Cycle and walking path on bridge gets Brown's tick

Auckland Mayor Len Brown is in support of the harbour bridge pathways, adding the idea to strategic priorities for Auckland Transport. Photo / Greg Bowker

Auckland Mayor Len Brown has shown support for a cycling and walking path on the harbour bridge.

He has added the concept to strategic priorities for Auckland Transport.

The scheme has also found its way into the Auckland Council's draft masterplan for developing the city centre over the next 20 years.

The former Auckland City Council withheld support for pathways on each side of the bridge after the Transport Agency estimated they would cost between $23.8 million and $42.7 million.

The Getacross campaign recently unveiled proposals for a $16 million tolled pathway cantilevered under the southbound clip-on, which is being reviewed by the agency.

Representatives from three council-controlled organisations - Auckland Transport, the Waterfront Development Agency and the Tourism, Events and Economic Development Agency - are said to have indicated strong support in principle at a meeting last week.

Corrie Keyser of Hopper Developments, which is behind the project, acknowledged it would be a challenge to attract investors but said the pathway would be "a great asset for Auckland City and for New Zealand in general at many levels".

Pathway supporter Alex Swney, chief executive of the Heart of the City business association, said the proposal received spectacular support at the meeting and would benefit tourism as well as recreational and commuting activities.

A spokesman for Mr Brown said he was interested in progress on investigating the concept of a bridge link rather than on any single proposal.

Mr Brown is to take part in the ride-to-work day on Wednesday for national Bike Wise Month.