13 August 2015
Opportunities abound for future of Aotea Quarter
Aucklanders will be asked to help shape a new framework to evolve the area around Aotea Square into a thriving cultural
hub, servicing the whole of Auckland.
The Auckland Development Committee today approved a consultation paper on the ‘Aotea Quarter Framework’, which will go
out for public feedback in September and October.
Committee deputy chair and political design champion Chris Darby says: “Many great things are already happening in the
quarter, including laneways, events and upgrades to Myers Park. When the new Aotea Station is created – along with the
City Rail Link and bus improvements – this area will become very well connected: north, south, east and west.
“This is going to create huge opportunities for the area to really lift its game and become the cultural and
entertainment hub for all Auckland,” Councillor Darby says.
The consultation programme is set to include public walking tours, focus groups and opportunities to have your say
online at Shape Auckland. Questions will include how the quarter can better fulfil its region-wide role, how to get more
families living in the area, which parts need to be made safer or better for pedestrians and how some of the sites
around the area could be better used.
While the consultation is underway, in the first week of September the council will also be putting a call out to
developers who want to express an interest in the Civic Administration Building, which has now been vacated by council
staff.
The council has agreed a number of requirements for the Expression of Interest (EOI) process, including restoring the
building’s heritage values, sustainable design and recognising Te Aranga Maori design principles.
ENDS