AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

27 July 2007

New plans for St Patrick’s Square

Auckland City Council is inviting public comment on a draft design for the $7.8 million upgrade of St Patrick’s Square.

Auckland City Council and landscape architects Boffa Miskell have developed a draft design for the square, which aims to enhance the square’s role as an urban oasis - a place of respite from the hustle and bustle of the central city.

St Patrick’s Square is located between Albert, Hobson, Swanson and Wyndham streets and is the only significant area of green open space in Auckland’s CBD from mid-town to the waterfront. It is particularly important to workers and residents within the west of the CBD.

People can view the draft design and submit feedback at an information display in the square, beside The Grove Restaurant, from Friday, 27 July to Saturday, 11 August 2007.

Opening hours are between 7.30am and 6pm, Monday to Friday and from 10am to 3pm, Saturday.

Feedback collected in August 2006 fromnearby businesses and residents, the St Patrick’s parish, other square users and interested groups on what they valued about the space assisted in setting the objectives that influenced the draft design.

The draft design considers how people will use the space and the role of the square itself within the wider CBD context. The area of work includes the area around St Patrick’s Cathedral as well as the lower area fronting onto Swanson Street.

Auckland city’s Mayor Dick Hubbard says the council is committed to listening and working with the public to help deliver improvements to Auckland’s CBD.

“This is an exciting project that will complement the restoration of St Patrick’s Cathedral, and create an attractive and safe environment for social enjoyment and personal contemplation,” he says.

St Patrick’s Cathedral administrator, Father Bernard Kiely, has worked closely with the council project team and says he is delighted with the plans that have been developed. He believes that everyone will benefit from the improvement of such a unique space.

Jo Wiggins, Auckland City Council’s special projects group manager explains that upgrading streets and open spaces is part of Auckland City Council’s 10-year action plan formaking Auckland’s CBD a high-quality, people-friendly environment.

“St Patrick’s Square has immense potential to incorporate unique art work and design while having a greater emphasis on pedestrian space and safety.

“We want people to feel proud of their CBD,” she says.

The cost estimate for the St Patrick’s Square upgrade of $7.8 million, plus $500,000 for cathedral lighting, has increased from the original estimate of $4.8 million following the decision to widen the scope of the project and use higher quality materials.

Those who are unable to visit the display centre can obtain information about the draft design and a feedback form from:

• www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/cbd (click on street upgrades)
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• Auckland City Council’s customer contact centre on 379 2020
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• the Auckland Central City Library or council service centres.
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All feedback much be received by 5pm on Monday, 20 August 2007.

The council’s Urban Strategy and Governance Committee will consider the feedback, alongside advice from council officers and specialist advisers, and approve a final design concept.

Physical work to the square is expected to begin in May 2008.

Ends

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