Lower Queen Street plaza construction underway
Lower Queen Street will look dramatically different by the end of 2020, with a new pedestrianised plaza scheduled for completion ahead of next year’s America’s Cup.
The new plaza will connect Auckland’s city centre to the Waitematā Harbour and will be an important asset for Auckland’s communities; becoming a space for celebration, formality and parade.
The plaza, which will be formally named later in the year, will be functional, beautiful and integrated. Designed with Mana Whenua and cultural heritage values in mind, it will feature native trees, street furniture and high spec pavers.
Works to beautify the resulting public space is being completed by City Rail Link Ltd’s contractor, Downer Soletanche Bachy Joint Venture (DSBJV). The joint venture have also built the CRL tunnels from Britomart underneath the Chief Post Office building and Lower Queen Street.
DSBJV are initially focusing on upgrading the western side of the plaza (the side closet to the viaduct). Currently, they’re working in the strip just outside the Commercial Bay development so that it is ready when the retail space opens this March.
Following this they plan to start upgrading the eastern side of Lower Queen Street. Once this work commences, Tyler and Galway Streets will no long be accessible by vehicle to/from Lower Queen Street – vehicles will instead have access from Commerce Street only.
Auckland’s future is in progress, and it is not without growing pains – but the work happening now will benefit us all in the future. This is particularly true for streetscape enhancement work, which is noisy, invasive and disruptive. DSBJV remain mindful of construction neighbours and public transport users during this stage of works.
Working in a tight, highly congested area where space is a premium has meant CRL workers have had to be inventive and flexible in their approach to reinstating the urban realm so that this work can be completed as quickly as possible.
Access to all businesses and homes remain open while works are underway. In February we will also be offering lunchtime walking tours of CRL’s Britomart and Lower Queen Street works. We will announce more details on our Facebook page at this link.