CITY AIRPORT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22404, 28 April 1936, Page 14

CITY AIRPORT

POINT ENGLAND SITE ESTIMATE OF THE COST FIRST STAGE £113,420 REPORT TO THE COUNCIL A detailed report based on the recent surveys, showing that the estimated cost of establishing a city airport at Point England in the first of five progressive stages of development was £113,420, was presented to the City Council last night by tho city engineer, Mr. J. Tyler. Tho report stated that tho first developmental stauo would probably meet requirements for many years. Mr. Tyler stated that a copy of his map had been sent to the aerodrome branch of the Public Works Department, which, after three months, had furnished plans showing basic requirements as to grading of tho landing field earthwork and tho location of accessory buildings. On this information were based tho details of the proposal aud estimates of cost. Tho scheme now submitted provided for the acquisition of the site, comprising 243J acres, of which 34J acres was vested in either the council or the Crown. It also embraced the ultimate development, as circumstances warranted, of an aerodrome of "A'' class rating, in five progressive stages, according to a comprehensive plan. Lengths of Runways In the initial 6tage some 87 acres, or about one-third of the entire site, would be developed. Although it was difficult to forecast future progress in aviation, it was considered that this stage would meet the requirements for many years, and could be completed in two years from the date of starting work. Mr. Tyler gave the following lengths of runways provided for in the ultimate development, those afforded in the first stage' being given in parentheses: —North-east and south-west (prevailing winds), 1550 yds. (1000 yds.); east and west, 1360 yds. (lOOO.vds.); north-west and south-east, 1450.yd5. (840 yds.); north and south, 1050 yds. (620 yds.); landing circle, 800 yds. diameter (ultimate development). Tho grading of the landing field in conformity with the Government regulations would involve 83,495 cubic yards of cuttings and 81,360 cubic yards of fillings in the first stage —a relatively small amount. The completed scheme would require grand totals of 359,970yd5. of cuttings and 361,715yd5. of fillings. Buildings and Drainage Tho site finally chosen for the accessory buildings was to the south-west of the landing area. The final scheme comprised an administrative building, four hangar sites and workshops for minor repairs. The layout also provided for an apron adjacent to the main buildings, car parking areas and an area to be used by the public at air displays. The initial stage would include tho erection of a portion of the final administrative building" and the construction of one hangar and workshop. . Efficient lighting for night flying would have to be provided sooner or later, but it was questionable whether a complete scheme would be required at the outset. As regards drainage, it was proposed to keep intact in the first stage a meandering stream which traversed tho site and to use it for the disposal of stormwater. The stream, however, would ultimately have to be diverted and culverted. An aggregate length of over 11J miles of stormwater drains and field tiles would have to be provided under the landing field. Road access in the initial stage could be provided with comparatively little work bv the improvement of Point England Road and W'addell Avenue over a distance of some 42 chains. Pilkington Road and Line Road were already included in the streets improvement loan proposals. Approach and service drives and footways were provided for in the scheme. Estimate of Cost The detailed estimate of cost for tho initial stage was as follows: — Formation of landing field .. £12,650 Buildings: Administrative block .. .. 3,000 Hangar 8,000 Workshop 2.000 Lighting .. 8,110 Drainage 7,980 Road access and approaches .. 9,080 Equipment and miscellaneous .. 1,100 Administrative and contingencies 5,250

Total £57,770 Cost of site .. .. .. ~ 55,050 Grand total £113,-120 Mr. Tyler stated that the estimate for the cost of the sito was based on values furnished by the city valuer. Dealing with the relationship of the aerodrome site to national, regional and city development, Mr. Tyler expressed the opinion that Auckland would eventually become a terminus or port of call for ocean air services and a main distributing point for overseas lines to the various centres of Now Zealand. Under these conditions Point England, if its site were adopted, would be a very important airport. The relation of the main highway to the airport should not be overlooked in the final selection of so important a site, and the need for a thoroughly efficient highway to meet the demands of future traffic from tho centre of the city to the east and south-east would ultimately require attention. Twelve Minutes from City The distances at present from Point England to tho chief post office by three different routes were respectively 8.18, 7.65 and 7.55 miles. A number of routes for a main highway had been surveyed and investigated and Mr. Tyler was confident that it was quite practicable to provide an efficient link from such a highway to tho Point England site when tho need arose. Tho distances mentioned would then bo reduced to- seven miles, or about 12 minutes' journey from the centre of the city. If necessary a railway connection with the sito could be readily afforded. Should tho council decide to acquire the site and proceed with the work, it would bo necessary first to submit tho plans to tho Controller of Civil Aviation for his approval. "Tho important matters of administration, method of finance, and control have not becu referred to," tho report concluded, "but it appears to me that this phase of tho proposal should bo settled by tho council before embarking on the acquisition of the site. In this connection, as tho proposal assumes more than a regional character and has a national significance, it appears that the council would be justified in seeking State co-operation and assistance." The council discussed tho report in committee and referred it to the Finance Committee.