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Businesses on the edge as Light Rail announcement imminent

Press release
Thursday 27 Jan 2022

With a Light Rail announcement imminent, there’s been no response from the Government for a request from Heart of the City for an independent review of the City Rail Link Hardship Fund criteria, made prior to Christmas.

Viv Beck, Chief Executive of Heart of the City says “With delays looming for the City Rail Link project and no move as yet to review decisions on the Hardship Fund criteria, we remain seriously concerned about the livelihood and welfare of people impacted by City Rail Link construction.  This is not a good situation as the Government prepares to announce another major infrastructure project.”

With impacted businesses seriously unhappy about aspects of the fund, including the backdate for payment, Heart of the City requested an independent review of the Hardship Fund criteria.

Beck says that “We really need Government to sort this once and for all. It’s a fail if a programme intended to support small businesses, whose livelihoods are ruined by the disruption, doesn’t do what it’s intended to do.  We need major infrastructure projects to be successful for our city and this issue must be resolved otherwise many more businesses across the city will have their lives and livelihoods decimated.”


Beck says: “If a green light is given to the Light Rail project, we have to see a significant commitment to supporting business impacts. Anything half-hearted won’t cut it, just ask any businesses in the Albert Street area.” 

ENDS