COVID19 - Alert Level 3 information

Kia ora,

Thank you to those who attended the Community Liaison Group meeting last week, your attendance, feedback and questions were greatly appreciated.

As you are all aware as of 6:00am on Sunday morning, Auckland again moved to Alert Level 3 due to the increased risk of COVID-19 in the community. During this alert level, construction activity continues, with strict guidelines in place.   
 
Our immediate priority is ensuring the safety of our people and the wider community. We have reimplemented the strict health and hygiene protocols we use when working during Alert Level 3, including physical distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks. Please stay in your bubble and, if you are walking around our construction sites, continue to follow physical distancing rules and follow instructions provided by our team and on construction signage. 
 
The Government has a range of business support packages available. The most up-to-date government information on the COVID-19 pandemic, including support for businesses, can be found on the dedicated COVID-19 website and the Heart of the City website. 
 
If you wish to contact us please email us at: aotea@linkalliance.co.nz or call 0800 CRL TALK (0800 275 8255 and press option 3) to speak to us. 

Ngā mihi nui,
The Aotea Station team

Victoria and Albert Streets intersection closure Community Workshop 

Businesses and local residents are invited to attend an upcoming community workshop regarding the approximate two-year vehicle closure of the Victoria St / Albert St intersection from mid 2021.  

Following the NZ Government’s announcement concerning Auckland’s return to Alert Level 3, we will be postponing the workshop from this Wednesday to the following new date:

When: 4:00pm – 5:30pm, Tuesday, 16 March 2021 
Where: Jobs & Skills Hub, Level 2, 16 Kingston Street, Auckland Central

Hosted by an independent facilitator, this workshop will see members of the Link Alliance construction team cover the details of the closure, respond to your questions and feedback, and then discuss ideas together around ways to support businesses, activate the area with events and pop-ups, and make the intersection area as attractive and vibrant as possible during the closure. 

Your feedback will help our plans to support the community during the closure (mid-2021 - 2023).

Agenda:

• Light refreshments
• Introductions
• Presentation from Link Alliance 
• Questions around closure 
• Discussion around reducing closure impacts

Please register your interest at; aotea@linkalliance.co.nz 

Aotea Station - construction update

The Aotea Station construction site continues to change rapidly. At the end of last week, dozens of steel fixers were busy preparing the roof structure which sits over the previously constructed station walls (diaphragm walls), in the Wellesley Street station entrance footprint.

In April, the team will begin to move underground when excavation beneath this roof slab begins. Later in the year construction of the above-ground entrance building will begin.

And yes, we have eyes everywhere, even when working remotely!  

The photo below shows a bird's eye view of Albert Street in the north zone of our site (Victoria St to Wyndham St). On the left hand side of the photo we have the capping beam being completed in this area. This allows all of the piles underneath to be connected ready for the station walls. Capping beam works are currently partially across the driveway of 87 Albert Street and will be heading towards the corner of Victoria & Albert Streets in the coming weeks. Access to properties and businesses remains in place at all times. 

On the right hand side of the photo, the bluestone wall deconstruction continues. Deconstruction is now more than half complete, with the stones being taken away for storage until the wall is reconstructed once the station box is built. 

Wellbeing webinar: Mental health and COVID-19

When: 5:30pm, Wednesday, 3 March 2021
Where: Zoom

2020 was characterised by uncertainty, upheaval and complexity, environmental conditions that naturally amplify exhaustion and distress. As we venture into 2021, the continued Covid-19 pandemic adds a persistent layer of pressure to our personal and professional lives. What does this mean for our mental health and that of our family, friends and colleagues? How can we help each other and our organisations navigate the stresses of this uncertain environment, enabling us to optimise our wellbeing, work and relationships?

Brought to you by the Britomart organisation, join Jacqui Maguire for this frank and informative presentation as she talks us through the state of mental health in New Zealand now, the impacts of Covid, and what we can do to flourish in this new normal.

Click here to register for the webinar.