DOWNTOWN FRAMEWORK SEPTEMBER 2014 - AUCKLAND COUNCIL

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DOWNTOWN FRAMEWORK SEPTEMBER 2014 - AUCKLAND COUNCIL
DOWNTOWN
FRAMEWORK
 September
    2014

             working draft
DOWNTOWN FRAMEWORK SEPTEMBER 2014 - AUCKLAND COUNCIL
draft   CITY CENTRE INTEGRATION
        Transforming Auckland’s city centre
DOWNTOWN FRAMEWORK SEPTEMBER 2014 - AUCKLAND COUNCIL
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                                                                                                                                                                      Contents
part 01                                                                                                                                  part 04
Introduction to                                                                                                                          future framework..............................................................43
the downtown framework............................................5                                                                            DOWNTOWN framework:...............................................................................47
     introduction...............................................................................................................7              queen street spine
     Scope of the framework..........................................................................9                                         & DOWNTOWN HUB:...............................................................................................50
     downtown projects........................................................................................13                               downtown west
                                                                                                                                               & ferry basin......................................................................................................... 58
part 02                                                                                                                                        britomart precinct
Challenges and Principles........................................17                                                                            & admiralty basin........................................................................................... 64
     the challenges....................................................................................................18                      central wharves.............................................................................................70
     dynamics OF DOWNTOWN...............................................................................21
     pRINCIPLES...................................................................................................................22     part 05
                                                                                                                                         delivery and next steps............................................. 77
     organising ideas............................................................................................... 25
                                                                                                                                         GLOSSARY............................................................................................80
part 03
understanding
 the key themes.......................................................................27
     development context................................................................................29
     public life.................................................................................................................30
     multi-modal network.................................................................................32
     PARKS, SQUARES & wharves................................................................. 35
     Telling our Stories......................................................................................39
     hERITAGE ..................................................................................................................... 40
     ENVIRONMENT/ SUSTAINABILITY ............................................................41

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           draft
DOWNTOWN FRAMEWORK SEPTEMBER 2014 - AUCKLAND COUNCIL
draft
DOWNTOWN FRAMEWORK SEPTEMBER 2014 - AUCKLAND COUNCIL
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          part 01
    Introduction
to the downtown
      framework
               draft
DOWNTOWN FRAMEWORK SEPTEMBER 2014 - AUCKLAND COUNCIL
te pai me te whai
draft
           rawa o tamaki
              the beauty and wealth of Tamaki
DOWNTOWN FRAMEWORK SEPTEMBER 2014 - AUCKLAND COUNCIL
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introduction    Its harbour edge setting,          With this potential to do            The Downtown Framework
Auckland’s      thriving businesses, beautiful     so much comes the need               is being co-ordinated by

Downtown has    outlooks, the hub of transport
                networks and its role as the
                                                   to balance the different
                                                   priorities and opportunities.
                                                                                        Auckland Council’s City Centre
                                                                                        Integration team. It provides the
the potential   focal point of major new public    Public space, retail, transport,     context for individual projects
to be one of    and private investments make
                it arguably the most exciting
                                                   business development, places
                                                   to promenade and hang out,
                                                                                        based on the council’s strategic
                                                                                        direction. It is non-statutory.
the world’s     square kilometre in New            restaurants, cafes, events,          It is a living document that
most stunning   Zealand right now. It is an
                opportunity to create a unique
                                                   tourism, pedestrian flows and
                                                   vehicle movements can all
                                                                                        will continue to evolve over
                                                                                        time responding to new
and vibrant     waterfront destination, drawing    jostle for space.                    opportunities to fulfil the
city centre     workers, visitors, students and
                shoppers. It also holds the key
                                                   Coordination is essential. All the
                                                                                        potential of downtown.

waterfronts.    to igniting Auckland’s economy
                                                   projects, big and small, rely on
                                                   so many other projects - either
                and enabling it to become a
                                                   for timing, feasibility or for
                truly globally competitive city.
                                                   maximising the impact they
                The transformation of              can have.
                downtown must continue
                                                   And there is a great deal that
                the successful achievements
                                                   needs to be done. The area’s
                of recent years at Britomart,
                                                   harbourside setting already
                Wynyard Quarter and the city
                                                   makes it highly attractive for
                centre shared spaces. These
                                                   corporates, hospitality and
                destinations are breathing new
                                                   tourism. But large blocks and
                life into Auckland’s city centre
                                                   streets that separate the city
                and waterfront and bringing
                                                   from its waterfront make
                much greater concentrations of
                                                   downtown a less enjoyable
                activity and public life.
                                                   place to meet or interact.
                                                   The area’s incredibly rich
                                                   history, heritage and cultural
                                                   associations need to be more
                                                   overtly celebrated.

                                                                                                                            draft
DOWNTOWN FRAMEWORK SEPTEMBER 2014 - AUCKLAND COUNCIL
AuCKlAND’S
                        VISION
             Creating the world’s most liveable city

                        AuCKlAND plAN                                                 lOCAl bOARD plAN
                                                                                      3-Year plans of 21 Local
                     30-year vision and strategy for Auckland                         Boards

uNITARY plAN             plACE-bASED           STRATEGIES          lONG-TERM
                            plANS                                     plAN
                                                                                          lOCAl bOARD
Policies and rules       Spatial Plans for     Examples:          Council’s 10-year        AGREEMENT
to implement the         geographic areas      Regional Land      plan and budget
Auckland Plan            e.g. Local area       Transport                              Annual budgets of 21 Local
                         plans, City Centre    Plan, Economic                         Boards
                         Masterplan, and       Development
                         Waterfront Plan       Strategy, Major
                                               Events Strategy,
                                               Visitor Plan

WYNYARD                                 lEARNING       VICTORIA        AOTEA
                     DOWNTOWN
quARTER                                 quARTER        quARTER        quARTER

                        IMplEMENTATION
DOWNTOWN FRAMEWORK SEPTEMBER 2014 - AUCKLAND COUNCIL
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                   Scope of the
                   framework
                   The Auckland Plan’s vision to create the world’s most liveable city is                             available understanding of how the projects will work together
                   supported by the strategies and place-based plans that set out how                                 to deliver the downtown we want, and highlighting key
                   to deliver it, as well as the Unitary Plan, which sets out the planning                            challenges and inter-dependencies to realise the vision.
                   rules that are needed to shape what gets built and where.
                                                                                                                  Project information will continue to evolve over time as option
                   For the city centre, the City Centre Masterplan, Waterfront Plan,                              testing is undertaken, increasing levels of investigation are
                   Regional Land Transport Plan, Economic Development Strategy and                                progressed and new projects are considered. Along the way this will
                   Auckland Unitary Plan are referenced for decision-making. There                                create new challenges and opportunities to debate.
                   are also specific supporting studies, such as the City East West
                                                                                                                  The Framework has a 10 year focus but a 30 year outlook in terms
                   Transport Study (CEWT Study).
                                                                                                                  of longer term changes that may need to be considered within the
                   This Downtown Framework will be the first of several such                                      context of future planning and change over the next decade.
                   documents covering specific parts of the city centre. The
                   Framework outlines these different projects planned for downtown.
                   Many of these are highly complex and are at different stages of                                 Frameworks are living documents and
                   development. It does not seek to answer all the challenges that lie
                   ahead, instead it aims to guide discussions and decision-making on                              will continue to evolve. They bring
                   those issues. It does this by:                                                                  together vision, thinking and projects
                   1. Setting out the principles and organising ideas to help guide                                from across Auckland Council and
                      project delivery, future investment and development decisions.
                   2. Combining the latest information, and demonstrating the best
                                                                                                                   Council-controlled organisations.
                                 Framework Area
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DOWNTOWN FRAMEWORK SEPTEMBER 2014 - AUCKLAND COUNCIL
What     does
the downtown
framework

do?
11

Strategic                           downtown                                                 project
direction                           framework                                                Delivery
Vision, Strategy,                   bridges between                                          delivering
and plans                           strategic direction &                                    change on
consulted on and
                                    project delivery                                         the ground
                                                                                             •   Multiple project workstreams
adopted / proposed                  Integration
                                                                                             •   Option testing
                                    Integrates the vision, thinking and projects across
These include:                      the Council family.                                      •   Detailed investigations
•   The Auckland Plan                                                                        •   Detailed design
•   The City Centre Masterplan      Distills the vision                                      •   Construction and delivery
                                    Distills the strategic direction for the
•   The Waterfront Plan                                                                      •   Public consultation and stakeholder
                                    downtown area.
•   The Proposed Unitary Plan                                                                    engagement
•   Regional Land Transport Plan    setting the scene
•   Economic Development Strategy   Provides the strategic, spatial and timing context for
                                    projects and decision-making.
•   Major Events Strategy
•   Visitor Plan
                                    Provides the Lens
                                    The Framework tests projects against wider
                                    aspirations through common principles and
                                    organising ideas.

                                    one stop shop
                                    Home for key information to link initiatives and
                                    projects, and to inform decisions (both from the
                                    Council family and development community).

                                    The evolving picture
                                    Frameworks are living documents that capture the
                                    latest project information as they go through option
                                    testing and detailed investigation, and focus the
                                    debate on the current issues needing resolution.

                                    implementation plan
                                    Lays out the flow of projects in the coming years.
3

                                       12
                                                     16

                       8

                                            11
                               4

                                   5
                       9
13   14   15   5
                           2       5                      10
                                                 7

6
                   1
13

downtown projects
this is a time of great change for downtown. many significant projects ARE
proposed that cannot be considered in isolation. collectively these have
the potential to transform the face of the city.

key current projects                   key future projects
 1   City Rail Link Enabling Package   13   Hobson Street Flyover Removal

2    Lower Queen Street                     Downtown Carpark
                                       14   Redevelopment

3    Queens Wharf                      15   Federal Street Laneway Extension

     Quay Street and                        Central Wharves & Breastworks
4    Harbour Edge projects             16   opportunities (POAL)
     Downtown Bus Interchange (New
5    Network Optimisation)

6    Fanshawe Street Urban Busway

7    Customs Street Upgrade

8    Ferry Basin Redevelopment

     Downtown Shopping Centre
9    block redevelopment
     (Precinct Properties NZ Ltd)
     Beach Road Cycleway
10   (Stage 2)

11   Seawall Upgrade

12   Central Wharves Strategy
key DOWNTOWN PROJECTS
        1.     City Rail Link
               Enabling Package
        The City Rail Link (CRL) will extend
                                                    2.        lower
                                                              queen street
                                                    The proposed relocation of the bus
                                                                                                     4.        Quay
                                                                                                               Street
                                                                                                     The transformation of Quay Street into
        Auckland’s passenger rail system past       interchange from Lower Queen Street              Auckland’s premier waterfront boulevard
        Britomart to connect to the existing        provides a significant opportunity for           will enhance the north south links from
        regional rail network at Mt Eden Station.   Lower Queen Street to become a new               the city to the water as well as creating a
        The enabling works package is proposed      public square or “Queens Square”.                grand east-west urban axis that will connect
        to construct the tunnel sections from       Queens Square will be able to reflect the        various parts of the wider waterfront. It is
        Britomart Station in conjunction with       location’s significance as a major civic         the city centre’s welcome mat for thousands
        the redevelopment of the Downtown           moment outside Britomart Station and a           of people on a daily basis and will become a
        Shopping Centre up Albert Street beyond     pivotal point where Queen Street and the         destination and magnet for visitors as part of
        Customs Street. The completion of this      CBD Engine Room meet the waterfront.             our wider waterfront offer.
        work will allow other significant key
        projects to be completed in the area and

                                                    3.        Queens
        avoid future disruption.

                                                              Wharf
                                                    Queens Wharf was opened to public access
                                                    as ‘the People’s Wharf’ in 2010. The next
                                                                                                     5.        Downtown Bus
                                                                                                               Interchange
                                                                                                     A new Downtown Bus Interchange is
                                                    stage of revitalisation of the wharf is in the   proposed as part of the roll out of the
                                                    early stages of planning. Future plans for       New Network for public transport which
                                                    the wharf will deliver significant new public    is due to commence from 2016. Bus stops
                                                    space as well as taking account of future        will be divided into two major zones
                                                    ferry and cruise operations.                     joined by an east-west link through the
                                                                                                     Downtown Shopping Centre and Britomart
                                                                                                     Transport Centre. Northern and western
                                                                                                     services will commence from Lower Albert
                                                                                                     Street, fronted by Precinct Properties’
                                                                                                     new development and southern and
                                                                                                     eastern services will commence from
                                                                                                     a new facility on the Commerce Street
                                                                                                     frontage of Britomart Transport Centre.
                                                                                                     This configuration enables a potential new
                                                                                                     civic public space on Lower Queen Street
                                                                                                     and provides more easily understood bus
draft                                                                                                departure points.
15

6.         Fanshawe Street
                                                 8.        ferry basin                           extends the Grafton Gully cycleway to
                                                                                                 meet the waterfront. This will become one
           Urban Busway                                    redevelopment                         of the key off-road cycleways that will
                                                                                                 enter the city centre and will be mirrored
Fanshawe Street is one of Auckland’s             Future redevelopment of the existing            on the western side of the city along the
most significant public transport corridors.     ferry terminal is planned to accommodate        old Nelson Street off-ramp and Nelson
Currently over two thirds of people travelling   forecast growth in ferry services; a key        Street. The Beach Road cycleway will link
in the AM peak on Fanshawe Street are on         component in growing Auckland’s public          with wider connections all the way from the
buses. The Fanshawe Street upgrade will see      transport network. The ferry terminal           foothills of the Waitakere Ranges, to the
the extension of the northern busway into        and infrastructure will be integrated with      city centre, and along the waterfront as far
the city centre while also improving north-      surrounding projects and activities including   as Saint Heliers.
south pedestrian crossing opportunities to       Quay Street, Queens Wharf and the
help realise the harbour stitch in the western   growing cruise industry.

                                                                                                 11.     Seawall
waterfront precincts.

7.       Customs Street
         Upgrade
                                                 9.     Downtown
                                                        Shopping Centre
                                                        block Redevelopment
                                                                                                         Upgrade
                                                                                                 The existing seawall between Princes
                                                                                                 Wharf and Marsden Wharf needs
                                                                                                 upgrading to meet seismic requirements.
Customs Street has renewed importance                                                            This is a critical piece of infrastructure.
in the city as a busy two-sided city street      Precinct Properties Ltd is in discussion
                                                                                                 Several adjacent projects are dependent on
as well as a major east-west movement            with the Council on a comprehensive
                                                                                                 the upgrade including Quay Street and the
corridor. The upgrade of Customs Street          redevelopment of the block bounded by
                                                                                                 Ferry Basin Redevelopment.
will deliver reliability improvements for        Customs, Lower Queen, Quay and Lower
both buses and general traffic to strengthen     Albert Streets. The redevelopment of the

                                                                                                 12.
                                                 existing centre would allow a new multi-level
its role as a key connection across the city
centre, to be delivered in conjunction with      street based retail centre to be constructed             Central
the Fanshawe Street upgrade. To realise the      together with a new office tower. It is
                                                 proposed to include the construction of the
                                                                                                          Wharves Strategy
harbour stitches it must also improve the
north-south pedestrian crossing experience,      relevant section of the CRL tunnels through     This strategy will address competing
declutter the footpath, and provide an           this site at the same time.                     demands on the water space, responding
overall uplift in streetscape quality.                                                           to growing demand and operational
                                                                                                 requirements for ferry, cruise and port

                                                 10.       BEACH ROAD
                                                           CYCLEWAY
                                                 The Beach Road cycleway (Stage 1
                                                                                                 activities. Importantly this will also need
                                                                                                 to consider how these operations affect
                                                                                                 how we can use wharf spaces (function,
                                                                                                 development and activities) and aspirations
                                                 completed in early September 2014)
                                                                                                 for the harbour’s edge.
                                                                                                                                                draft
17

       part 02
   Challenges
and Principles
the challenges
                               unlocking the vision

        1.        Realising our aspirations
                  for the public realm and public transport
        Future plans for public realm, place-making and public transport need to be balanced and
        aligned to support each other within a concentrated area and finite space.

        2.        Retaining
                  appropriate access
        Within the downtown area appropriate access needs to be maintained for servicing and
        functional requirements without adversely affecting the public realm ambitions and public
        transport plans.

        3.        Maximising
                  value
        With considerable planned investment from the public and private sector, there is a strong
        incentive to maximise value through a co-ordinated and integrated approach to public and
        private sector projects to achieve the best overall outcome.
19

                  delivering the vision

4.        working through complex
          Inter-dependencies
Inter-dependencies between projects in the area are extensive and changes in one aspect or
area can result in compounding effects elsewhere which are not obvious.

5.        Timing
          of works
Significant construction is required in order to achieve the desired outcomes. Disruption will
need to be managed and mitigated where possible. The sequence and timing of respective
projects will determine the extent and duration of disruption and when Auckland can start
to reap the planned benefits.

6.        Efficiency
          of spend
Limited resources need to be carefully managed in order to deliver maximum benefit.
1   2   3

4

    6       7

5   8
21

dynamics
OF DOWNTOWN
 Each part of the Downtown area has
 multiple live projects and future
 aspirations that will transform downtown.

1.      Rethinking ferry and cruise ship berthing options, and how
        these interface with desired public space outcomes to open
up more of the harbour’s edge for people to enjoy.
                                                                     5.         Significant redevelopment potential exists on and
                                                                                around the western most block of downtown
                                                                     including a significant opportunity in the Downtown Carpark.

2.
                                                                     This could see the creation of a new finer grain block structure,
                                                                     redevelopment of new and existing buildings, and full
        On-going staged development of Queens Wharf,                 transformation of the surrounding streets. Key to this is the future
        ‘the People’s Wharf’. Providing new public realm, and        removal of the Hobson Street flyover, and reconfiguration of
complementary activities.                                            Sturdee and Fanshawe Streets to realise new public spaces as well as

3.
                                                                     improved access.

                                                                     6.
          Working with Ports of Auckland to co-ordinate
          future cruise berthing options with future                            Central block redevelopment. Precinct Properties’
public access, public space, development opportunities                          comprehensive planned redevelopment of the Downtown
and port operations.                                                 Shopping Centre block and how this relates to street level and public
                                                                     realm. Construction of the City Rail Link and reconfiguring bus

4.
                                                                     movements around the block to improve public realm opportunities,
                                                                     development potential, and public transport network resilience.
           Establishing a welcome mat and celebrated harbour

                                                                     7.
           edge. Transformation of Quay Street, working with the
Ports of Auckland to open the red fence, and redevelopment and                 Ongoing development of the celebrated Britomart
new water edge public spaces.                                                  precinct. Redesigned street networks that match the
                                                                     quality and activities alongside.

                                                                     8.         Improving east-west movement reliability for buses
                                                                                and traffic. Improve north-south pedestrian crossing
                                                                     experience and overall uplift in quality of a busy two-sided
                                                                     city street.
pRINCIPLES
   The following principles will be used to help assess individual projects
   and proposals, thereby guiding project delivery and future investment and
   development decisions.

1.        RECONNECT THE CITY
          TO THE WATERFRONT
Reconnect the city centre to the Waitematā Harbour through a
                                                                     3.        IMPROVE access
                                                                               to DOWNTOWN
                                                                     Improve the rail, bus and ferry networks and how they interconnect
new world class waterfront promenade, new and upgraded streets,      at the city’s main public transport hub. Improve and encourage
laneways and public spaces that improve access and permeability.     walking and cycling, while maintaining appropriate access for
                                                                     vehicles including; property access, deliveries and taxis.

2.        CREATE ACTIVE,
          PEOPLE-FOCUSED PLACES
Create a range of attractive, people-focused places with their own
                                                                     4.        SUPPORT And grow a
                                                                               THRIVING ECONOMY
character: from small intimate areas, through to vibrant streets     Enable new development opportunities by working closely with
and to larger spaces that can accommodate major events and           the private sector to realise investment in the downtown area
gatherings; that increase the range of both day and night-time       acknowledging its important location in the city centre. This
activities.                                                          will facilitate an innovative, well connected, business friendly
                                                                     competitive Auckland which is supported by public investment in
                                                                     high quality public spaces and infrastructure.
23

5.        ENSURE QUALITY BUILDINGS
          FROM THE GROUND UP
Ensure new and redeveloped buildings enrich the public realm
                                                                      7.        Celebrate mana whenua and
                                                                                Cultural Richness
                                                                      Celebrate the cultural richness of Auckland, in particular the mana
by providing a human scale that contributes to more vibrant and       whenua histories and connection with the land. Recognise the
active streets, laneways and public spaces. The height and form of    importance of its role as Auckland’s ‘waharoa’ or welcome gateway.
buildings should acknowledge the waterfront location and enhance      Consider projects alongside Council’s Te Aranga design principles.
the skyline of the city.

6.        Strengthen the
          Maritime Character
                                                                      8.        ENHANCE SUSTAINABILITY
                                                                                AND the environment
                                                                      Improve the environmental quality, in particular improving air
Celebrate a vibrant working waterfront and the maritime heritage      quality and the water quality of the Waitematā Harbour. Build
of the downtown area. Strengthen the relationship of the              resilience through integrated and innovative approaches, conserve
waterfront location through design of the built environment. Retain   resources, minimise environmental impacts, reduce waste, build
and strengthen key views and connection to and from the harbour,      sustainably and respond to climate change.
maunga and other landmarks.
Auckland’s
                                                                          downtown area occupies
                                                                          a pivotal position on the
                                                                          waterfront where Queen
                                                                          Street meets Quay Street.
                                                                          Queen Street remains the

                city centre masterplan                                    most important street in
                                                                          the city. It is the pedestrian

                structuring elements
                                                                          backbone and centre of
                                                                          retail activity.
                                                                          More recently Quay
                                                                          Street has emerged as
                                                                          an important structuring
                                                                          element shaping the
                                                                          development of the city’s
                                                                          waterfront.
                                                                          The harbour stitches
                                                                          support these two key
                                                                          axes. The stitches are about
                                                                          enabling us to easily move
                                                                          between the heart of the
                                                                          city and the harbour’s
             Harbour edge                                                 edge. Realising the stitches
                                                                          will require improvements
                                           Engine room                    to the public realm of
                                                                          all of the north-south
                                                                          streets through the
                                                                          downtown area, as well
                                                                          as transforming the major
                            queen street

                                                                          movement barriers of
                                                                 Albert   Customs and Quay Streets.

  Victoria                                                        Park
                                                                          New laneway connections
                                                                          are an important supporting
   Park                                        victoria street            move that will create a finer
                                                                          grain of development on the
                                                                          blocks to the west of Queen
                                           aotea quarter                  Street. New laneways in
                                                                          these blocks can add a
                                                                          greater depth of offering
                                                                          and vibrancy of public life
                                                                          to match that happening in
                                                           City Centre    Britomart and the Wynyard
                                                                          Quarter.

draft                                                                     City fringe
25

                    organising
                                                             Building on the City Centre Masterplan,
                                                             Auckland’s Downtown will look to
                                                             strengthen its locational advantage

                    ideas                                    as the most pivotal point in the city
                                                             centre where Queen Street meets the
                                                             harbour’s edge.

                          QUEENS
                          WHARF

                                                                            FRONT FACE OF THE CITY
                                       QUEEN
                                       STREET

                                                                                  welcome
                         queen street spine       Waterfront Axis                   mat

                             QUAY STREET              QUAY STREET

 CITY FACE OF THE CITY
ONT                         CUSTOMS STREET
                                                    CUSTOMS STREET

                           complementary
                         FRONT FACE OF THE CITY   Harbour Stitches               Downtown
                              corridors           & laneway circuit                 Hub

                                                                                                       draft
27

        part 03
 understanding
the key themes
Introduction to
key themes
This section sets out      This additional information is not intended
                           to capture all considerations for the
further detail on some     future. It is drawn from and reflects the
of the key themes that     clear vision and strategic direction set by
                           key documents such as the City Centre
relate to the principles   Masterplan, Waterfront Plan, the Public
in Part 02 and desired     Transport Network Plan, City East West
                           Transport Study, Economic Development
future outcomes in         Strategy and Major Events Strategy, and
Part 04.                   how they relate to the downtown area.
29

development
context
The majority of the          Downtown is home to most of the major
                             banking, accounting, insurance and ICT
                                                                              Just three parties - Auckland Council,
                                                                              Cooper and Co (Britomart Precinct), and
development opportunity      companies in New Zealand. It is where            Precinct Properties New Zealand Limited,

is controlled by just        they choose to base their head offices.
                             The recent arrival of major Chinese retail
                                                                              control the majority of the land in the
                                                                              downtown blocks between Britomart Place
three parties: Auckland      banks and global retail brands on the lower      and Lower Hobson Street.
Council, Cooper and          blocks of Queen Street are indicative of
                             the growing international attractiveness of
                                                                              This presents a unique opportunity for

Co (Britomart Precinct),     Auckland’s downtown area. These trends are
                                                                              comprehensive redevelopment not often
                                                                              achievable in existing heavily developed
and Precinct Properties      expected to continue to underpin significant
                             development opportunities now and in the
                                                                              areas.
New Zealand Limited.         future.                                          The Council’s commitment to developing
                                                                              public spaces, upgrading the waterfront, and
                             The ability to locate in close proximity to an
                                                                              transport infrastructure provides significant
                             integrated public transport hub with rail, bus
                                                                              scope for private sector investment to
                             and ferry services that extend right across
                                                                              leverage off public sector investment. These
                             Auckland is a unique selling point for this
                                                                              opportunities exist on existing commercial
                             part of the city centre. The central wharves
                                                                              sites, in and around changing infrastructure,
                             are the focal point of arrival for an ever
                                                                              and on the waterfront in the downtown
                             increasing number of international cruise
                                                                              core.
                             ship tourists.
                                                                              There is much to be gained from working
                             All of these factors contribute to some of
                                                                              closely to deliver an integrated approach to
                             the highest pedestrian footfalls in New
                                                                              new economic and property development
                             Zealand, which in itself drives further
                                                                              opportunities with planned investment in
                             economic growth and development
                                                                              public spaces and transport infrastructure.
                             opportunity, particularly for retail and
                             hospitality.
                                                                    QUAY STREET
key

                                                                                                                      BRITOMART
                                                                                                      SQUARE
                                                                                                     TAKUTAI

                                                                                                                        PLACE
                             HOBSON

       Auckland Council
                              LOWER

                              PLACE

       Precinct Properties

       Cooper & Co.
                                                                 CUSTOMS STREET
                                                                                      QUAY STREET
                                                                                                                                  BRITOMART
                                                                                                                 working draft
                                                                                                                     SQUARE
                                                                                                                    TAKUTAI

                                                                                                                                    PLACE
                                              HOBSON
                                               LOWER

                                               PLACE
public life                Through the Shared Space Programme           The City Centre Masterplan identified
        Public space is the        and redevelopment of adjoining               the potential for these streets to
        glue that holds the city   buildings, retail and hospitality, public
                                   life in the streets is coming alive. The
                                                                                work together as a laneway circuit.
                                                                                Collectively, they have the potential
        together, the canvas for   streets are becoming more unique,            to create a more intimate pedestrian
        public life.               diverse and vibrant with improved
                                   business viability. The ongoing growth
                                                                                experience through the city centre,
                                                                                supporting diverse retail, hospitality,
                                   of commercial enterprise coupled             entertainment and cultural activities.
                                   with an increase in residential and
                                                                                The foundation of this circuit is largely
                                   recreational development is seeing
                                                                                in place through the Fort Street/High
                                   public life return to the streets in a way
                                                                                Street/ Lorne Street areas, and will be
                                   that has not been seen in decades.
                                                                                completed with a future extension
                                   In Auckland’s city centre the primary        between Aotea Square, Federal Street,
                                   public spaces are its streets and lanes      and the waterfront, and 2 new east-
                                   supported by other spaces such as            west laneways through the Downtown
                                   parks, squares and the waterfront.           West blocks between Lower Hobson
                                   Across downtown however the                  and the new Queens Square. These
                                   waterfront and wharves form the larger       existing and proposed lanes within the
                                   component of public space, while             downtown area will complement and
                                   streets and lanes support the activities,    contrast the grand and open nature of
                                   interactions and informalities of daily      the proposed Quay Street boulevard
                                   life.                                        and wharves along the harbour’s edge,
                                                                                inviting an intimate and human scaled
                                                                                environment, rich in life, energy and
                                                                                buzz.
                                                                                .
draft
31
                                laneway circuit

                                          new east west lane

                                                        te ara tahuhu walking street

st Patrick’s Square

                                          High Street
                       Street

federal Street
                      queen

                                          lorne Street

                                          key
                                                laneway

                                                landmark

Aotea square
multi-modal network
 Downtown is a major destination and the network hub for all transport modes,
 future investment will allow even greater numbers of people to access it.

Walking                                           RAIL                                            Ferry
Throughout the city centre, pedestrians are       The City Rail Link (CRL) will be a              Ferries bring in close to 4000 people into
considered the most important mode. The           transformational project for the city           the city centre in the morning peak period,
future transport network in the downtown          centre. Within the downtown area, as well       with nearly half of those passengers coming
area is predicated on high quality, well          as increasing the number of pedestrians         from Devonport and Waiheke Island. It is
connected pedestrian spaces and linkages.         interchanging between services and              predicted that ferry patronage growth will
Whilst the area will still retain some busy       accessing the city centre, the main CRL         be relatively modest when compared to
city streets, the greater pedestrian provision    implication is the construction impacts on      bus and train. This is driven by certain ferry
(more crossings, shorter intersection cycle       the staging of public and private sector        markets being mature (e.g. Devonport)
times, etc.) and significant increase in public   developments (for instance, Lower Queen         or captive (e.g. Waiheke) and the limited
space will be transformational in providing       Street changes cannot occur until the CRL       growth permitted by the Proposed Auckland
improved pedestrian amenity and capacity.         tunnelling is completed).                       Unitary Plan for the inner harbour North
                                                                                                  Shore ferry terminals. However, outer
Cycling                                           Bus and coach                                   growth areas show predicted strong growth
                                                                                                  in patronage from Hobsonville, West
The high quality people-focused spaces of         The New Network for buses will provide a
                                                                                                  Harbour, Pine Harbour and to a lesser
the downtown area will naturally make this        better, simpler, smarter, more legible bus
                                                                                                  extent Half Moon Bay and Gulf Harbour.
a popular location to cycle to and through.       system. It is based on a small number of
                                                                                                  The Downtown Ferry Terminal is close
Quality cycle routes on Beach Road                high quality bus corridors, connecting with
                                                                                                  to peak capacity and its redevelopment
and Quay Street will link to Westhaven            Britomart, including an urban busway along
                                                                                                  is crucial to enable more peak services to
Wynyard Quarter and the popular Tamaki            Fanshawe Street. This major reconfiguration
                                                                                                  operate. The short-term direction for ferries
Dr, as well as Nelson Street (& Hobson            of bus operations will reduce the number
                                                                                                  is likely to focus on improved services to
Street) to link to cycle routes further afield.   of bus services and also bus stops in the
                                                                                                  growth areas, starting with the recently
The general reduction in traffic volumes on       area. The regional coaches are relocated
                                                                                                  implemented significant boost to the Gulf
some streets, and vehicle speeds in general,      from the area, and the Airbus service will
                                                                                                  Harbour ferry service, and the bringing of
will help boost the ability to cycle in the       need to be reconfigured, as will the City
                                                                                                  inner harbour ferry services up to a higher
downtown area.                                    Link bus service. The movement function
                                                                                                  level of service, as envisaged in the Regional
                                                  on Customs Street will be facilitated by
                                                                                                  Public Transport Plan.
                                                  removing the need for bus stops. No bus
                                                  layover will be provided in the area. Buses
                                                  remain vital for the city centre, as analysis
                                                  shows a rough doubling in bus demand to
                                                  city centre over the next 30 years, even
                                                  with CRL in place.
33

Traffic                                           Freight                                          Cruise
The ‘down-tuning’ of Quay Street will             Freight movements remain important to            The cruise sector is an important part of
be supported by improving the reliable            the economic efficiency and performance          the tourism industry in Auckland and New
movement functions of Customs Street.             of the city centre, and service vehicle access   Zealand and the sector creates significant
Unnecessary through-traffic will be               to central wharves will be retained, along       positive impacts on our economy. Auckland
encouraged to use the motorway ring               with sufficient vehicle access for deliveries,   is able to offer a unique situation to
route. Service vehicle access to central          taxis and property access. Heavy freight         the cruise industry where cruise ships
wharves will be retained, along with              vehicles from the port should not have to        are located in the heart of the CBD,
sufficient vehicle access for deliveries, taxis   cross the downtown area and can access           providing an exceptional experience for
and property access. The CCMP seeks the           the motorway network via The Strand. The         the passengers and a sense of drama and
removal of the Hobson Street flyover, which       Fanshawe Street/ Customs Street/ Beach           spectacle on the waterfront.
is likely to only be possible following the       Road corridor is an ‘over-dimension’ route.
                                                                                                   Auckland is classed as a passenger exchange
significant ‘down-tuning’ of Quay Street
                                                                                                   port due to the international air links and
and other major road network changes to
                                                                                                   hotel capacity and as a result it is a key
accommodate different traffic patterns.
                                                  Light rail                                       cruise hub in the Oceania region. The
                                                                                                   Auckland experience can impact a visitor’s
Parking                                           Investigations are continuing into options
                                                  for a high-quality transit connection
                                                                                                   first and last impression of New Zealand as
In the downtown area, on-street parking                                                            a destination.
                                                  (possibly light rail) that connects Wynyard
will be primarily for taxis, loading and other                                                     New Zealand’s cruise industry has grown
                                                  Quarter to the downtown area and beyond.
short-term parking demands. General                                                                dramatically since the mid 1990’s from
                                                  Whilst not confirmed, it is prudent to
parking should be managed in off-street                                                            27 cruises and 19,400 passengers to over
                                                  future-proof for this within the redesign of
parking buildings, with an increased                                                               200,000 and 129 cruises in 2012/13. As the
                                                  Quay Street and Lower Queen Street.
emphasis on short-term parking rather than                                                         number and size of cruise vessels visiting
longer term (commuter) parking.                                                                    Auckland grows, the economic benefits to
The CCMP seeks the redevelopment of                                                                the regional economy also will grow and the
the downtown parking building in the                                                               cruise facilities over time will need further
long term.                                                                                         expansion and the long term location and
                                                                                                   use of the water space needs to be carefully
                                                                                                   considered to ensure the most benefits are
                                                                                                   achieved for all water based modes.
working draft
35

PARKS,
SQUARES &
wharves
  Public space forms an important
  part of the fabric of the city and is
  pivotal to celebrating our cultural,
  historic and natural heritage.
Dotted throughout the city is a strong network of small public
parks and squares that provide pause points and break out spaces
for people. The spaces offer a stage whereby formal and informal
interaction can occur, inviting conversation, play and recreation
to unfold.
Alongside the city’s streets and lanes, these public spaces
provide a platform for capturing the unique natural, and cultural
character of downtown while reinforcing the importance of
place-making and human scaled development. These include
spaces like Takutai Square, a sunny sheltered space, often used
by people relaxing on bean bags. The name Takutai, meaning
foreshore, references the areas origins as a reclaimed site, while
the adjacent ‘Pipi Beds’ water sculpture reinforces the former
natural and cultural value of the site.
In contrast to the intimacy provided within the smaller parks,
Quay Street and the central wharves are becoming destination
public spaces, magnets where visitors and Aucklanders alike
can enjoy major international, regional and cultural events. The
development of Quay Street into a world class harbour edge will
likewise play a pivotal role in the offering of quality public space,
recreational opportunities, facilities and events that celebrate and
share the unique story of our heritage.

                                                                        draft
major                                                         place
           events                                                        activation
           The city centre in general and downtown in particular
           are gaining in popularity as areas to host major events or     Place activation is a key success
           leverage events associated with major events occurring
           outside the central city area.                                 factor in delivering a revitalised
           The growth of the city centre as a vibrant international       downtown.
           city coupled with the improving city services in and
           around the city centre including public transport,            It needs to be an integral part of the approach to public
           restaurants and accommodation makes hosting an                space and development right across the city centre
           event in the city centre much more desirable. There is        and waterfront.
           increasing demand on venue space. Finding venues with         Projects such as Quay Street will look to extend and
           a large, flat open area for a major event and that requires   build upon the highly successful place-making approach
           a space for a longer duration (for pack in and pack out       employed by Waterfront Auckland at Wynyard Quarter
           of a complex set up) is very limited. For example when        and elsewhere.
           utilising Queens Wharf it can be difficult to have an event
           of a longer duration than 5 - 7 days (including pack in       A comprehensive programme of place activation
           and pack out) as there is increasing demand for this area     will support new public life, and, as at Silo Park, give
           from the cruise ships as well as other events.                Aucklanders the opportunity to engage with and learn
                                                                         to love new public spaces, especially ones that may
           Areas that better cater for events of a larger scale and      be developed in locations less well used currently.
           complexity and that allow areas to be utilised for a longer   The strategy will need consider the future sequencing
           duration, will enable Auckland to host more impressive        and timing of works and how an early programme
           events of international quality.                              of initiatives can start to deliver better public space
           Hosting major events downtown can play a pivotal role         opportunities for Aucklanders ahead of more wide-spread
           in helping Auckland achieve long term economic and            transformation.
           social aspirations, with ATEED’s 2013/14 major events
           portfolio set to exceed performance targets of $40
           million of new money into the economy (GDP impact)
           and 95,000 visitor nights.
           Major events are already booked for the downtown area
           in the city’s calendar in coming years. These add to the
           complexity of timing of works and inter-dependencies.

working draft
37

working draft
TE RERENGAORAITI /
                                                                          T            K
                                                                                                 TANGIHANGA-PUKAEA

                                  NGA-U-WERA                          Horotiu
                                                                                   TE ROUKAI              TE HOROROA
                                                                                                              Te Toangaroa
                                                                      ONEPANEA
                                                                      TE WHATU Waiariki Stream
                                                TE TARAKARAIHI
       Waiatarau                                          WAIHOROTIU
                                                                                                                                     Waiparuru Stream
                                                                      Waihorotiu
                                   Waikokota Stream                   Stream

   Waikuta Stream

                                                                                                                    1840 Shoreline                   mahinga-kai
              Tunamau Stream                                                                                                                         ( Seafood gathering)
                                                                                                                   historic Streams
                                                                                                                                                     eel fishing
                                                                                                                   pa Site

           Te aranga design principles
           Mana / Rangatiratanga - Authority; The status of iwi and hapū as mana whenua is recognised and respected
           Whakapapa - Names & Naming; mana whenua names are celebrated
           Tohu - The wider cultural landscape; Mana whenua significant sites and cultural landmarks are acknowledged
           Taiao - The natural environment; The natural environment is protected, restored and / or enhanced
           Mauri Tu - Environmental Health; Environmental health of water, land and air is protected, maintained and / or enhanced
           Mahi Toi - Creative Expression; Iwi/hapū narratives are captured and expressed creatively and appropriately in the physical environment
           Ahi Kāā - The Living Presence; mana whenua are able to rekindle and strengthen their presence within the environment

working draft
39

Telling
our Stories
Mana whenua have a strong historical connection with the city             Today we need to be better at revealing these associations, but
centre’s harbour edge that continues to the present day, yet there        also ensure that mana whenua are fully engaged in the ongoing
are few visible links to connect to this rich heritage.                   development of our city. Engagement with iwi is an ongoing
                                                                          conversation through strategies and projects throughout the
Since early Māori settlement, Tāmaki Makaurau was renowned for
                                                                          Council family.
fishing, shell fish grounds, and sheltered waters of its twin harbours,
as well as easy waka access between coastal settlements and the           One of the challenges is for these multiple conversations and
gulf islands. The inherent qualities saw it contested and occupied        learnings to be recorded to build an integrated foundation going
by numerous iwi. To this end many iwi have retained historical            forward for both iwi and the Council family. This needs to be
associations with the city centre’s waterfront for food gathering,        embedded into our approach to projects, into our principles and
permanent and seasonal occupations, and as a hub for trade. Some          design, and emerge strongly in our built projects on the ground.
of the key historical associations along the harbour edge area for
                                                                          Conversations to date with iwi on city centre projects, and
mana whenua include:
                                                                          particularly in the downtown area have emerging themes which
•   The three former bays that defined the shoreline that were            include:
    used for fishing and shellfish gathering (Waiatarau, Horotiu Bay,
                                                                          •   Reviving historical names and cultural narratives of the area
    and Te Toangaroa).
                                                                          •   Artistic and design treatments which bring names and
•   Freshwater resources (including eeling) from a number streams
                                                                              narratives to life
    in the city centre area, including Waihorotiu, a significant
    stream that followed the course of the Queen Street valley.           •   Remediating land and water quality

•   Several significant Pa sites on the former headlands.                 •   Connection to the natural environments and connection with
                                                                              Tangaroa
While these sites have disappeared through the development of the
city centre over the past 170 years, their historical significance for    •   A living presence, a place where mana whenua can gather,
mana whenua remains.                                                          welcome visitors, and celebrate their connection to the area
                                                                          In collaboration with iwi, Council has developed Te Aranga design
                                                                          principles to help inform and enhance the design and development
                                                                          of our built environment. These should be used as a tool alongside
                                                                          ongoing engagement with mana whenua. The full explanation
                                                                          of the principles can be found on the Auckland Design Manual
                                                                          website at www.aucklanddesignmanual.co.nz.

                                                                                                                                       working draft
hERITAGE
Our heritage is a          Downtown has a rich history of natural,
                           Māori and colonial settlement heritage,
                                                                           settlements are long gone the associations
                                                                           and significance of these to Māori are still
legacy to pass on to       shaped over the centuries by natural            inherent, as are ancestral obligations such
future generations.        events as well as people, their needs and
                           aspirations. Heritage gives Auckland its
                                                                           as kaitiaki, to maintain and enhance the
                                                                           mauri of this heritage.
Heritage reinforces our    rich texture, a sense of continuity and a
                                                                           Downtown is also home to Auckland’s first
sense of history and       strong basis from which to develop and
                           grow and directly influences how people
                                                                           mercantile centre and one of the largest
place, is central to our   perceive and use the city as a place to live,
                                                                           concentrations of heritage buildings in the
                                                                           city. Landmarks such as the Ferry Building,
well-being, and helps      work, play and visit.
                                                                           the former Chief Post Office, maritime
define what is unique      Our natural heritage includes the rich
                           geological history that underpins the
                                                                           and industrial heritage of Britomart
                                                                           Precinct and the Red Gates buffering Quay
and distinctive about      Auckland landscape; complex landforms,          Street and the Ports of Auckland, each
Auckland.                  water bodies and volcanic features
                           developed over the last 140,000 years.
                                                                           offer identity and contribute to a strong
                                                                           sense of place. Valuing, investing and
                           The natural harbour edge, though no             empowering stewardship of this heritage
                           longer readily discernible, stretches           is pivotal to the continued success of
                           across the downtown precinct with               downtown as an emerging and vibrant
                           Quay Street and the flat reclaimed land         legacy for the city.
                           south to Fort and Swanson Streets being
                                                                           Although unique and irreplaceable,
                           the former mudflats of the downtown
                                                                           conservation does not preclude change.
                           bays. Excavations at Point Britomart
                                                                           In many respects it is at its best in such a
                           contributed considerable cliff materials
                                                                           dynamic and evolving place. Auckland’s
                           to early reclamation and these geological
                                                                           heritage must be valued as an opportunity
                           features underlie the waterfront and lower
                                                                           and encompass geology, ecology, mana
                           downtown land today.
                                                                           whenua sites of significance, archaeology,
                           Plentiful throughout downtown and               architecture and landscapes.
                           the harbour edge too is heritage of
                                                                           There are many untold stories about
                           fundamental importance to tangata
                                                                           the historic heritage of downtown,
                           whenua, their culture and traditions. The
                                                                           poorly understood, underappreciated or
                           strong historical connection Māori have
                                                                           inaccessible . The redevelopment offers
                           with these areas continues to the present
                                                                           an opportunity to share these stories and
                           day, yet there are few visible links for the
                                                                           celebrate the uniqueness of our natural,
                           public to connect with. While former
                                                                           cultural and environmental heritage.
                           bays, headlands, landmarks, streams and
41

ENVIRONMENT/
SUSTAINABILITY
                          Our natural surroundings are unique,             we need to continue to evolve innovative
Aucklanders are the       home to wildlife in marine, freshwater and       responses to water treatment, as far as
guardians of a precious   terrestrial ecosystems. The environment
                          has intrinsic values which are values
                                                                           possible, before it flows into the harbour.

environment.              in their own right, as distinct from the
                                                                           Advancements in sustainable, integrated
                                                                           public transport within downtown
The environment is an     benefits people obtain from them.
                                                                           support the city’s contribution to
essential part of our     As guardians of our environment, we have
                          a responsibility to leave it in a better state
                                                                           reversing the upward trend of emissions
                                                                           with considerable focus on enhanced
identity, our economy,    for future generations. Kaitiakitanga is         pedestrian and cycle routes, bus network
and the way we live.      the Māori resource management principle
                          concerning guardianship of our natural
                                                                           improvements, an extended ferry network
                                                                           and the City Rail Link.
                          resources and the city centre is well placed
                                                                           Opportunities to seek best practice
                          to give greater depth and authenticity
                                                                           initiatives within Council and joint
                          to sustainability principles and the
                                                                           partnership projects will continue and
                          kaitiaki concept. It is envisioned that this
                                                                           in doing so encourage sustainability
                          authenticity will also provide a marketable
                                                                           across private development. A considered
                          edge for the city centre.
                                                                           approach to materiality, waste reduction,
                          Initiatives to enhance biodiversity, reduce      recycling, energy, water and thermal
                          waste and future proof high quality built        efficiency will form key components
                          form supports the New Zealand 100%               to improve sustainability and positive
                          Pure brand and reinforces our identity as        environmental outcomes.
                          an environmentally sensitive city. The use
                          and selection of native vegetation provides
                          habitat and food source for our native
                          birds and is central to our uniqueness and
                          cultural identity.
                          Improving the water quality of the
                          Waitematā Harbour is an identified
                          priority. The heart of the city poses
                          challenges to water management, such as
                          intensity of development, impermeable
                          surfaces, and levels of contaminants (from
                          traffic and intensive land use), however
43

   part 04
    future
framework
45

introduction
to the future framework
                            In order to help decision-making, this        This section divides the downtown area
This section sets out       section provides direction on the future      into four sub areas for discussion purposes
further detail on the       outcomes desired for public space,
                            movement and development, and how
                                                                          (Queen Street Spine and Downtown Hub;
                                                                          Downtown West and Ferry Basin; Britomart
challenges and inter-       these could unfold to meet multiple drivers   Precinct and Admiralty Basin; and the
dependencies that are       and complex issues based on the most
                            current information available.
                                                                          Central Wharves).

occurring throughout
the downtown area
across multiple projects
and how these relate                                                      a. queen street spine & downtown hub
to future aspirations. It                                 d
                                                                          B. downtown west & ferry basin
also highlights the most                                                  c. britomart precinct & admiralty basin
pressing issues that              b            A          c
need resolution                                                           d. central wharves
and decisions on in the
near future.
captain cook wharf
                            quay street                 waterfront boulevard

                                                      customs street

                                                                                                                                        B
                                                                                                                                        BB
                                                                                                                                        B
      Queen Street spine (Queen Street >
key   Lower Queen Street > Queens Wharf)                 Existing laneway connections                  Major future development opportunities

      North - South Harbour Stitches (public realm)
                                                         Future potential laneway
                                                         connections
      Quay Street waterfront boulevard
      and harbour’s edge public spaces                   Future potential through site link

      Other waterfront public space
                                                         Underground
                                                                 B rail (Post-CRL)

      Fanshawe Street /Customs Street /Beach Road
47

DOWNTOWN framework:
Public Space & Development

This page provides         The transformation of downtown must
                           continue the successful achievements
                                                                            The Laneway Circuit will play a more
                                                                            important future role in the blocks
a spatial framework        of recent years at Britomart, Wynyard            between Customs and Quay Streets.
summary for how the        Quarter and the city centre shared spaces.
                           These destinations are breathing new life
                                                                            As has occurred elsewhere in the
                                                                            city centre, achieving a finer grain
many public space          into Auckland’s city centre and waterfront       development pattern will help activate
and development            and bringing much greater concentrations         future development bringing a livelier,

opportunities downtown     of activity and public life to our city centre
                           and harbour’s edge.
                                                                            more vibrant public life and greater
                                                                            depth of offering that are key aspects of
may come together.         To get there we need strong north-south
                                                                            transforming the whole of downtown to
                                                                            become a waterfront destination in its own
                           and east-west pedestrian connections and
                                                                            right.
Significant scope exists   public spaces that draw the water and
                           city together. We also need to seize the
to take an integrated      significant private sector development

approach to public         opportunities to realise a new step change
                           in the ongoing revitalisation and economic
space and development      development of the downtown area.

opportunities that can
maximise the value of
investment.
ferry
                                                 basin

                                                                 quay street waterfront boulevard
                                               3 4                                                                                                               6

viaduct                                                  B   B                                  6            B

 basin                                                                                                               B

                                                                                                             B
                                                                                                5
                                                         B   B

                                                                  1   2
                                                                              B

                                                                                                                                   2 5
                                                                                                                                                          beach road     2
                                                                              B               customs street
                                                                                                                                                                     5
                                                         B
                                                                                  B       B

                  3                                          2                        1
              2                                              4
          1
                                                                                                                                                             B

                                     B

                      Quay Street waterfront
                                     B
                                             boulevard                                         New network bus              1   City Link Bus                B

  key                                B

                      Fanshawe Street/ Customs Street
                                                                                               routes
                                                                                                                            2   Inner Link Bus
                                                                                               Downtown interchange
                      / Beach Road                                        B           B
                                                                                               bus stops (indicativeBsize
                                                                                               and location)                3   North Shore Buses

                      Future potential east-west
                      laneway (24/7 public access)                                             Underground rail             4   Western Buses

draft
                                                                                               (Post-CRL)
                       Future ferry terminal                                                                                5   Eastern & Mt Eden Buses
                       redevelopment /                                                         Beach Road
                       re-configuration                                                        cycleway                     6   Tamaki Drive Buses
                       (indicative only)
49

DOWNTOWN framework:
Movement
                           All major modes of transport are due            with Queens Wharf and Quay Street.
This page provides         to undergo a significant change in the          This solution relies on a new east-west
a spatial framework        downtown area in the next decade; from
                           the completion of the CRL and New
                                                                           laneway (24/7 public access) to achieve an
                                                                           integrated and functional PT hub between
summary for how            Network bus operations to significant           modes.
the major changes to       improvements for walking and cycling.
                                                                           Traffic on Quay Street will be ‘de-tuned’ to
transport and access       Auckland’s current complex bus network
                           is being replaced with a simpler, more
                                                                           enable its transformation into a landmark
                                                                           harbour edge street. Whilst the prime focus
may come together in       legible network of frequent bus services        for transport improvements is on the public
downtown.                  which will make public transport much
                           more accessible - and understandable - to
                                                                           transport network and the development
                                                                           of the pedestrian realm and cycle-friendly
                           non-users. Bus stops will be arranged in        downtown, it remains vital to ensure that
Upwards of 150,000         ways that enable a significant uplift in high   sufficient vehicle access is retained, to allow

people per day currently   quality public space.
                           Buses from the West and North Shore
                                                                           for through traffic, deliveries, taxis and
                                                                           property access.
pass through downtown      will use a redeveloped high quality Lower       With the area about to go through a period
by every transport mode    Albert Street bus facility. A small number      of major transformation and a sustained

possible.                  of bus services will use Tyler Street,
                           Galway Street and Commerce Street
                                                                           period of construction activity, keeping the
                                                                           movement network operating becomes
                           (Tamaki Drive services and Eastern and Mt       more important than ever.

Future investment will     Eden services). This configuration largely
                           removes buses from Lower Queen Street,
allow even greater         allowing it to return to a more pedestrian-

numbers of people to       oriented public space linking Queen Street

access the area while
freeing up valuable real
estate for public space
A      queen street spine
         & DOWNTOWN HUB:
         Key Challenges & Inter-dependencies
         Lower Queen Street and
         the surrounding blocks inter-dependent projects KEY Challenges
         are facing some major AllDowntown
                                     of the proposed projects in the        Key challenges to work through in

         changes that have the others to some Framework are dependent on
                                                 extent.
                                                                            addressing the inter-dependencies include:
                                                                            • Providing for improved bus operations
         potential to completely Decisions as to which projects to progress     while also providing for significant
         transform the area       or delay and how they are designed need
                                  to be made in the context of the inter-
                                                                                improvements to public space on Lower
                                                                                Queen Street
         within the next 5 years. dependencies.                             • Co-ordinating the design and delivery
                                                       In the sector (A) Queen Street Spine &            of the City Rail Link enabling package
        There are a number of key challenges and       Downtown Hub these include:                       & Downtown Shopping Centre
        inter-dependencies in both space and time                                                        redevelopment
        to realise this potential on the ground. Key   •   City Rail Link Enabling Package
        issues that need to be addressed at this       •   Lower Queen Street                        •   Co-ordinating the design and delivery
        time include the future of Queen Elizabeth     •   Queens Wharf                                  of the Downtown Shopping Centre and
        Square, the design and consenting of the       •   Quay Street                                   related public space upgrades including
        Downtown Shopping Centre redevelopment         •   Downtown Bus Interchange                      a potential new east-west laneway
        (Precinct Properties NZ Ltd) - including any   •   Customs Street Upgrade                        connection to Albert Street buses
        laneway and through site links - and the re-   •   Ferry Basin Redevelopment
                                                                                                     •   Customs Street reliability
        routing of buses.                              •   Downtown Shopping Centre
                                                                                                         improvements for buses and general
                                                           Redevelopment
        There are also significant time-based                                                            traffic while also improving north-south
                                                       •   Seawall Upgrade
        inter-dependencies. It is likely that                                                            pedestrian connections
                                                       •   Central Wharves Strategy
        changes to public transport operations and                                                   •   Future changes to the ferry terminal
        infrastructure and public space upgrades       The most immediate considerations
                                                                                                         operations and infrastructure and
        will need to fit around the construction of    include the Downtown Shopping Centre
                                                                                                         adjoining public space and development
        the CRL enabling works and Downtown            redevelopment, the construction of the City
                                                                                                         opportunities on Queens Wharf and
        Shopping Centre redevelopment. This may        Rail Link enabling works under the shopping
                                                                                                         Quay Street
        include working progressively towards          centre block and Customs Street, and re-
                                                       routing of the downtown buses as part of      •   Co-ordination of various public space
        desired future outcomes.
                                                       the rollout of the New Network.                   streetscape projects relating to Lower
                                                                                                         Queen Street, Quay Street, Lower

draft
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