Businesses in Auckland’s Central Business District (CBD) are facing severe financial strain due to ongoing roadworks and construction, with some reporting a 70% drop in patronage.
The Wellesley St bus corridor upgrade is the latest in a series of disruptive projects, following the six-year City Rail Link development. High-profile stores like Smith and Caughey’s and Sephora are exiting the city, and local businesses such as Remedy Cafe and Civic Convenience store report drastic revenue declines, staff layoffs, and uncertainty about their survival. Despite Auckland Council’s efforts to mitigate the impact through a Small Business Support Programme and microgrants, many business owners feel the support is insufficient to offset their significant losses.
Cafe owner Rich O’Hanlon and store owner Emran Al Dablan told state news of their concerns about the lack of meaningful financial support and the long-term viability of their businesses amid the prolonged construction period. Auckland Council acknowledges the construction impact but maintains that the projects are essential for the city’s future infrastructure, with the new Te Waihorotiu Station expected to transform Wellesley St into a major interchange. However, the immediate financial relief offered, including microgrants up to $3000, falls short of covering the monthly losses incurred by these businesses. Business leaders like Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck argue for more substantial support to help these businesses survive until the completion of the construction projects.
Image credit: Unsplash+
