systems required to make them safe and meet the building code.

We have completed feasibility studies and a business case. We have support from the council and local board, the universities, the business association, walking and cycling groups, and mana whenua. We have private investors lined up. To make the plan a reality, we now need to complete the detailed planning and design work required to get resource consent and secure the private funding.

We are a group of locals who want to make this happen. We aren’t a big multinational corporation who can afford to fund this work on our own. That’s why we’re asking you to chip in to get it done. A small contribution from each of our thousands of supporters will help us reopen the Albert Park Tunnels as an asset for Auckland, to be enjoyed by generations to come.

Our suggested donations:

[$25 Basic, for students and fixed incomes]

Feel proud knowing you helped reopen the tunnels, and leave a message of support on our website

[$100 Standard, for individuals and families]

If we reopen the tunnels your name will be inscribed on a tunnel brick to see every time you visit. We'll also invite you to the exclusive supporters’ sneak peak party before the tunnels are open to the public.

[$1,000 Premium, for corporates and organisations]

If we are successful your company or organisation name will be inscribed on a large tunnel brick inside the entrance. You will also get two VIP tickets to the opening-night private function, including a gala dinner hosted inside the tunnels and a personal behind the scenes tour of the complex.

The fine print: You are making a simple donation to help support the plan to reopen the Albert Park tunnels. We can't promise you actually get anything in return at this stage. The inscribed bricks, supporters party and VIP gala can only be done if we have the required consents and agreements in place, and the tunnels are restored and safe for public access. Please make sure to leave good contact details as it will take some time to get through this process.

At this stage we can’t guarantee the tunnels will be reopened, but we can that guarantee without your help they will stay closed forever.