Creating a distinctive style for Elliott and Darby streets

Consultation has begun on the draft design for the Elliott Street and Darby Street upgrade.

Located in the heart of the city between Queen, Wellesley and Victoria streets, the area around Elliott Street and Darby Street is evolving as a destination with a distinctive style for business, shopping and dining, making it a priority for one of Auckland City Council’s CBD streetscape upgrades.

The proposed upgrade of Elliott Street and Darby Street will transform the use of the streets, making them more attractive places for people to shop, relax, dine and spend time in. When complete, the upgrade will provide high quality paving, modern street furniture and new outdoor public seating, vegetation and lighting.

The exciting concept of shared space is being investigated for Elliott Street. Shared space is an urban design concept that aims to combine rather than separate the functions of a street. Through specific design, management and maintenance, streets that incorporate the shared space concept seek to improve the environment for people, without needing to ban traffic.

The design for Elliott Street proposes paving across the full width of the street and the removal of kerbing to allow pedestrians to move more easily into and through the area. This will also provide opportunities and space for outdoor dining and a variety of other street activities, such as events.

It is proposed that Darby Street be transformed into a pedestrian mall. This would see it closed to all vehicles except emergency vehicles and bicycles. Pedestrianising Darby Street would open up the street, creating a more attractive place that provides more space for people, public seating, outdoor dining and other street activities. It will also complement other pedestrianised streets connecting to Queen Street, such as Swanson Street, Vulcan Lane, Exchange Lane and Durham Street West.

Cr Greg Moyle, chairperson of the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee says, “Auckland City Council is taking care of Auckland’s future and working to transform the city centre into a world-class, vibrant and dynamic business and cultural centre.

“For our leading city to compete with other international cities it is vital we look at best practice urban design initiatives like shared space and provide an environment which is more pedestrian friendly and more attractive.”

Find out more about the proposed design for shared space in Elliott Street and a pedestrian mall in Darby Street by visiting www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/cbd or request a brochure by phoning 379 2020.

Auckland City Council wants to know what you think - give your feedback by 5pm on Friday, 31 July.

This project is part of a 10-year programme to transform CBD streets and open spaces and create
a great city.

ENDS

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