City Centre Masterplan 2020 Transformational Moves: Full Text September 2019 City Centre Masterplan Refresh

We want your feedback on the future planning of Auckland’s Since 2012: What has been done so far city centre. The City Centre Masterplan and The Waterfront Plan are being refreshed and combined as part of a six-yearly • The resident population has increased from 24,000 to over The original City Centre Masterplan and Waterfront Plan upgrade. 55,000 were adopted in 2012. We need to keep them up-to-date and • The number of daily workers has jumped from 90,000 to relevant in line with other high-level planning documents. The City Centre Masterplan refresh is a high-level, non- over 120,000 statutory document that supports the Auckland Plan 2050 and • Every day over 200,000 people visit the city centre The City Centre Masterplan refresh looks to build on the 2012 Auckland Unitary Plan. Together with the Waitematā Local • An estimated 20 per cent of Auckland’s gross domestic plans taking them online and combining them to: Board Plan, these documents provide the overall vision that sets product is now generated from the city centre alone. the direction for Auckland’s city centre. • Showcase progress Auckland continues to grow at an unprecedented rate. Right • Reconfirm strategic direction Have your say on the City Centre Masterplan refresh [h3] now, there is $73 billion of commercial construction across the • Highlight specific new initiatives and projects – most region and more than 150 major development projects either in notably Access for Everyone Your feedback will help shape the vision for Auckland’s city progress or in the pipeline. centre and waterfront. What happens next We need to continue the transformation of the city centre so We would particularly like to hear your thoughts on: we can provide a cultural and economic heart for Auckland. This After the consultation period: will help it become a great place to live, work and play. • The ten strategic outcomes - shaping the vision of the city • We will use your feedback to help shape the direction and centre and waterfront The City Centre Masterplan refresh provides the blueprint for content of the refreshed City Centre Masterplan • The eight transformational moves - ideas, programmes and this transformation. • The refreshed City Centre Masterplan will go to the Planning proposals to deliver this vision Committee for adoption in February 2020 • Access for Everyone (A4E) - a new idea for city centre access City Centre Masterplan refresh vision • The refreshed City Centre Masterplan will help to inform future planning and council budgets to deliver on these When you can have your say The City Centre Masterplan refresh presents a vision of a city aspirations for our city centre centre that is: You can have your say from 9 September - 18 October 2019. Find out how to have your say on the Ways to Have Your Say • More family-friendly page. • More pedestrian-friendly • More environmentally-friendly Why we need a masterplan The city centre will be a place we are all proud of, feel excited Auckland’s city centre has changed dramatically over the past about visiting, where we can do business and be entertained. decade following significant public and private investment in infrastructure and development projects.

City Centre Masterplan 2020 Consultation / Transformational Moves 2 City Centre Masterplan Refresh

The Auckland City Centre Masterplan sets out a 20-year vision for the heart of the city. Its ten outcomes and eight transformational moves are based on the six outcomes underpinning the Auckland Plan 2050.

The City Centre Masterplan incorporates the Auckland Plan outcomes with objectives from across the Council family, the 2012: business community and the needs and aspirations of visitors Concept and residents, to create a coordinated vision for the city centre. for re-using Nelson Street It is not a detailed project plan and should not be read as such. off-ramp as It sets out a starting point for further consideration. Further linear park feasibility work will need to be undertaken before commitment can be made to delivering individual projects. This will include investigative design, detailed modelling and an understanding of benefits, costs and trade-offs. This relationship is shown in the diagram opposite.

Project delivery will also depend on funding; in most cases this is not yet confirmed. Delivery of Masterplan projects will require applications in the next Long Term Plan funding round and to be weighed against priorities elsewhere in Auckland.

Similarly, the illustrations and artist impressions in the Masterplan are not intended to be absolute solutions but rather 2015: Opening indications of the possible. of Te Ara I Whiti - the The 2012 Masterplan, for example, contained a high-level pink Lightpath vision of turning the redundant Nelson Street motorway off- ramp into a linear park, with tree planting and a narrow path. This idea was subsequently developed into Te Ara I Whiti - the pink Lightpath.

City Centre Masterplan 2020 Consultation / Transformational Moves 3 Eight Transformational Moves of the City Centre Masterplan Refresh

The 2012 City Centre Masterplan and Waterfront Plan contains 4: Innovation Cradle 7: City to the Villages eight place-specific transformational moves that will unlock the potential of the city centre. We want to: We want better connections between the city centre and city fringe to: Our proposed changes to these moves reflect wider changes to • Make the most of the value and proximity of the city Auckland city centre over the past seven years. They will help centre’s university campuses • Provide safe, accessible and enjoyable journeys to and from us meet the ten strategic outcomes of the Masterplan refresh. • Improve connections between the city centre and university the city centre campuses • Improve access to city fringe destinations that complement What the transformational moves include [h3] the existing offer in the city centre 5: Rapid Transport-Oriented Development • Support development of under-developed areas on the 1: Māori Outcomes immediate fringes of the city centre New stations will create development opportunities and We propose nine actions through the city centre and waterfront connect: 8: Waterfront and Harbour Edge Stitch which: • Britomart (downtown) This new move integrates the Waterfront Plan into the City • Will visibly reflect Auckland’s Māori identity • Aotea Quarter (midtown) Centre Masterplan refresh. It adopts the vision and goals of • Provide cultural and economic support to increase the well- • Karangahape Road (uptown) the 2012 Waterfront Plan, for a world-class destination that being of Māori in the city centre. celebrates our sea-loving cultures and maritime history. The proposed Dominion Road Junction LRT station, supported 2: East and West Stitch by the nearby Mt Eden City Rail Link station, will be connected • We will transform the waterfront axis – from Harbour in a similar way. Bridge Park in the west to Teal Park in the east – into a high- We want to connect the western edge of the city to the centre quality, harbour-edge, pedestrian-friendly space to confirm Aotea Quarter’s role as the civic and cultural hub, 6: Green Link • Street connections north-south across the axis will connect and encourage development that is: harbour-edge public spaces and destinations back into the We want to create a network of parks and green street spaces city • High density that will connect: • Regeneration of Wynyard Quarter continues, with more • High quality homes, businesses, open spaces and recreation added to the • High value • Albert Park mix • Victoria Park 3: Waihorotiu Queen Street Valley • Auckland Domain • The waterfront Light Rail Transit (LRT) in Queen Street will transform access • The future Wynyard Point headland park to the city centre. We want to allow for growth around the City Rail Link stations and reinforce Queen Street Valley as Auckland’s cultural, commercial, retail and historic heart.

City Centre Masterplan 2020 Consultation / Transformational Moves 4 Summary • The Māori enterprise, innovation and resourced kaitiaki, Mana Whenua and Māori investment footprint is continues to organisations lead other stakeholders in The Auckland Plan 2050 Māori Identity and grow contributing high value speciality ensuring our natural environment continues Wellbeing outcome states that a thriving Māori businesses, and Māori are significant to flourish and is able to respond to the identity is Auckland’s point of difference in the investors in the City Centre and Waterfront challenges of an intensive city life and function. world. A highly efficient and comprehensive public OUR VISION: transport system ensures that the City Centre This transformational move anticipates a range and Waterfront’s Māori facilities are accessible of interventions and systemic changes that will Our vision is of a City Centre and Waterfront and affordable for all residents and visitors bring Mana Whenua presence, Māori identity in which Māori culture and identity is able to to Tāmaki Makaurau, including our Māori and life into the City Centre and Waterfront, thrive. Built on the City’s strong bi-cultural communities outside this area. confirming the role and function of this area foundations, a strategic approach to planning as the traditional gateway and origin point of and investing in key cultural infrastructure The CCMP anticipates a strategic approach to Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau. elements will deliver this vision. investing in cultural Infrastructure, which may include initiatives such as: Vision: As one of the world’s most diverse post- colonial cities, Tāmaki Makaurau is widely Cultural Campus • Mana Whenua have a prominent, authentic admired for the way the contemporary City and active presence in the City Centre and Centre and Waterfront has developed a unique A cultural campus comprises a cluster of Waterfron identity and built form. A series of key cultural mutualistic and complementary facilities and infrastructure elements provide a network of functions held by Mana Whenua. Located at • Māori life and culture and life abounds cultural anchors, around which Māori culture the meeting point of Te Waitematā and the through an interconnected network of and identity thrives. Māori, private and public central city, the cultural campus is one of cultural facilities and institutions, unique development sectors have all collaborated a network of regional gateways to Tāmaki tourism offerings, kai and a full calendar of and contributed to delivering on this Makaurau that mark our regional edges and cultural festivals and events kaupapa, encouraged and supported by local entry points. The cultural campus is also one of government and Mana Whenua. Māori business the key pieces of cultural infrastructure within • Te reo Māori is fully integrated within the offerings and experiences have built up Tāmaki Makaurau, and adds significantly to a City Centre and Waterfront, and is spoken, organically around this cultural infrastructure unique Māori identity for Tāmaki Makaurau. heard and seen as part of our city’s day to to offer unique and authentic experiences day life of Tāmaki Makaurau. Language, history, The cultural campus provides a place and performance, education, tourism, festivals, spaces for Mana Whenua to stand, to host, • A Tāmaki Makaurau design approach traditional practices, arts, events, technology, to meet, to engage with the communities of founded on the recognition of natural, kai – contemporary Māori culture enriching our Tāmaki Makaurau, to undertake traditional human and cultural ecologies has delivered understanding of Tāmaki Makaurau: our place practices, to do business, to exchange ideas, 01 unique architectural and environmental in the world. to celebrate and to flourish as Mana Whenua responses which are recognised – a multi-functional Mana Whenua embassy. Māori Outcomes internationally Māori live, work, play, study and fully Located in its prime waterfront location, the participate within life in the City Centre and cultural campus demonstrates the importance • Environmental health indicators continue Waterfront. Mana Whenua undertake their of Mana Whenua for and to Tāmaki Makaurau, to improve and consistently place traditional manaaki role for all visitors and and highlights the strength of the relationship Tāmaki Makaurau amongst the top residents, and a booming tourism industry has Mana Whenua have with Auckland Council. global performing cities, benefitting from established around the warmth and generosity the mātauranga Māori environmental of Mana Whenua hosting and tourism offerings The highly distinctive form imparts a unique management model developed and based on authentic experiences of the cultural presence on the waterfront which embodies championed by Mana Whenua and and natural landscapes. As empowered and the mana and mauri of our Mana Whenua Auckland Council City Centre Masterplan 2020 Consultation / Transformational Moves 5 communities in Tāmaki Makaurau. Papa Kōkiri Korowai Kōrero sets a new standard for contemporary Māori and indigenous architecture that is recognised A new cultural landscape is being iteratively and admired by indigenous communities, developed through the creation of new names architects and designers across the globe. It is for spaces, features and developments that sit truly a world-class building, but which balances alongside the traditional place names held by beauty with practicality in providing a home Mana Whenua. Developments acknowledge for waka culture and for actively promoting their locations within this cultural landscape, and expressing other elements of Māori delivered through the application of Māori culture, traditions, knowledge and practices.. design principles and with the support of Mana Whenua and Auckland Council. The cultural campus is the Tāmaki Makaurau exemplar of Māori design, and provides us with Recognising the taonga status of our primary a very clear vision of built form that celebrates language, Te Reo Māori is fully integrated into our unique culture and our unique place. the City Centre and Waterfront. Te Reo Māori is accessible to all as part of day to day life, Whare Tapere and there are a wide range of opportunities hard wired into the urban fabric for residents Whare Tapere is the key piece of cultural and visitors alike to experience and participate infrastructure in the mid-town area of the City in kōrero Māori. Centre. Importantly, Whare Tapere is the first civic contemporary expression of a traditional whare tapere (historically a place where people gathered for entertainment, often outside). Whare Tapere is the home for Māori performing arts, merging mātauranga, tradition and contemporary Māori architecture in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Located amongst mainstream theatre, gallery and performance facilities in the heart of the Aotea Arts and Culture Quarter, Whare Tapere stands distinctively apart to celebrate the important contribution that Māori performing arts bring to the culture and identity of Tāmaki 01 Makaurau and Aotearoa. Hosting kapa haka, professional dance and drama troupes, and Māori Outcomes tertiary, secondary and primary education groups, Whare Tapere is at the heart of a vibrant Māori performance and drama industry.

Uniquely of here, Whare Tapere is one of the most significant, well used and loved public buildings within Tāmaki Makaurau.

City Centre Masterplan 2020 Consultation / Transformational Moves 6 Key Projects Preliminary Description 1 Papa Kōkiri A place for mana whenua to host guests and conduct business. An interface with the world. A place to showcase taonga and crafts. Architecture of international prominence – showcasing Tāmaki Makaurau’ our point of difference in the world

2 Tumu Taiao An environment and science learning and education centre – bringing matauranga Māori and science together – centre of excellence

3 Whare Waka A place to host and showcase waka and the Māori and Pacifika heritage of ocean travel, including waka landing, shelter, mooring and housing

4 Papa Rehia Green space / play areas (multiple locations) including at the Wynyard Point park

5 Whare Tapere An entertainment and performance centre showcasing Māori culture, potentially at Aotea Square

6 Korowai Korero A thematic overlay across the city centre and waterfront and up to Karangahape Road, bringing a strong Māori presence through multiple projects, interwoven / laying a theme across the area, including via te reo (spoken, heard, seen and electronic)

7 Place-based interventions Including places where people connect: • Waipapa, an iconic marker of Māori participation in trade and the industrial revolution. Ships’ logs records will show records of the vessels that left. • Place interventions first identified in the Waterfront Plan 2012 that show Māori presencend a heritage along the historic waterfront and elsewhere. Including ecological restoration, opening up of streams and creation of new green spaces. 01 8 Papa Hakinakina National / Regional sports stadium to be investigated Māori Outcomes 9 Koranga Kāinga Vertical housing

City Centre Masterplan 2020 Consultation / Transformational Moves 7 Summary • Improve connectivity between the city The West centre, Parnell and eastern suburbs High-density land uses in Auckland city including understanding the feasibility of Broadly defined as the Victoria Quarter, centre are concentrated in the Waihorotiu the private sector proposal to open the the western edge of the city centre centred Queen Street Valley. Land at both the east protected historic heritage Albert Park on Victoria Park is a natural basin facing and west edges of the city centre is under- tunnels the harbour and the Wynyard Quarter to used and under-valued, cut off by major the north. On its eastern boundary is the roads. This move proposes to stitch the city • Investigate opportunities for a rail station Nelson and Hobson Street ridge, the densest centre together. (metro and regional) and bus interchange residential area in the city centre, while the near Quay Park Te Tōangaroa to integrate western extent is defined by State Highway 1 Vision: public transport and connect the eastern and the historic inner suburbs of Freemans Bay, side of the city centre to the centre St Mary’s Bay and beyond. The West: Victoria Quarter Central East-West Streets The area was the industrial hub of early • Retune Nelson and Hobson Streets Auckland, with timber mills, brick kilns and to address their impact on pedestrian To reinforce the East and West Stitch, boat builders’ yards dotted along the Freemans severance, changing them to boulevards major central east-west streets would be Bay foreshore. As a result, the area has a rich that improve pedestrian amenity and reconfigured: built and cultural heritage including the Rob connectivity Roy and Drake taverns, the Logan Campbell • Wellesley Street (bus transit street) and Free Kindergarten, and Victoria Park Market – • Investigate the future role and function of Victoria Street (linear park) develop as all have had recent conservation work. these streets for the Access for Everyone “Two Great Streets” with enhanced public (A4E) concept realm and enhanced access to public In the few years since the publication of transport the 2012 City Centre Masterplan, there has • Enhance density and connectivity of the been considerable development activity in street network in the western portion of • Mayoral Drive becomes a strategic intra- the area, with many of its buildings and sites the city centre city east-west traffic ring road/boulevard, coming to the end of their manufacturing and supporting Access for Everyone warehousing lives. For example, almost the • Deliver continuous urban fabric linking entire southern side of Sale Street has been city centre to Victoria Park and Freeman’s OUR VISION: redeveloped, and the Union Street / Cook Bay Street / Nelson Street block has been further Better connecting the eastern and western intensified with the Sugar Tree and Union The East: Eastern Transformation edges of the city centre to the central Street developments. These developments Waihorotiu Queen Street Valley area through have reinforced the area’s role as the densest • Investigate designs to complete SH16 to improved pedestrian amenity and connectivity neighbourhood in New Zealand. 02 Tāmaki Drive as a multi-way surface-level across the big north-south running streets boulevard, replacing the existing motorway (Hobson, Nelson and Symonds Street / The Despite this significant developer interest, The East and plan and to support the A4E concept for Strand). the area faces ongoing challenges. The street better movement around the city perimeter network consists of a few major roads (a by- West Stitch Re-purposing of critical east-west connecting product of its industrial past) and the public • Improve strategic freight connection from streets (Victoria Street, Wellesley Street and realm is often low quality. This compounds SH16 to the port Mayoral Drive). This would increase access existing challenges around pedestrian to and through the eastern and western movement in the area caused by its steep hills. • Enable extensive mixed-use frontage edges of the city centre, supporting public development along the boulevard life and further heightening their appeal and development potential.

City Centre Masterplan 2020 Consultation / Transformational Moves 8 Perhaps most critically, it is edged and bisected Port of Auckland) which is now significantly development potential of adjoining residual by major transport corridors. To the north, degraded and acts as a major bottleneck for land owned largely by the Crown. Crossing Fanshawe Street limits walkability between people and traffic accessing the city centre, Stanley Street and The Strand would become Victoria Park and the Wynyard Quarter. To the eastern bays, and the Port simpler and safer, with reduced crossing east, Nelson and Hobson Streets are one-way distances (widths) helping to connect Parnell to streams of traffic to and from the motorway. • Te Tōangaroa Quay Park area which is the city, the city to the Domain, the Learning To the west, Cook Street has become a high- sandwiched between The Strand and Quay Quarter to the Museum and beyond to the new speed exit from the motorway. Park and is centred on a largely vacant Khyber Pass campus, bringing people into the triangle of rail land. It represents the largest area. It is proposed that Nelson and Hobson Streets development opportunity in terms of be re-tuned as attractive pedestrian friendly footprint in the city centre after Wynyard The idea requires additional road corridor boulevards. This would enhance the local Quarter but requires the upgrade of the width, but on balance, frees up land for street network, supporting Access for Everyone adjoining primary network for its potential development (potentially including Churchill and delivering a better public realm, a vibrant to be fully unlocked St) and provides connection to otherwise urban community and a better business inaccessible sites. It could provide space for a location. Opportunities for new pedestrian The CCMP proposes a series of linked new tech precinct, or student accommodation. connections through the large blocks are interventions that would resolve some key Early estimates suggest building developments being actively pursued e.g. Sugartree Lane and barriers and enable the emergence of a highly could provide housing for 1,300 residents through the Union Street development. attractive and productive city centre quarter and commercial space for 1,500 workers whilst maintaining the important traffic (potentially linked to the Learning Quarter The East function of SH16 and The Strand. Universities given their proximity).

The Eastern Transformation represents an Multi-way boulevard At the southern extent the boulevard could opportunity to expand the core city centre and connect to a concept for new bus interchange bring this area into more productive uses. Fundamental to the Transformational Move is integrated into the Learning Quarter at a departure from previous transport planning Wellesley Street West. The eastern part of Waihorotiu Queen Street that proposed a motorway extension of SH16 Valley includes some of Auckland’s most northwards to the port, an expensive solution Te Tōangaroa Quay Park vibrant streets, with a growing residential that would further compound severance issues. population and one of the highest employment The multi-way boulevard would support the densities in New Zealand. Further east The CCMP promotes, as an alternative, a multi- development of Te Tōangaroa Quay Park as however, at the edge of the city centre, way boulevard that would act as a large vehicle a new mixed-use precinct. Current proposals street amenity and built form quality and corridor with improved traffic flow whilst also for the area envisage further enhancements to intensity quickly drops off and issues of poor delivering improved amenity, connections and Beach Road, a green space network tied to the connectivity prevail. The following features development opportunities. Green Link (via Albert Park and the boulevard), 02 define the area: the revealing or reinterpreting awa (the The concept, which supports the Access Waiparuru and Waipapa streams ran nearby) The East and • Grafton Gully, running north-south roughly for Everyone (A4E) city transport strategy, and new pedestrian links to the waterfront in between Wellesley Street and Beach Road, proposes tree-lined local access streets running support of quality new development. West Stitch which forms a natural barrier to the eastern parallel to a central heavy vehicle carriageway extent of the city centre reinforced by SH dedicated to efficient through traffic to the As suggested in CCMP 2012, improved public 16 as it runs northwards before stopping eastern suburbs and the port area. transport facilities and services at Quay Park abruptly at Stanley Street would dramatically improve its connectivity to The access streets would provide for local the city centre commercial heart. • The Strand, a historic mixed-use street parking, cycle lanes and ample pedestrian connecting SH16 to Quay Street (and the amenity whilst unlocking the mixed-use

City Centre Masterplan 2020 Consultation / Transformational Moves 9 This could include a possible extension of some development proposition to re-open these North Shore bus services, bringing passengers tunnels and provide a walking and cycling to a bus hub at or near Quay Park (instead of access has been presented to Council. The terminating as part of a Downtown bus loop). proposition features an even-graded walking This could reduce city centre congestion and connection between Waipapa and Victoria tie in to future land development Linear Park. It proposes two CRL rail station entrances in the University of Auckland The Quay Park rail station proposed in CCMP campus (via Metro-lifts) on Princes St and 2012 requires further investigation but could Symonds Street. The tunnel would allow a have a role as part of metro rail network and person to walk between Quay Park and the is the only potential terminus site for regional Waihorotiu Queen Street Valley in around six Auckland to the Waikato rail service, should minutes, or ride through end to end in two or this proposal be progressed. three minutes. The walk from Victoria St to the Princes Street lift would be 200m, or about two Waipapa and the Albert Street Tunnels minutes’ walk. The feasibility of this private sector funded proposal is yet to be assessed. The Waipapa and Waiparuru streams were both once natural landmarks of this area. The Link: http://www.albertparktunnels.co.nz/ mouth of the Waipapa flowed into Mechanics Bay, around the Stanley Street/Parnell Rise Symonds Street junction. Waipapa provided safe harbour, a source for valuable resources and was prized It is possible that following the full for the depth and purity of its fresh water. implementation of Access for Everyone the central section of Symonds Street running Waipapa was an important arrival place along the ridgeline through the middle of for many and an integral place for the the Learning Quarter – comprising the city establishment of enterprise and trade in centre campuses of AUT University and The developing Auckland. A hostel was built in University of Auckland – could be redesigned the early 1850s to provide accommodation as a pedestrian friendly multi-modal corridor. for Māori entrepreneurs participating in the This would enable increased connectivity of market trade. In 1966 the (rebuilt) hostel the campuses as part of the eastern stitch. was demolished with the site set to be the terminus of a motorway extension. Waipapa The East-West Connector Roads fed the growth of the city and for Māori held the promise and aspiration of a prosperous To reinforce these east and west stitches the 02 future. The multiway boulevard provides main east-west streets would be reconfigured impetus to restore the wairua of Waipapa, and – Victoria Street as a Linear Park; Wellesley The East and an opportunity to better express the identity Street as a Civic Street / Bus Connector (“Two of this historic site of international trade and Great Streets”). West Stitch early beginnings. Mayoral Drive becomes the Inner East-West Today the site of the former hostel is a car Traffic Boulevard as identified in the Access for park, under Māori ownership. It is located at Everyone concept. the western entrance to the historic WWII Albert Park air raid shelter tunnels. Although these tunnels have been backfilled, a private

City Centre Masterplan 2020 Consultation / Transformational Moves 10 Summary complementary commercial address to envisaged under Auckland Council’s Queen Street and Shortland Street. As a proposed Access for Everyone (A4E) concept Waihorotiu Queen Street Valley is the cultural, second ‘spine’ to the Queen Street Valley, it historical, commercial, professional and retail increases diversity and enriches the primary • A4E will prioritise walking, cycling and heart of Tāmaki Makaurau and is critical to layout of the city centre. public transport through a series of New Zealand’s economy. interventions, informed by universal design. OUR VISION: These include expanding the pedestrian- This move proposes to make the area priority laneway circuit (Federal Street and more accessible, more attractive and more More than many city centres, Auckland has High Street being the immediate priority). prosperous, with better connections to the rest been defined by a single main street. At the The concept complements ongoing and of the city centre. heart of a grid of Downtown city blocks planned streetscape improvements across and sitting in the centre of the Waihorotiu the valley including Albert Street, Quay Vision: Valley, Queen Street is our ‘Golden Mile’. Street, the Victoria Street Linear Park, and As a consequence of this single dominant the Lower Queen Street Civic Space. The Waihorotiu Queen Street Valley: street, commerce (national and international trade, finance, property, investment and legal • Low Emission Zone across much of the • Remains vital to the regional and national services) shares the area with primary retail, area, enabled through A4E, will address the economy and the location of choice for creating a distinctly Auckland Downtown. city centre’s air pollution problem which is national and international head offices, particularly acute in the Waihorotiu Queen becoming even more accessible at a The success of the Waihorotiu Queen Street Street Valley with elevated concentrations

regional and local scale Valley is critical to Auckland’s and New of NO2 and black carbon from transport Zealand’s economy. Much of the city centre’s and port pollution trapped between • Becomes the central zone (or core) of the economic activity (approx. $16 million of tall buildings. Air quality concerns and Access for Everyone concept. It supports GDP per annum) is concentrated here and it Auckland’s climate change promises have and is defined by the surrounding low- forms the densest job centre in New Zealand focused attention on fossil fuel vehicles in traffic neighbourhoods. It is the pedestrian- [StatsNZ] which is expected to further intensify the city centre. The Low Emissions Zone friendly, high-amenity, safe and vibrant with transport improvements including City will be delivered as part of the C40 Global core of the city with quality zero-emissions Rail Link (CRL) and public realm upgrades that Cities Initiative. public transport support continued development activities (commercial and residential). • Emergence of Albert Street as a new, • Accommodates the proposed Light Rail complementary commercial address to Transit (LRT) along Queen Street (subject The concentration of people in the Waihorotiu Queen Street. The growth of Albert Street to further development) and the route of Queen Street Valley includes residents and is supported by CRL and the new station the City Rail Link under Albert Street (in visitors alongside workers. The daytime entrances at the Wellesley Street and construction) population is expected to double in 20 years, Victoria Street intersections. It is expected 03 requiring interventions across the area to free that further large-scale development • Forms the extent of a wide Low Emissions up road reserve space for pedestrians. will occur along this north-south street Waihorotiu Queen Zone to deliver the goal of the cleanest air including on the Council owned Bledisloe quality of any major city in the world As the city centre evolves so does the role of West site. Street Valley Waihorotiu Queen Street Valley – the next • Includes an extensive historic laneway stage in its story is expected to include: • Ongoing growth of the Downtown area circuit and network of pedestrian-priority as a prominent retail, leisure, heritage and streets with High Street and Federal Street • The introduction of LRT along Queen Street commercial destination with the success of the priority for improvement which with general road space reallocation the Britomart Precinct bolstered by the new projects across the area will deliver public Commercial Bay development. • Enables Albert Street to emerge as a new transport and public realm improvements

City Centre Masterplan 2020 Consultation / Transformational Moves 11 Summary Innovation Attributes Museum, which provide research and education services With its concentration of higher education, The city centre is a hub for businesses, creating research institutes, specialised businesses, and developing innovative products for the rest • The clustering of business services in the professional bodies and sources of finance, of New Zealand and for export overseas. It has Waihorotiu Queen Street Valley, the marine Auckland city centre is a cradle for innovation several attributes that are driving innovation. industry and GridAKL in the Wynyard and enterprise. This move will strengthen these The challenge is to leverage them fully. These Quarter, and the creative industries around attributes. attributes include: Victoria Quarter and Karangahape Road

Vision: • The city centre location of the main • The presence of the Auckland District campuses of The University of Auckland Health Board and the concentration of • Strengthen the city centre’s role as the and AUT University. Both universities medical and clinical research and services core of Auckland’s innovation ecosystem are considered in the top five percent of in the Park Road area, including the Cancer with further development of the Wynyard international business schools, with their Society and the Grafton Faculty of Medicine Quarter Innovation Precinct and leveraging undergraduate and graduate schools and and Health Sciences. the value and prominence of the two several centres of research excellence. The universities within the Learning Quarter universities are arguably two of the city To increase our level of innovation and centre’s most important economic assets. innovative products, we must harness the city • Better physical connections between the centre attributes and provide opportunities for Learning Quarter and the Waihorotiu Queen • The universities’ attractiveness and groups to communicate with each other and Street Valley supporting the universities’ connectivity with the city centre can cross-fertilise ideas. Some valuable initiatives multi-million dollar investments in their city be increased by creating integrated and of this nature are already in place and require centre campuses welcoming public spaces, improving further nurturing. They include: pedestrian connections, celebrating the • Deliver Māori creative and innovation heritage values of the historic campus, • The University of Auckland and Auckland potential including via the universities enhancing personal safety and applying University of Technology’s (AUT) business universal design incubators; The Icehouse and the AUT • Support an update of the 2009 Learning Business Innovation Centre. The Icehouse Quarter Plan • The range and diversity of businesses, has helped about 150 firms to grow in organisations and people in the city centre. its first eight years and has a strategic OUR VISION: In February 2018 there were 183,300 ambition to assist 2,000 companies by people in 24,000 businesses working in the 2020. Auckland’s city centre is known as a world- city centre and city fringe areas of Parnell/ class centre for education, research and Newmarket, Grafton, Eden Terrace, Mt. • The 2009 Learning Quarter Plan, a strategy development, and as an incubator of ideas, Eden, Ponsonby, and Freemans Bay. between the universities and Auckland 04 products and services with strong and Council, aims to strengthen the ties flourishing links between research institutions, • The variety of affordable locations for between ‘town and gown’ Innovation Cradle entrepreneurs, businesses and financial start-up businesses in city-fringe locations, institutions. It is a magnet to innovative firms including Karangahape Road, Newton, • The Ministry of Business, Innovation and and attracts high-value businesses and skilled Grafton, Ponsonby and College Hill Employment’s (MBIE) mandate to provide workers seeking a dynamic and attractive grants and technology transfer vouchers place. • The location of major cultural venues, to encourage business research and including the Auckland Art Gallery, the development through its Commercialisation Central City Library, the National Library of Partner Network (CPN) programme New Zealand, the Auckland War Memorial Museum and the New Zealand Maritime

City Centre Masterplan 2020 Consultation / Transformational Moves 12 • MBIE has also recently reviewed and further The development of the Wynyard Quarter committed to the Technology Incubator Innovation Precinct has strengthened the Programme which helps commercialise city centre’s role as the core of Auckland’s complex technology, largely the deep innovation ecosystem. New co-working spaces intellectual property coming out of public such as GridAKL provide space for start-ups, research organisations Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and corporates working together in a connected • UniServices which is The University of and collaborative environment. Auckland’s commercial arm, and the largest of its kind in Australasia, which amongst GridAKL is also home to Hatchbox, a other support provides early proof of collaborative innovation space for government, concept and pre-seed investment to support industry, academia, startups and communities the University’s research discoveries, to work together to design and generate enabling them to reach a point where innovative technologies, processes and policies commercial usefulness can be demonstrated to tackle urban challenges for Auckland. and the first steps are taken to ensure commercial viability The transformational move seeks to support the continued success of the Innovation • The University of Auckland-hosted Māori Precinct and leverage the value and research centre, Ngā Pae a te Māori prominence of the universities by better Māramatanga, and Auckland University of integrating their facilities and activities into Technology’s Te Ipukaera: The National the wider city centre ecosystem. Māori Language Institute, aim to unleash Māori creative potential relating to their Better physical connections between the customary knowledge, lands, cultural Learning Quarter and the Waihorotiu Queen institutions and people. In addition, the Street Valley as proposed in the East and West development and growth of rangatahi to Stitches (Move 2) will give the universities drive and contribute to Māori innovation a competitive advantage for attracting and enterprise is essential for a successful students and staff seeking a dynamic urban future. Rangatahi leadership, education and environment. This connection also pumps life employment are therefore key focuses for into the city centre by adding more people to achieving Māori success and innovation city centre streets across different times of the through enterprise. day.

• The ATEED/Panuku-led development of an As the city centre and universities grow 04 innovation precinct in the Wynyard Quarter and develop, there is also the opportunity (Wynyard Central). This is focused on to improve the connections between the Innovation Cradle GridAKL which opened its doors in 2014. It universities’ city campus, the Grafton campus, now consists of three co-working buildings. the new campus at Newmarket and the It aims to support innovative individuals, Auckland War Memorial Museum, an important entrepreneurs and businesses to connect, public face of research and investment. collaborate, share ideas and access the tools they need to help them grow.

City Centre Masterplan 2020 Consultation / Transformational Moves 13 Summary OUR VISION: location combined with improved transport access have contributed to widescale Access to the city centre is being transformed To fully leverage off major investment in rapid redevelopment including the Britomart by regional public transport investment, transport i.e. City Rail Link (in construction) and Precinct and Commercial Bay (opening including City Rail Link, the new bus network Light Rail Transit (proposed), to deliver growth in 2020). The addition of LRT will further and light rail (proposed). across the city centre and enable public realm and cement this location as Auckland’s centre of development opportunities near to the station / commercial and job activity. The Auckland Transport Alignment Project stop locations that reflect these locations’ contexts. (ATAP) also indicates investments that will Building on the success of Britomart will form the basis of Auckland’s rapid transit Rapid Transport Supported Growth involve extending the node of activity across network over the two decades. several blocks into the Viaduct, Quay Park and The insertion and expansion of rapid transit Fort Street areas. This can be realised through Increasingly, thousands more Aucklanders will into the city fabric will stimulate development thoughtful street and transport interchange have easy access to the city centre and city and investment. Station areas are ideal places design that allows people to comfortably and fringe via public transport. to focus planning efforts to leverage the safely move around the wider area. A Customs investment in public transport to create great Street public transport street is proposed that This move will shape planning and places to live, work and socialise. will integrate public transport services at the development in the best-connected areas street level while minimising the severance of Auckland, maximising the benefits of Together, the City Rail Link (CRL) stations caused by transport infrastructure. investment in public transport. and proposed light rail transit (LRT) stops will concentrate access and activity along Aotea Quarter (Midtown) Vision: the Waihorotiu Queen Street Valley. The emerging Bus Reference Case identifies the Aotea Station is predicted to be Auckland’s • Development of bustling urban destinations importance of new bus terminals for transport busiest station area once it opens in 2024. centred on transport nodes (City Rail Link, to and within the City Centre. light rail, buses and ferries) at: The planned Wellesley Street bus boulevard CRL, LRT and bus station / stop areas in close will provide train and LRT users with a high • Britomart proximity at Britomart (downtown), Aotea frequency shuttle service to east/west • Aotea Quarter Quarter (midtown) and Karangahape Road destinations like Wynyard and the Learning • Karangahape Road (uptown) will become key development areas. Quarter. Walking access to and across the • Dominion Road Junction/Mt Eden station area will be supported by the Victoria Station Further out in the City Fringe the proposed Street Linear Park as part of the Green Link on Dominion Road Junction LRT station area Victoria Street and the idea of the Albert Park • High-quality public realm connecting public appears ripe for redevelopment supported by Tunnels if delivered through a private investor transport passengers with city centre the new Mt Eden CRL station nearby. would connect this to the Learning Quarter 05 streets and Quay Park Te Tōangaroa. The transport access and interchange function Rapid Transit • Support development in Wynyard Quarter of, these transport nodes will generate many Increasing connectivity across the station and Quay Park Te Toangaroa by including walking trips, making them viable, 24-hour, area should also include introduction of new Oriented these areas in transport infrastructure mixed-use locations. through-building links and public laneways. planning Development Britomart (Downtown) The Aotea Quarter Framework Plan sets out key outcomes envisaged for the areas including The opening of Britomart station in 2003 was strengthening the area as the city centre’s pivotal in the city centre resurgence which civic and cultural heart and key development continues today. The central waterfront opportunities on Council owned land.

City Centre Masterplan 2020 Consultation / Transformational Moves 14 Karangahape Road (Uptown) Safe streets will facilitate access to the station area and enable seamless interchange With two CRL station entrances and an LRT between services. While the stations will provide station, mixed use re-development in this effortless and fast trips to the city centre, many heritage-rich neighbourhood will become people will choose to walk or cycle the short supercharged. Comfortable, legible and safe journey when New North Road and Upper connections between the two stations and Symonds Street are improved. bus services on Karangahape Road is critical for getting the most out of the transport Wynyard Quarter and Quay Park Te Tōangaroa investment. Addresses the ‘connected waterfront’ goal The effects of high traffic volumes using by improving pedestrian, cycle and passenger Mercury Lane and Karangahape Road as part of transport to Wynyard Quarter and Quay Park Te a longer journey (through traffic) will need to Tōangaroa, supporting development. be resolved in order for these neighbourhood streets to be safe, attractive and vibrant places. Refer to Move 2 East and West Stitch and Move 8 Harbour Edge Stitch. The Karangahape Road public realm upgrade will be critically important in ensuring the area is able to fully able to cope with the change proposed. The Karangahape Road Area Plan 2014-44 provides direction on some of the other key public realm and development opportunities which should be pursued in the future.

Dominion Road Junction (City Fringe)

As part of the City Centre to Mangere LRT project, a major regeneration project is planned in the location of the existing Dominion Road interchange. The proposal would add 8,000 residents and 7,500 workers. Transport access will be a key enabler of redevelopment. Light and heavy rail stations 05 and bus connections to crosstown destinations like Kingsland and Newmarket would be built Rapid Transit into the urban fabric.

Oriented Located at a similar distance to the city centre as Parnell and Ponsonby, this site has the Development potential to define what a modern day inner city suburb should be.

City Centre Masterplan 2020 Consultation / Transformational Moves 15 Summary Quarter to a future Wynyard Point park that Victoria Linear Park - Connecting Victoria will become an important bookend to the Park and Albert Park A green link through the city centre connects western waterfront. to the waterfront’s blue link creating an A high amenity link is envisaged across the opportunity for a blue-green park network. Background city from Victoria Park to Albert Park to the Domain. The centrepiece of this will take the A growing city centre needs to maintain In 2010 the renowned Danish urban design form of a linear park on Victoria Street linking and enhance access to green spaces. This firm Gehl Architects undertook a public life Victoria Park in the west with Albert Park in the move delivers a connected network of green survey of the city centre. It identified a lack east across the other side of the Waihorotiu parks and street spaces from Quay Park Te of attractive walking routes between the city Queen Street Valley. Toangaroa and the Auckland Domain through centre’s open spaces as our key public realm to Albert Park, Victoria Park, Wynyard Quarter deficit. Further, the projected residential and It will complement the function and people and a future regional park at Wynyard Point. employment growth requires a commensurate carrying capacity of Wellesley Street as a key increase in the distribution of quality public public transport corridor one block to the Vision space including more green park space and south. The vision is for these two streets to greener streets. complement each other as ‘two great streets’ • Transforming Victoria Street into a high- redefining the accessibility and amenity of amenity linear park that will connect Several of the larger open spaces (green rooms) the densely developed and heavily utilised Victoria and Albert Parks are scattered in a loose east-west direction, midtown area in the heart of the city. from the Domain in the east, through to • Completing the development of Daldy Albert Park, and then west to Victoria Park. Victoria Street Linear Park will become the city Street in the Wynyard Quarter as a linear Eventually, these parks will be joined by the centre’s urban green link, allowing Victoria and park connection between Victoria Park and sizeable addition of Wynyard Point park at the Albert parks to merge. It will act as a ‘breakout a new regional destination park at Wynyard tip of the Wynyard Quarter, blending our green space’ for those living, visiting and working in Point park space into the blue of the Waitematā the Queen Street Valley and Victoria Quarter Harbour. areas and has the potential to become one of • Connecting new green links through the postcard images of Auckland, with a wave Albert Park and the Learning Quarter and There are many potential environmental, of green vegetation down Victoria Street from potentially also under the park, using the economic, social, and cultural benefits that will Albert Park amplifying the already memorable historic WWII air raid tunnels (private flow from enhanced green links through the qualities of Albert Park as a dramatic green sector funded proposal) city centre. edge to this side of the Queen Street Valley.

• Achieving better links for walking and The masterplan envisages uniting some of our A linear park in Victoria Street will require cycling across Grafton Gully and better most important and historic parks and open fewer lanes for vehicles, wider footpaths, connections to Auckland Domain, to spaces through a network of tree-lined linear tree planting, more green amenity and 06 Waipapa and to Quay Street park spaces along a key street corridor. slower traffic movement. This will deliver a sequence of attractive, safe and engaging The Green Link • More tree cover, planting and access to This would give residents, workers and visitors spaces or rooms that strongly integrate with open space in the city centre much more access to open space in a way the surrounding built form and land uses and that is also closely interwoven with city life. celebrate the public life of the city centre. The OUR VISION: It would also complement the heritage and street’s traffic function can be maintained for character of our existing parks and open the most part with a reduced number of buses Our vision is to deliver a connected network spaces, responding in nature to the change in continuing to operate along its length, and an of signature green parks and street spaces topography, built form and land use along its improved cycling environment. from Quay Park and the Auckland Domain length. in the eastern city fringe through to Albert and Victoria Parks, and through the Wynyard City Centre Masterplan 2020 Consultation / Transformational Moves 16 Victoria Street Linear Park also provides the Street East and Beach Road/Parnell Rise and opportunity to develop a green infrastructure Stanley Street/Grafton Gully via Churchill network, incorporating ecological and Street, with lifts providing direct, accessible biodiversity corridor principles to enhance vertical connections to Princes and Symonds environmental sustainability. Street. The feasibility of this proposal is to be assessed. This connection of two of the city’s greatest assets with a linear park is subject to a full In addition to the tunnels proposal, business case process involving further improvements could be made to the pedestrian feasibility studies, design development and and cycle facilities along Wellesley Street and public consultation to land on a preferred Grafton Road including addressing the missing design and address the integrated transport link for active modes across the motorway on and access considerations as well as public this corridor. The intersections of Grafton Road space outcomes desired. The implementation and Wellesley Street with Stanley Street could programme for this green link can be become tighter, more attractive, and offer incremental and will likely start with a first safer pedestrian mobility at modest cost. phase associated with the opening of the Aotea Station upon completion of the City Rail Link. Future enhanced green connections to the port are being planned as part of the multi- Daldy Street Linear Park - Connecting way boulevard (Stanley Street / The Strand) Wynyard Point park and Victoria Park concept and the masterplan for Te Toangaroa Quay Park which will deliver future links Opportunities for new, sizeable open spaces through to Quay Street. in the city centre are mostly limited to the waterfront areas, particularly Wynyard Point park in the Wynyard Quarter. Daldy Street becomes vital as a linear park, stitching Wynyard Point park and Victoria Park together across Fanshawe Street; and joining the city centre’s open space network with the Waitematā Harbour.

Albert Park and the Domain

The steeply undulating topography of Albert 06 Park, the Symonds Street ridge and Grafton Gully, exacerbated by SH16, limits the The Green Link connection between the city centre and the Auckland Domain. It also affects connections with city fringe destinations including Auckland Hospital, Grafton and Parnell.

There is a bold proposal from an interest group to reopen the protected historic heritage WWII Albert Park air raid shelter tunnels (now backfilled) as a visitor destination and walking and cycling connection between Victoria City Centre Masterplan 2020 Consultation / Transformational Moves 17 Summary within easy reach of the city centre by foot or including our maunga volcanic cones and bicycle. Increasing city centre access by active harbour. Natural and artificial barriers restrict modes will help achieve the transport goals for Since the 2012 CCMP, considerable investment movement between the city centre and the the city centre of reduced car travel. has gone into extending the off-road city fringe. This move will improve the links to pedestrian/cycleway at Grafton Gully through areas surrounding the city centre. For those already inside the city centre, spaghetti junction and connecting it to the particularly residents and visitors, these city centre at Upper Queen Street, Symonds Vision connections to the city fringe provide access Street and Beach Road which has itself been to multiple destinations that are missing from upgraded. Perhaps the most symbolic project • The walking and cycling journeys between or complement the offering in the city centre, under this transformational move in 2012 now the city centre and its fringe suburbs will be including: delivered - Te Ara I Whiti, the Lightpath - best safe and enjoyable captures the ambition to improve connectivity • The Domain in creative and uplifting ways. • Gateways into the city centre, including • Auckland Hospital bridges across the urban motorway system, • Inner-city schools, educational and Walkability is just one aspect of the city are celebrated and take advantage of views healthcare providers to village connection. Auckland Transport will continue to work on providing more • Development of under-developed sites on They also encompass the rich range of mixed- convenient and frequent bus services, and the immediate fringes of the city centre is use village centres, main streets and inner-city with the New Zealand Transport Agency will supported neighbourhoods including the Newmarket continue to develop proposals for Light Rail metropolitan centre, Parnell and Ponsonby. All Transit to and through the city centre. This • Convenient and frequent bus, heavy rail, contribute a different character and offering to has the potential to significantly improve ferry and possible future light rail services the city centre, within easy reach of it. connections between the city centre and city connect the city centre and its inner fringe locations to the south such as Eden suburbs There are walking routes into the city from Terrace and the city end of Dominion Road. historic city fringe suburbs like Parnell, OUR VISION: Freemans Bay, Ponsonby and Grafton. The completion of the City Rail Link will However, these routes are typically narrow likewise greatly improve rapid transit links Improving connections between the city centre strips alongside several lanes of traffic and the between the city centre, Mt Eden, Grafton and its surroundings. walking experience can be unsafe, unpleasant and Kingsland Stations. The Council and and confusing. Cycling infrastructure is Auckland Transport will continue improving Background currently piecemeal, with some key routes, footpaths and providing more dedicated cycle such as Upper Queen Street, Lightpath to infrastructure, trees, and better street lighting. The central motorway junction, known as Nelson Street, Quay Street and Franklin Road spaghetti junction, signalled the start of a benefiting from safe, separated cycleway As improvements to transport connections to 07 new freedom of movement to the north and access, while other key routes for cycling still the city fringe are made, we can expect further south of the city, and then the west and east. need to be developed. intensification and development of under- City to the Villages When work began in the 1950s, the emphasis developed and valued sites on the immediate was on getting through and past the city. This The challenge is to make this journey safer and fringes of the city centre. has been at the expense of the city centre’s more pleasant to increase active mode travel connections with the historic urban villages on between the city centre and also capitalise This will be most apparent in areas adjoining its edge at the city fringe. on the motorway network. Beautifying and the motorway network, where currently softening the motorway infrastructure will surface car parking, vacant lots and other low, These villages, in particular Parnell, Ponsonby allow us to see its viaducts, trenches and unproductive uses exacerbate the feeling of and Eden Terrace, are vital to the city centre, sweeping bridges as vantage points for viewing passing through traffic-dominated, low-activity as they house a large residential population our city, and its historic and natural heritage, areas that sever the centre and the fringe.

City Centre Masterplan 2020 Consultation / Transformational Moves 18 The physical extent of the city centre appears to stop at the waterfront. The historic bridgehead to the North Shore communities seems sometimes to be a different world across the harbour; however, in reality, it is similar to the urban villages of Parnell and Ponsonby in character, socio-economic profile and distance from the city. It is only two kilometres away, a 15-minute ferry journey, which is no more of a barrier than the motorway system.

The 2012 CCMP saw Devonport as part of the city fringe, and the harbour as being at the heart of the city centre, a blue central park. This perspective supported the improvement of ferry facilities and wharf on the Devonport side over the past few years and the proposed upgrade of the Downtown Ferry facility.

Further transformations to North Shore connectivity will be delivered via the proposed Harbour Bridge Shared Path. This will address a critical missing link in Auckland’s urban micromobility network.

Opportunities for future action under this transformational move include an upgrade to:

• Harbour Bridge Shared Path / Harbour Bridge Park – connecting the North Shore and, more locally, Herne Bay • College Road – connecting Ponsonby • Wellington Street – connecting Freemans Bay • Upper Queen Street - connecting Newton and Eden Terrace 07 • Upper Symonds Street - connecting Grafton City to the Villages • The Strand – connecting Parnell

City Centre Masterplan 2020 Consultation / Transformational Moves 19 Summary Background 2012 Waterfront Plan

The city centre is shaped by its historic and Aucklanders have access to an incredible Like the 2012 City Centre Masterplan, the ongoing relationship with the Waitematā coastline, from the suburban beaches of Waterfront Plan captured the aspirations Harbour. Kohimarama and Ōrewa to the wild beauty of of the first Auckland Plan for a liveable city. the west coast. New waterfront development The vision is for a waterfront that is a world- The waterfront has transformed from a gritty is enabling us to re-engage with the water’s class destination, that excites the senses and industrial area to a much-loved destination for edge in the city centre. celebrates our sea-loving Pacific culture and Aucklanders and visitors. maritime history. It supports commercially Auckland’s city centre has a strong historical successful and innovative businesses, and is a This move incorporates Auckland’s Waterfront relationship with the waterfront. From place for all people – an area rich in character Plan. It is also consistent with the Ports Master early Māori settlement, Tāmaki Makaurau and activities that link people to the city and Plan. It will unite the city centre with the was renowned for its rich soils, multiple the sea. waterfront through public realm improvements waterways, twin harbours and bountiful wealth and the development of new mixed-use bestowed on those who occupied the region. To support this vision, there are five goals destinations. Throughout the leadership of Hua-kai-waka that continue to guide the regeneration of the (Hua, the consumer of canoes), a chief of waterfront: Vision Tāmaki Makaurau during the 16th century, all external iwi who came to the area via harbours, • A blue-green waterfront – sustainable and • The waterfront ‘axis’ from Silo Park in the waterways and portages had to pay respect resilient in the face of climate change west to Teal Park in the east including Quay to this chief and be governed by his rule. Street is fully transformed as a high-quality Those who chose not to do so had their waka • A public waterfront – a place for all harbour edge pedestrian-friendly space destroyed, which is how he earned his name. Aucklanders and visitors

• Regeneration of Wynyard Quarter Over time, the region’s inherent qualities • A smart working waterfront – retains continues with mores homes, businesses, invited contest and occupation by numerous authentic waterfront uses and attracts open spaces and recreation iwi groupings. Many Tāmaki iwi have innovative business and investment associations with the waterfront for gathering • Delivery of new harbour edge public spaces, fish and shellfish, harvesting crops, seasonal • A connected waterfront – accessible, easy including Wynyard Point park, Eastern occupation, and as a hub for trade. This area to get to and move around Viaduct and a new, yet to be named, public increasingly became a centre for trade from space developed in the ferry basin (the the time of early European settlement to the • A liveable waterfront – a welcoming and downtown public space) present. resilient neighbourhood, with diverse mix of uses and people • Better north-south connections to the From the mid-1990s the development of the 08 harbour edge including improvements Viaduct Harbour and Princes Wharf provided a The 2011 Rugby World Cup saw Queens Wharf to Lower Hobson Street and improving new, sought-after location for corporate office and Silo Park come alive as exciting new public Harbour Edge pedestrian amenity and connectivity space, food and beverage, and a new residential spaces, and a temporary cruise ship terminal community. Better connections are now on Queens Wharf. Stitch • Queens Wharf becomes part of seamless available via ferry, bus and rail. The precinct public space incorporating Quay Street and has also hosted events including the America’s The Wynyard Quarter covering several Lower Queen Street Cup, Louis Vuitton Regattas, the Whitbread city blocks has become a new mixed-use (now Volvo) Round the World Races, the waterfront playground for Aucklanders and • Development of destinations along the Auckland International Boat Show and New Britomart. Commercial Bay is developing as a harbour edge that celebrate the heritage Zealand Fashion Week. new destination retail and leisure experience values, places and stories of the waterfront right next the harbour edge.

City Centre Masterplan 2020 Consultation / Transformational Moves 20 The challenge people face is getting to these The focus for this move is now on: destinations on foot from the rest of the city. This could jeopardise their long-term vitality • The east-west movement corridor of and viability whilst also failing to deliver the Fanshawe Street, Custom Street, Beach engaging and inclusive city centre outcomes. Road and The Strand. With heavy traffic flows and limited pedestrian amenity Progress on this move since 2012 has been and crossing points, it forms a secondary impressive: east-west barrier to pedestrian movement that need to be reconciled having regard • Many development opportunities have to Access for Everyone (LINK TO A4E been realised or are near completion SUMMARY); including across multiple Wynyard Central sites, Commercial Bay on the former • Advancing the final key north-south Downtown Shopping Centre block and stitches i.e. Beaumont Street and Lower within the Britomart precinct Hobson Street

• A rolling programme of new or improved • Unlocking outstanding development north-south stitches is underway with opportunities including the Downtown Halsey Street completed and Daldy Street, Carpark (downtown west), Central Lower Albert Street and Lower Queen Britomart and Quay Park Street schedule to be completed within the next year • Fully leveraging off the America’s Cup which will be hosted across the waterfront, • New waterfront spaces have been delivered activating temporary and permanent public including an upgraded Waitemata Plaza and spaces the new Tiramarama Way. Over the next year new spaces include the completion • Optimising Wynyard Point (tank farm area) of Daldy Street linear park and a new to include a new regional destination park, Wynyard neighbourhood park, Madden alongside mixed-used development Plaza, Eastern Viaduct upgrade and the strategically important Downtown Public • Development of Queens Wharf as part Space in the Ferry Basin of a seamless public space incorporating Quay Street and Lower Queen Street as • Works have commenced on turning Quay port operations consolidate to the east and Street into a people-focused promenade long-term cruise berths are developed on 08 with only a single lane of traffic in either Captain Cook Wharf direction as the final section of the Harbour Edge waterfront axis with Silo Park, Karanga • Reconciling the strategy for the central Plaza, North Wharf, Jellicoe Street delivered wharves including Queens Wharf (taking Stitch earlier in the decade into account future decisions over the Port of Auckland) (LINK TO MOVE 8 TMs • Future-proofing the east-west pedestrian SUMMARY) and cycle link with an upgraded Wynyard Crossing bridge

City Centre Masterplan 2020 Consultation / Transformational Moves 21 Find out more: phone 09 301 0101 or visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz