Vision for the east and west stitch
What we aim to do
- Investigate designs to complete SH16 to Tāmaki Drive as a multi-way boulevard, replacing the existing motorway plan.
- Unlock development potential along the boulevard, with potential for high-density residential, commercial and retail space.
- Support the A4E concept for better movement around the city centre.
- Improve strategic freight connection from SH16 to the Port of Auckland.
- Improve connectivity between the city centre, Parnell, and eastern suburbs.
- Investigate opportunities for a rail station (metro and regional) and bus interchange near Quay Park / Te Tōangaroa.
- Adapt Nelson and Hobson streets into boulevards, improving pedestrian amenity and connectivity.
- Deliver a better-connected street network on the east and west edges of the city centre.
Why we want to do this in the east part of the city centre
Moving eastwards from the city centre towards Parnell, the quality of the built environment declines quickly.
The area at the junction of Stanley Street, Beach Road and Parnell Rise is now a place to move through, not go to. The Strand has become a bottleneck for people and goods access to the city centre, eastern bays and the port.
The CCMP proposes to expand the city centre eastwards, centring development along a new multi-way boulevard.
This proposal resolves key barriers to access and development and enables an attractive and productive new city centre quarter.
This would enhance the movement function of SH16 and The Strand while unlocking surrounding land values.
Why we want to do this in the west part of the city centre
The western edge of the city centre is the most densely populated residential area in New Zealand. Despite this, parts of the area are underused and undervalued - the quality of the public realm is often poor.
The street network mainly consists of major roads, a by-product of its industrial past. Busy roads such as Nelson and Hobson streets dominate the area and restrict movement for people walking.
Steep hills provide additional challenges to movement through the area. Future development will increase footfall in the area.
The CCMP proposes a series of public realm interventions to improve the environment and stitch this area more closely into the city centre.
This will complement the improvements in city centre access following the opening of City Rail Link (CRL) in 2024.
