Tell us what you think about St Patrick's Square

AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

26 July 2006

Tell us what you think about St Patrick’s Square

Auckland City invites people to attend a workshop to assist with the planning of the $5.7 million upgrade of St Patrick’s Square, which is set on the western ridge of Auckland’s CBD, between Albert Street and Hobson Street.

The workshops are an opportunity for people to express their views on the square and to determine what could be done to improve the area.

The information received at these workshops will be used in the development of the designs for the square which will be available for public consultation in February 2007.

Mayor of Auckland city, Dick Hubbard, says, the council is committed to listening and delivering improvements to Auckland’s CBD.

“By listening to Aucklanders and working closely with the cathedral and key stakeholders we will deliver an upgrade that protects and enhances the unique character of this significant historical area,” he says.

Auckland City will work closely with St Patrick’s Cathedral to ensure that any future designs for the square complement the current $12 million restoration project of the Cathedral.

Cathedral administrator Father Bernard Kiely says, "The square is a unique place of quiet contemplation and it is exciting that we are planning to work with the council to develop the surrounding area to enhance one of the city's most precious historic buildings."

The aim of the upgrade is to deliver a high quality, attractive and easily maintainable urban space through design and use of materials.

This upgrade is a key action from Auckland’s CBD Into the future strategy, which aims to revitalise the CBD as a vibrant and dynamic cultural and business centres, and is one of a number of street and open space upgrades occurring in the CBD.

The workshops will be held in the CBD:

6pm to 8pm, Tuesday, 8 August

noon to 2pm, Wednesday, 9 August

noon to 2pm, Friday, 11 August.

The workshops will each have an overview of the project, introductions by team members and a few exercises to help us understand what the people of Auckland want for the future of St Patrick's Square. Refreshments will also be served.

If you would like to attend one of the workshops you must register by phoning Amy Graham on (09) 379 2020 or visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/cbd by Wednesday, 2 August 2006.

ENDS