Auckland City Council
Media release

27 August 2008

Aotea Square design moves into final phase

The upgrade of Aotea Square moved a step closer today after Auckland City Council’s Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee endorsed the draft design.

The committee made the decision based on a summary of feedback from more than 1000 people who had their say during public consultation on the draft design in July.

Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee chairperson, Councillor Greg Moyle, says the council listened to what people said and responded accordingly.

“It was interesting to note that compared with other major developments, there was reasonably strong support for the redevelopment of Aotea Square and people were generally satisfied with the draft design,” says Mr Moyle.

Most people favoured the use of native trees, however there were some concerns around the use of nikau palms in the paved area. There were also concerns about a lack of shade in the square.

Taking this feedback on board, the committee agreed to some additional features such as more shade-giving trees and the investigation of other options aside from nikau palms.

The committee also supported the relocation of the car park exhaust vent and quality pavers along the walkway beside the Auckland Town Hall.

“Due to budgetary constraints, not all suggestions have been accepted at this stage,” says Mr Moyle. “We will continue to investigate improvements which could be included in the square as funding becomes available.”

The committee’s recommendations will go to the council tomorrow for final approval.

Work on Aotea Square is due to start in November 2008 and finish in October 2010. Along with the redesign and upgrade of the square, the project also includes repairs to the Civic car park roof and alterations to the front of the Aotea Centre.

Businesses around the square, including the Aotea Centre’s ASB and Herald Theatres, Auckland Town Hall, Civic car park, and the council’s Civic administration building, will remain open throughout the work.

As part of construction, all landscaping will be cleared from the square, starting with the removal of four public art works in September. These art works will move into storage and re-sited at the end of the construction programme.

The remaining three art works will be protected on site as they are not directly affected
by construction work.

The council is working closely with the artists and interested parties and carrying out
the removals in line with international best practice.

Ends

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