Maximising the benefits of investment in public transport
How we can make this happen
Britomart (downtown)
The opening of Britomart station in 2003 was pivotal in the city centre resurgence which continues today.
Transformation of transport access to this waterfront location catalysed major new developments including the Britomart Precinct and, more recently Commercial Bay.
A new transit mall is proposed for Customs Street to integrate bus and pedestrian access. It will be a street with restricted private vehicle access and priority for public transport, people walking and cycling. This would transform public transport services at street level while reducing severance caused by large volumes of traffic.
Improvements to the pedestrian experience via street and transport interchange design will strengthen walking connections between Britomart and the Viaduct, Quay Park and Fort Street areas.
Aotea Quarter (midtown)
Aotea Station (opening in 2024) is predicted to become Auckland’s busiest station. Wellesley Street will provide for key bus connections, especially to the Learning Quarter.
The station area will also include new through-building links and public laneways to improve connectivity. The Aotea Quarter Framework Plan sets out key outcomes envisaged for the area, strengthening its role as a civic and cultural hub and enabling key development opportunities on council-owned land.
Walking access to and across the station area will be supported by the Victoria Street linear park as part of the Green Link.
The Albert Park Tunnels concept would connect this to the Learning Quarter and Quay Park Te Tōangaroa.
The planned Wellesley Street bus boulevard will give people a high frequency shuttle service to east/west destinations like the Wynyard and Learning Quarters.
Karangahape Road (uptown)
With two CRL station entrances and a potential LRT station, this heritage-rich neighbourhood will become even more highly-connected to the rest of Auckland. Comfortable, legible and safe connections between the two stations and bus services in Karangahape Road will be critical for getting the most out of the transport investment.
Changes to the traffic network around Mercury Lane and Karangahape Road will need to be made for these neighbourhood streets to better support higher volumes of people. This will make them safer, more accessible and more attractive places for residents and visitors.
The Karangahape Road public realm upgrade will be critically important in ensuring the area is fully able to cope with the forthcoming changes. The Karangahape Road Area Plan 2014-2044 provides direction on some of the other key public realm and development opportunities which should be pursued in the future.
Dominion Road Junction (city fringe)
As part of the proposed city centre to Mangere light rail project, a major regeneration project is proposed in the location of the existing Dominion Road interchange.
Transport access will be a key enabler of redevelopment. Light and (nearby) heavy rail stations and bus connections to crosstown destinations like Kingsland and Newmarket would be built into the urban fabric. Safe streets will facilitate access to the station area and allow people to walk easily between services.
Public transport will provide quick and easy trips to the city centre and other destinations. People will also be able to walk, scoot or cycle the short journey following recent improvements to surrounding streets.
The proposal could provide space for 8000 residents and 7500 workers. Located at a similar distance to the city centre as Parnell and Ponsonby, this site has the potential to define what a modern-day, inner-city suburb should be.
Wynyard Quarter and Quay Park Te Tōangaroa
Further improvements in pedestrian, cycle and public transport to Wynyard Quarter and Quay Park Te Tōangaroa will support existing and future development.
Refer to Transformational move 2 - East and west stitch and Transformational move 8 - Harbour edge stitch.
