What Aucklanders want from downtown space:variety & quality

18 December 2014

What Aucklanders want from downtown spaces…variety, quality – and lots of it

Running and relaxing, celebrating and quietly contemplating the harbour views, having fun in quirky places and appreciating Auckland’s heritage while having a place for the kids to play with an opportunity to view art.

These are some of the outcomes Aucklanders are looking for in new downtown public spaces, according to a council survey.

The survey results highlight the potential for a network of different spaces performing different functions.

It asked what people want to see in the potential downtown spaces from outside Britomart train station to the waterfront areas between Princes Wharf and Captain Cook Wharf, and more than 500 people had their say.

Waitemata Local Board chair Shale Chambers says: “Aucklanders have told us that their downtown area needs a huge improvement in the amount and quality of public space it has to offer. It is such a critical hub for workers, residents, students and visitors.

“This survey gives very useful feedback on how new spaces could be used, whether it’s a civic square in front of Britomart or a fun and relaxing place to eat at the water’s edge. We could see some of this new space provided within the next four years.”

The survey by Auckland Council’s City Centre Integration team asked people to rank a total of 37 options, as well as asking what else they would like to see. Ideas included making transport connections easier, an outdoor cinema, bike parking, places to jump in the water and large-scale visitor attractions.

The most popular options in each category were:

Environment and setting:
• Harbour views
• Sunny, open spaces
• Places to sit
• Steps into the water

Community, Arts, Culture and Heritage:
• Spaces that are fun and quirky
• Public gatherings, demonstrations, events, performances and celebrations
• Heritage and character
• Art displays

Hospitality and retail
• Eat or drink at café and restaurant tables
• Picnic at freely available eating spaces
• Local markets and food stalls

Recreation activities
• Areas to walk and/or run
• Playspace for children in either a natural area or a purpose-built playground
• An urban beach or pool to swim or paddle

ENDS

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