Aucklanders invited to have their say on first stage of Queen Street upgrade

Aucklanders are invited to have their say on new streetscaping features that have been installed by Auckland Council in the northern end of Queen Street, between Customs and Shortland Streets.  

The upgrade is the first part of interim works designed to improve Queen Street and at the same time accommodate the temporary diversion of buses while the City Rail Link (CRL) infrastructure is built.

The northern end of Queen Street is now enhanced with native planting, new stone paving and wide boardwalks, adding greenery and quality space for pedestrians.

A northbound peak hour bus lane has also been introduced in this section of Queen Street to maintain travel times for the many thousands of people who use these buses every day. This bus lane will be operating from Monday 12 July, 7am-10am and 4pm-7pm. Parking bays between Customs and Shortland Streets have also been changed to loading zones to support residents and business operations.

Fort Street’s new pocket park will have locally crafted and custom-designed tables and chairs, artificial turf and new lighting installed in August.

To find out more about the next section of works underway between Shortland and Victoria Streets, and to view a full timeline for the stage-by-stage interim upgrade of Queen Street read our story here.

Barry Potter, Auckland Council Director of Infrastructure and Environmental Services, says the feedback loop is a valued part of the Wai Horotiu Queen Street project and will ensure future design considers the diverse needs of users of the street.

“These improvements have come about through an engagement process with the Queen Street community enabling us to develop ways to make the street better. We want to hear from this community, and anyone who lives, works, or visits Queen Street to find out what they think of the northern end improvements.

“This process is helping us explore the kind of place that Queen Street could be in the future. And once we better understand unknowns like light rail, the final works can be planned,” he says.

The final works will transform Queen Street in line with the vision outlined in the City Centre Masterplan.

Feedback can be submitted from Friday 9 July to Friday 6 August.

Have a look at the changes and give your feedback on our interactive map available on queenstreetproject.co.nz