The map below indicates the Te Waihorotiu station scope of work, alongside other projects.
Link Alliance is working closely with Auckland Council’s Te Hā Noa project (Victoria Street) and Auckland Transport’s Wellesley Street Bus Improvements project. This is part of Auckland Council’s overall midtown regeneration programme. Close coordination across these projects will ensure minimal impact on the community.
Auckland Council's JFC contractors are building the future Te Hā Noa on Victoria Street (between Elliott & Kitchener Streets in the red section in map below). Read the latest midtown update here.
Click on it for a larger version
FAQs
Why is the project upgrading Victoria Street first, and when will it re-open to through traffic?
Victoria Street has a relatively large number of street-level businesses, and has been closed to traffic since July 2021 to enable construction of the underground station and its two entrances. We are therefore prioritising streetscape upgrades in this area to enable the intersection with Albert Street to re-open as soon as possible. We are also coordinating Victoria Street construction with Auckland Council’s Te Hā Noa project, which started works in April 2023.
Through traffic is expected to return to Victoria Street at approximately the end of 2023, subject to subcontractor resources, material availability, and completion of the necessary works on the Te Hā Noa site.
What is the expected staging for other Link Alliance areas?
The streetscape programme is expected to take approximately two years to deliver, and indicative
sequencing (subject to change) is:
Victoria Street area
Albert Street - Victoria to Wyndham
Kingston Street
Albert Street - Victoria to Wellesley
Wellesley Street
Mayoral Drive area
It is expected that most Link Alliance streetscapes will be complete in early 2025.
Can construction happen 24/7 in order to accelerate works?
The CRL designation conditions do not permit noisy works at night, however there may be opportunities for quieter construction activities and early morning concrete pours to ensure access to businesses is maintained. We are mindful of hotels and residential properties in the area.
What will the hours of work be?
Works will generally take place Monday to Saturday, 0700 – 1900 hrs. However, certain activities may need to be undertaken outside these hours to minimise disruption to businesses and residents, such as network utility works, concrete pouring, placing of pre-cut pavers, or delivery of large plant.
Cutting of pavers will take place during daytime construction hours only.
Businesses
Where are temporary loading zones located during construction?
It is essential that businesses are able to continue to send and receive deliveries. Temporary loading zones will be maintained during construction, and we’ll keep businesses informed of their locations.
How will customers access my business while construction is underway?
It is essential that people can still navigate through our construction sites and access businesses. We will provide wayfinding to help pedestrians navigate diversions that may be in place. We will also work with local businesses to design and deliver business promotions that emphasise businesses are still open and accessible. A comprehensive business support programme is in place for the duration of construction – more information is available in this link.
What will happen to my outdoor dining area during construction?
We will work with you and engage with Auckland Council’s licensing department to ensure either your license fee is rebated or a suitable alternative location is found.
Will there be any change to rubbish collection during construction?
We will engage directly with Auckland Council and waste collection companies and will let you know if there are any changes.
When will the Symphony Centre over station development begin construction?
The 21-storey Symphony Centre is expected to begin construction in 2024, with a build programme of several years. This building is not within the scope of the Link Alliance. For more information on the Symphony Centre, visit here.
First completed section outside Mr Taco at 75c Victoria Street
Design engagement
How was the design developed?
We started with the overarching design principles and requirements set out in the CRL Notice Of Requirement (NOR). These include Mana Whenua participation, enhancement of movement and connectivity, public realm and landscape, and consideration of existing and proposed buildings.
Conditions for urban design principles, tree planting requirements, engagement with Mana Whenuaand incorporation of Mana Whenua design principles are specified in the CRL designation for each station, for specific areas and for the project as a whole.
The design enacts Auckland Council’s City Centre Master Plan, particularly the transit-oriented development stitch, and takes direction from Auckland Transport’s Roads and Streets Framework.
What was the consultation process for the streetscape design?
Link Alliance developed the urban realm detailed design in five stages: A, B, C and D, followed by drawings that are issued for construction (IFC). Urban realm community engagement to support the design occurred at Stage B and Stage C.
Stage A confirms the layout, height and bulk of structures, including requirements on utilities.
Stage B provides the barebones layout of structures with materiality and also looks at spatial nuances such as lighting.
Stage C involves detailed drawings of designs and ensuring that they fit together.
Stage D involves communicating the design information into construction packages for the Link Alliance to deliver.
Throughout this process, the Link Alliance engaged with project partners and key stakeholders to inform and seek feedback on the design, including:
Heart of the City business association
Auckland City Centre Residents’ Group
Te Waihorotiu Station Community Liaison Group
Engagement also took place with Auckland Transport and Auckland Council to integrate urban realm design and delivery with adjacent projects such as Te Hā Noa (Victoria Street), and stage one of the Wellesley Street Bus Improvements project (bus priority on Wellesley Street between Albert St and Queen St).
Engagement feedback received and the final designs can be found in the Te Waihorotiu Delivery Work Plan documentation.
Completed design
Will the streets around Te Waihorotiu Station be accessible for everyone?
Te Waihorotiu Station’s streetscapes meet accessibility and universal design standards, so that everyone can easily use them. Throughout design development, Link Alliance met regularly with Auckland Transport’s Capital Projects Accessibility Group to seek design feedback from disability advocates and promote best practice.
The station and urban realm design includes drop-off areas and bike parking. The area surroundingthe station will be paved, well lit, visible, and accessible for everyone.
Where will loading zones be in the completed streetscape design?
Due to the space required for the station entrances on Victoria Street, loading zones will not be reinstated in their previous locations between Elliott and Federal Streets (however loading zones will be provided within the Te Hā Noa Victoria Street footprint between Elliott and Kitchener Streets).
Loading zones will also be available within the CRL footprint on Kingston Street, complementingexisting loading zones on surrounding streets such as Durham Street West, Federal Street, and Elliott Street (note some of these areas have restricted loading times). In addition, Auckland Transport is developing a comprehensive Parking Management Plan for the city centre and is increasingenforcement of loading zones through use of CCTV technology.
How will emergency services access properties in the area, especially with Victoria Street reduced to one lane in each direction?
Maintaining emergency vehicle access at all times is critical and we have worked with Auckland Transport and emergency services so they can still get around the new road layouts effectively. The designs for Victoria Street have been checked and provide for emergency service access. Design features to support this include a mountable kerb running alongside the cycleway – emergency vehicles are able to use this if required. In addition, Auckland Transport has the ability to control traffic signals remotely to prioritise emergency vehicle traffic if necessary.
Will there be public toilets in and around the station?
Public toilets will be available within the station, past the HOP card gate line. These will be free of charge to access, if you have a HOP card. Auckland Council is responsible for public toilets at street level.
Will there be any shops in or around the station?
The design provides for one retail unit within the Wellesley Street entrance building, which will be leased and managed by Auckland Transport as the eventual asset owner.
How does the design support sustainability and carbon neutrality?
Link Alliance station designs integrate with the bus network, supported by wayfinding and walkable access to bus stops. All stations include bike parking outside the station.
What public art is included in the design?
At Kingston Street an above-ground ventilation structure will be wrapped in a detailed artistic design pattern. The cultural narrative behind the design of the pattern is Mataoho (Māori volcano god), with the vent form resembling a shard of rock. The inner core of the vent structure will be concrete, with a perforated/patterned outer steel cladding providing the irregular geometric shape. The patterned outer cladding will be back-lit at night. Dr. Johnson Witehira is the artist associated with the vent’spattern and you can read more about his work here.
How have the needs of people connecting to other transport modes been considered?
Links to other transport modes are supported through bus lanes on Wellesley Street and a cycle route on Victoria Street, cycle parking, and a drop off area at the station entry.
Will rubbish bins and other street furniture be provided?
Dual rubbish-recycling bins will be provided on all streets, and we have worked with Auckland Council’s community facilities department to inform appropriate placement. Other street features such as seating benches are also provided for.
How have the needs of people on bikes been considered in the design?
Cycle parking will be provided at the station entrances.
How will the station and areas around it be kept safe at night?
The urban realm design includes the street environment surrounding the station. These areas will have 24/7 CCTV surveillance, be well lit, visible, and accessible for everyone.
Will the bluestone wall be reinstated?
The historic blue wall was built from local material – bluestone, also known as basalt – and was erected on the eastern side of Albert Street between Wyndham and Victoria Streets in 1881 at a time of significant infrastructure expansion in Auckland. The wrought iron railings, piers and the ornamental arch over the stairs on the side of the wall are some of Auckland’s last remaining examples of street furniture dating back to the Victorian age.
The wall was deconstructed in 2020 to enable the station construction. Each of the approximately1800 blocks were surveyed, numbered, and have been stored offsite. During 2023/24 the blocks will be reinstated against the station wall to reconstruct this historic feature in midtown.
Tree planting
What is the Link Alliance doing to green Auckland’s cityscape?
Trees are an important part of the urban realm. For every tree we remove to deliver the CRL, we will plant a new tree within our overall designation area. Additionally, low level planting will complement an enhanced street environment around all stations, including Te Waihorotiu Station.
The CRL project will contribute to the expansion of our urban ngahere (forest) and increase the benefits of a green city.
How many trees were removed at Te Waihorotiu Station and how many are being replanted?
We removed a total of 63 trees above the station footprint, most of which were exotic species and with the vast majority removed from within former Bledisloe Carpark area. As the Bledisloe Carpark area is where The Symphony Centre will be built, trees cannot be replanted here. In total, we are replanting
13 trees to the Te Waihorotiu Station’s immediate surrounds, with additional groundcover plantings, and a further 40 new trees added as part of the midtown planting programme (Federal Street, Te Hā Noa Victoria Steet, and Myers Park).
What species of trees are being planted around Te Waihorotiu Station?
Planting will be a mix of native species that support the station’s cultural and design narratives.
How will you ensure new street trees are healthy and well-maintained?
New trees will be planted within in underground tree pits that enable trees to grow better. We will plant semi-mature trees to accelerate establishment.
What happened to the Harvey Tree on Albert St?
The Harvey Tree, an oriental plane tree growing outside 93 Albert Street (Martha’s Corner), was planted in the 1960s or 70s by businessman Les Harvey. It had to be removed as its roots were severely intertwined with the utilities beneath the footpath. The roots were so intertwined there was a risk that trying to relocate it could kill the tree.
Cuttings from this historic tree have been cultivated in a nursery, ready to take the place of their parent tree. A carefully selected cutting will be replanted in a location near where the original tree was, and its original plinth will be reinstated alongside.
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A cutting from the historic Harvey tree growing in a nursery. A carefully selected cutting will eventually be replanted in its new home near Te Waihorotiu Station – and its original heritage plinth will be reinstated alongside.