current projects
project 05
Shelly Bay Road Footpath
project 07
Liberty Crescent Path
The Shelly Bay Road footpath is currently in the concept design phase, following site investigations that confirmed it as a priority for the Franklin Local Board. The footpath is expected to be constructed on the western side of the road, addressing a key safety concern where no footpath currently exists between Beachlands and Karaka Roads. This project responds to community requests for safer and more accessible walking routes.
A new 131-metre concrete path is planned for Liberty Park to improve accessibility and support walking and cycling in the area. The project will upgrade the existing informal gravel path, providing a weatherproof and safer route for all users. The new path will connect through Liberty Park and link directly to the footpath on Liberty Crescent, creating a continuous walking connection.
Site investigations and design work have been completed, and the preferred option—a concrete path—has been confirmed. The Franklin Local Board has approved the project to proceed to construction, which is scheduled to begin in late 2025, during the warmer summer months.
This project is part of a wider effort to enhance local walking infrastructure and improve everyday access for the community.
Beachlands / Maraetai.
Both Beachlands and Maraetai were for a long time regarded primarily as beach suburbs, disconnected from Auckland.
In the last two decades the construction of paths and trails haven't kept up with the rate of new residential development. The Pohutukawa Coast Trails Plan, adopted by Franklin Local Board in June 2017 after considerable community input, sets out a vision for non-vehicular connectivity within our area. The targeted rate will enable the Board to address community requests for local connections and footpaths that might otherwise would never have been funded through regional funds.
Shelly Bay Road footpath
An important link between the new area to the south and Beachlands School, this section of Shelly Bay Road (between Beachlands and Karaka Roads) doesn't currently have a footpath. This poses a safety risk, in the wetter months pedestrians are forced on to the road in the vicinity of a busy roundabout. This is a response to community requests.
Liberty Crescent path connection
In Liberty Park there is a formed gravel path that extends towards Liberty Cres. It needs to be continued to meet the existing road footpath. This is a simple fix, but will allow weatherproof foot access towards Te Puru Park.
Maraetai Heights to Te Puru Park
Utilising an existing paper road, this connection from Maraetai School Road across the Whitford-Maraetai Road to Te Puru will allow safer pedestrian and cycle access to Te Puru and between Beachlands and Maraetai.
Maraetai School Road is also a public bus route and so having better connectivity between all the communities would encourage public transport if the public knew there were active transport options as well.
In summer there are a huge number of young touch rugby players attending Te Puru Park on Wednesday nights and many take the direct and dangerous route down the main road from Maraetai Heights and the rest of Maraetai. This connection is all about safety for children and encouraging the public to take a safe but active route
Pedestrian Crossing, Maraetai School Road and Maraetai Drive
The aim is to improve safety for children walking to school by installing pedestrian improvements at the intersection of Maraetai School Road and Maraetai Drive.
