Vision for an accessible and inclusive city centre

What we aim to achieve 

Auckland's diversity is one of its greatest strengths.

We want to achieve a city centre that is inclusive and welcoming to all in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland. 

Inclusivity via universal design

The key to creating an inclusive city centre is to use a universal design approach. This means that we need to consider the needs of all users right at the start of the design process.

A universal design approach recognises human diversity and designs for life scenarios, such as pregnancy, childhood, injury, disability, old age and non-English speakers.

All people benefit from inclusive design. Most importantly it gives freedom of the city to as many people as possible.

The intended outcome is a city centre that boasts a public transport network, buildings, spaces and places that reflect Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland's diversity and that everyone can use and enjoy.

To achieve this, we need to design and manage streets, buildings, public spaces and public transport according to the goals of universal design.

See the Auckland Design Manual website for more information.

Age-friendly city centre 

• Enable people to participate fully in the life of the city centre at any age.
• Be consistent with the Auckland Age Friendly Action Plan.

Child-friendly city centre

• Reflect children’s needs in the design of parks, streets, education and public spaces.

See the Children's Commissioner website.

Accessibility for all abilities 

Improve access and provision of public amenities - toilets, changing rooms, drinking fountains, lockers, etc. - for people of all abilities.

Why we want to do this

The city centre needs to be relevant, engaging and accessible to all who call Tāmaki Makarau / Auckland home, as well as the many hundreds of thousands who visit from elsewhere every year.

It needs to be a place where everyone can live, work and play, regardless of:

• age
• ethnicity and national origin
• culture, religion and lived experience
• socio-economic status
• gender identity
• sexual orientation
• disability – temporary or permanent
• rural, island, or urban location.

Related information [h2]

• World Health Organization: Global Age-friendly Cities: A Guide (PDF 1.5MB)
• I am Auckland - An Auckland-wide strategic action plan for children and young people (PDF 5.3MB) 
• Auckland Design Manual - Universal design
• BRANZ - Universal design hub
• Building Performance - Buildings for everyone: Designing for access and usability