Auckland City Council
Media release

19 May 2009

Aotea Square redevelopment moves into next exciting phase

The big blue hoardings in Aotea Square will start to expand this week as redevelopment work moves into the next phase.

Six months into the project, construction is on track to be complete in October 2010, in time for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Visitors and residents will enjoy major public events and everyday activity in the redeveloped Aotea Square.

As the project progresses into the next phase, the hoardings will be extended to cover the majority of Aotea Square and the Aotea Centre steps. 

Councillor Greg Moyle, chairperson of the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee, says: “The progress of the project is there for all to see as the construction activity moves on every day.  The expansion of the hoardings signals a really exciting stage in the redevelopment.”

After the hoardings go up, demolition of the Aotea Centre steps will begin. This willenable the repair of the section of the car park roof that goes under the steps. It is also the first move to making changes to the front of the Aotea Centre in order to make it more open and welcoming with a centred entrance, fewer exterior steps, and a new cafe and box office.

Good progress is currently being made building the new roof, with the reinforcement, concreting and waterproofing well underway.  Some landscaping has been removed and excavations have been carried out.

Mr Moyle added: “As we go through the project I am encouraged by the progress and the vision we are moving towards.”

Businesses will remain open around the square during the construction period. If you are visiting the square or any of the businesses in the area and want to know more about changes to access around the square and the Civic car park, visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/aotea or phone 379 2020.

Ends

© Scoop Media