20 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Auckland 1010
Private Bag 92250, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
+64 9 355 3553 | at.govt.nz
29 July 2025
Phillip Hart
[FYI request #31558 email]
Kia ora Phillip,
Your request for information under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987
(LGOIMA) - CAS-1151931-Z2G7Z0
I refer to your request for official information dated
13 July 2025 for detailed reasons and costs for the
repeated and ongoing glazing work at the Newmarket railway station.
The glazing work at Newmarket Station has been necessary due to a combination of design legacy
issues, safety concerns, and infrastructure upgrades.
Newmarket Station – Glazing Renewal Works
Newmarket Station was originally designed to support diesel train services, which required enhanced
ventilation to disperse exhaust fumes. To achieve this, the Remuera Road airbridge incorporated open
“pivot-style” glazing units along the lower two-thirds of the structure, while the upper third remained open.
Over time, the mechanisms within these pivot-style glazing units reached the end of their serviceable life
and required replacement. Additionally, during adverse weather conditions, wind-driven rain was able to
penetrate the bridge structure, creating slip hazards that led to temporary closures.
Stage 1 Scope
• Replacing old pivot windows with full-height fixed glazing units to prevent water ingress and improve
safety.
• Installing fixed louvres and new roofing/flashing on the top third of the airbridge.
• Using encapsulated scaffolding during rail closures and night shifts to minimize disruption.
Given the airbridge’s importance as a key pedestrian connection and its close proximity to the rail corridor
and overhead electric lines, the project was carefully staged using a suspended encapsulated scaffold
system. This approach ensured safe working conditions for contractors while maintaining uninterrupted
and secure access for the public throughout the duration of the works.
To minimise disruption to rail services and station users, scaffolding systems were installed during planned
rail network closures and overnight shifts.
As part of this project, the end-of-life pivot windows at Grafton Train Station were also renewed. The
associated costs for this work are included in the total project expenditure outlined below.
Stage 1 Cost
Total project cost is $1,653,635 which also included glazing renewal at Grafton Train Station.
Stage 2 - Newmarket Station Weathertightness:
Newmarket Station was originally designed to accommodate diesel train services, which required enhanced
ventilation to disperse exhaust fumes. This was achieved through the installation of open glazing units at
the lower levels of the building and by leaving the upper section of the station envelope open.
With Auckland Transport’s transition to a fully electric fleet, the original ventilation requirements are no
longer necessary. This has enabled the enclosure of the building envelope, significantly reducing water
ingress that had previously caused slip hazards for both customers and staff, as well as damage to station
assets.
To minimise disruption to station operations and ensure the safety of both workers and the public, this
project was carefully staged using encapsulated scaffolding. The scaffold was installed during scheduled rail
network closures—referred to as block-of-line periods when no trains are operating—and during overnight
works while the station was closed.
This approach was selected to maintain uninterrupted access for passengers and to ensure the station
remained operational throughout the duration of the works.
Stage 2 Scope
• Infilling gaps in lower glazing units.
• Enclosing open sections at the top of the station.
• Replacing end-of-life electric louvres with fixed louvres.
• Installing code-compliant roof access systems for better maintenance.
• Performing a building wash and roofing maintenance using the project scaffolding.
Stage 2 Cost
The estimated cost at completion for this project is $2,600,000.
Should you believe that we have not dealt with your request appropriately, you are able to make a complaint
to the Office of the Ombudsman in accordance with section 27(3) of the LGOIMA Act and seek an
investigation and review regarding this matter.
Kind regards
Phil Wratt
Engagement Manager,
Customer Care
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