Midtown neighbourhood
Midtown community update - 14 November
As we close in on the new year, midtown’s transformation continues to make strides, bringing us closer to a vibrant, connected neighbourhood.
Key highlights this month include:
- Aucklanders are enjoying the first open section of Te Hā Noa on Victoria Street, as we move towards the next stage being complete in early 2025.
- Architectural fit-outs move closer to completion at Te Waihorotiu Station, with the name sign now installed at the Wellesley Street station entrance.
- Streetscape works continue on Albert Street, between Wyndham Street and Mayoral Drive. The heritage bluestone wall reinstatement is underway and the first stones laid.
- Preparations for Watercare midtown upgrades continue across Queen Street, Mayoral Drive, Wellesley Street East, and Victoria Street East ahead of upcoming shaft construction.
- Bus improvement works continue on Wellesley Street, focusing on underground services and stormwater installations.
What to expect in your area over December and January:
Most work areas will pause for the holiday season, with teams taking a break from 23 December to 5 January. Below, we’ve included a high-level look ahead of what to expect in your area for December and into early 2025.
Read more detail in our latest email update here.
Our commitments to you
We recognise that the work to regenerate midtown isn't without some disruption, and we're working to reduce the impact on you as much as we can. These are some of the things we're doing to address the key frustrations that businesses, residents and property owners have expressed to us:
Coordinate work:
- Across the Auckland Council group we’re committed to coordinating works where possible to reduce the overall disruption and get projects finished sooner.
Keep you informed
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We know you need good information in order to plan for disruption. To stay up to date with the latest construction information and what is happening in your midtown neighbourhood, subscribe here.
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You can also contact us with any questions or concerns at midtown@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz - we have a dedicated council representative on-street daily, checking in and sharing updates. They are your key point of contact for all information and any issues.
- You can view our latest newsletters here:
Minimise disruption
- Site works will generally be undertaken during daylight hours, Monday to Friday.
- We’ll do what we can to minimise noise and dust by using tools such as noise mats, cutting booths, and carefully choosing where things are positioned. Noisy works will mostly be during the day to minimise disruption to nearby residents and timed to be considerate of the needs of nearby residents and businesses where possible.
- At times it may be necessary to work at night, and we'll give you as much notice as possible. We'll do our best to minimise disruption to people sleeping nearby.
- Waste management and collection points will be maintained.
Make sure you can still do what you do
- We’ll maintain access to your building and business throughout construction, and we’ll talk to your body corporate/property managers about managing impacts.
- We’ll have good traffic management in place, including temporary loading bays to support loading and servicing in impacted areas.
- We know construction disruption can be really tough for small businesses, so we're offering the Midtown Small Business Support Programme, which includes a free business connector service and microgrants to eligible businesses.
Encourage people to keep coming to the area
- Safe pedestrian access to buildings will be maintained at all times, so your customers or visitors can get to you. We’ll need to re-route people from time to time but we will use clear signage to help people get around.
- We’ll use a mixture of fencing and hoardings to keep people safe, while providing light and visibility to businesses in the area.
- We’re working with property managers to add interest to empty storefronts until new tenants are in place. If you’re interested in being part of our vacant stores programme, please contact Heart of the City.
- We’re also working with Heart of the City on initiatives to improve safety in the city centre.
- We are hosting events and activities to attract more people to the midtown area. You can read more about these events here. If you’d like to participate in future events, contact us at midtown@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz – we welcome expressions of interest from all ground/first floor businesses in the midtown area. We can help with ideas for activities, offers or promotions if needed.