City Rail Link on track to burrow under Auckland

Businesses affected by Auckland's proposed City Rail Link seem to be right behind the idea.

Auckland Council has released its concept drawings showing which route the underground link will take.

The link will start at Britomart and snake its way under Albert, Vincent and Pitt streets, then beneath Karangahape Rd and the central motorway junction to Symonds St, before emerging above ground to join the western line.

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Auckland Transport chief executive David Warburton says the agency is talking to 210 affected property owners.

Heart of the City has the majority of its membership along the route and CEO Alex Swney doesn't see any major upsets.

"When we polled our membership, the majority of affected landlords weren't worried and in fact welcomed the project."

Mr Warburton says the link will require the future purchase of surface property from 210 owners. Underground portions of land from 70 interests, including 12 unit title developments with multiple owners, will also need to be purchased for the tunnels and stations.

The proposed route will leave Britomart, starting its incline, before reaching each of the three new underground stations – at Aotea Square, K Rd and Symonds St.

Trains will travel directly under Aotea Square, the Auckland central fire station and the central motorway junction.

"We are aware property owners adjacent to the link will want to know more about future construction impacts such as noise, vibration and access. We will explain these over the next few months," Mr Warburton said.

Mr Swney believes Auckland Council is being conservative with its values.

"They're spending $230 million purchasing property and I think they'll be able to sell it back to the market for more than the estimated $100 million."

He also believes being next to or above the link could have huge benefits to retailers and building owners.