Auckland City Council Media release

9 July 2008

Have your say on Aotea Square's draft design

Auckland City Council is keen to get feedback on the proposed design to
make Aotea Square a safer, more versatile and people-friendly space.

Public consultation on the draft design to revitalise the square starts tomorrow (10 July) and closes at 5pm on Friday, 1 August. The council is seeking comments on aspects such as the proposed trees, paving, seating and lighting, as well as the relocation of art works.

The $25 million square upgrade is part of an $80 million project, which also involves repairing and strengthening the Civic car park roof and improving the front of the Aotea Centre.

The council's Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee chairperson, Councillor Greg Moyle, says the draft design will breathe new life into the 30-year-old square as a much-needed outdoor civic and public events space in the CBD.

"We have to repair the Civic car park roof underneath the square, which involves removing all of the landscape. It's the ideal time to give Aotea Square a contemporary look and more versatile layout," says Mr Moyle. "Strengthening the Civic car park roof means Aotea Square can once again support large crowds. We want Auckland to have the sort of space international cities need to host public events such as festivals, concerts and big-screen coverage of major sporting events like the Rugby World Cup. "It's important people have their say on something that will serve citizens for decades to come," he says.

The Aotea Square draft design was developed by award-winning landscape designers Ted Smyth and Associates, including landscape architect Rod Barnett. It has been reviewed by the urban design panel and endorsed by the council's urban design team.

Urban design group manager Ludo Campbell-Reid says the proposed changes will enhance the use and appeal of Aotea Square and make it a modern, multifunctional civic space in line with local and international expectations.

"The draft design is a good example of how the council is being guided by a rigorous design-led process to create a more beautiful, distinctive and people-focused city.

"As with any major city centre upgrade, the Aotea Square redevelopment is highly complex. Balancing the needs and views of key stakeholders with challenging technical and financial requirements will be key to its success," he says.

"When completed, Aotea Square will be regarded with renewed pride by Aucklanders and visitors, but with a difference - as a public open space of international standard with a distinctly Auckland flavour."

People can have their say from 10 July by:

* visiting www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/aotea

* phoning 379 2020 for more information and a feedback form

* visiting the council's display in the Aotea Centre or the information booth in Aotea Square (Thursdays, 11am-2pm; Fridays and Saturdays, 10am-5pm, from 17- 26 July)

Construction work is expected to start in November 2008 and be finished by October 2010, in time for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

ENDS

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