The Targeted Hardship Fund (THF) is a $12m ex gratia financial support fund to help businesses affected by construction on City Rail Link’s main contract of works.
The THF is governed by criteria set by project Sponsors - the NZ Government and Auckland Council - and is administered by third party consultants TSA Management.
The THF is separate from the Link Alliance Small Business Support programme – and businesses can apply for both schemes if eligible. More information here.
Support for local businesses
The City Rail Link will bring considerable benefits to Auckland including a vastly improved rail network and attractive new streetscapes and public spaces. But we’re aware that you can’t build an underground railway in the middle of a bustling city without causing challenges for businesses in the neighbourhood.
The Link Alliance (CRL’s main contractor) works every day to minimise the impacts of construction and support the local community. Being a good neighbour is just as important as construction. Link Alliance remains agile with its suite of business support initiatives to mitigate the impacts on businesses as construction activity changes across the site. Read on to find out more about the suite of business support initiatives available.
Small Business Support Programme
Link Alliance’s Small Business Support Programme (SBSP) has been designed to support small businesses in the city centre areas (Te Waihorotiu Station and Karanga-a-Hape Station construction sites).
The SBSP provides an independent business connector for businesses to help identify their needs and to provide individualised, free, accessible support and specialist services. This programme has been developed with the support of the respective business associations – Heart of the City and Karangahape Road Business Association.
As part of the programme, a Link Alliance microgrant up to the value of $3000 per annum is available to support business to adapt and innovate during construction.
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For businesses in the Maungawhau / Mount Eden Station area, the Link Alliance offers customised support options to the wide variety of businesses in the area. For more information, please contact the station team.
Business wayfinding and promotion
It’s essential that people can still navigate through our construction sites. We provide wayfinding to help pedestrians navigate diversions that may be in place.
We also work with local business to design and deliver business promotions which emphasise that businesses are still open and accessible.
Examples include posters and other signage promoting specific businesses, as well as ‘support local’ campaigns. Promotional signage may be erected on construction fences, included in the designs of solid hoardings or floor decals affixed to the footpath.
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Attractive hoardings
Hoardings across worksites ensure the safety of workers and the public, plus help reduce noise and vibration. Depending on the type of site, hoardings are constructed of plywood, steel, or solid material.
To make our hoardings bright and attractive, we commission art installations or provide imagery and information about the project so that pedestrians are aware of the progress ‘behind the hoardings’. Read more about Auckland’s biggest art project with local artists here.
Perspex windows are included in hoardings where possible to improve visibility for businesses and let natural light in. The windows give pedestrians the opportunity to interact with the works and engage with the project on a more personal level.
On steel temporary fences, Link Alliance has installed bright and colourful scrim alongside information about project progress and local businesses.
Link Alliance is a large organisation and we love to support local.
Wherever possible, we buy goods and services locally – whether this is marking major construction milestones with food from a local cafe, using local print shops for posters and other requirements, or simply encouraging our crews to buy their lunch from local businesses.
We even sponsor regular free coffees (from local suppliers) for all neighbours to enjoy! We also have a large community database that is regularly sent profiles and special deals from local businesses.
Local activations and events
We work with a range of local partners to enhance the public’s experience in the area during construction. Link Alliance runs and supports activations and events to encourage visitation and spending at local businesses.
Previous events have included sponsoring jazz nights in local restaurants, resurrecting monthly activations such as ‘First Thursdays’ on Karangahape Road and around Beresford Square, and the ‘Aroha in Uptown’ event in Eden Terrace. Link Alliance also participates in festivals such as City of Colour, Auckland Festival of Photography, Auckland Heritage Festival and Matariki.
Three stations – Te Waihorotiu, Karanga-a-Hape and Maungawhau / Mount Eden Station – have public information centres to attract people into the area to find out more about the project. These hubs are the starting place for our very popular public tours.
If you have an idea for an event or activation or would like to get involved, please contact the station teams.
Win Win Wednesday
As part of the CRL streetscape upgrade programme, Link Alliance is partnered with local businesses surrounding Te Waihorotiu Station to bring you “Win Win Wednesday”! This was part of our business support programme and one of the ways you also can support local.
Safety and security
Link Alliance works to ensure public areas around our construction sites remain safe and accessible. Walkways are lit and regularly cleaned with any graffiti promptly removed. Security guards and CCTV cameras provide additional surveillance of the worksites.
Other business support initiatives
The impact of Covid-19 has been significant on city centre businesses in particular.
A range of programmes to respond to this continue to be available.
While these are not related to Link Alliance or CRL, businesses may find these programmes relevant to their situation.
Local business associations
Local business associations in the station precincts are also active in supporting businesses.
Please contact them directly for more information.