About the High Street Improvements project

High Street is one of the busiest laneways in the city centre.

In 2020, we made some improvements to make the street more welcoming and easier to get around.

These updates have helped shape how people use High Street today. Now, as we plan for more people to live, work and visit the city centre, we’re building on that foundation to plan for High Street’s future.

Funded by the city centre targeted rate, this project is part of a wider transformation happening across midtown and supports the City Centre Masterplan vision of a vibrant, connected and people-focussed city centre.

Community aspirations

Between July and October 2024, we asked the local community for their ideas and hopes for the future of High Street.

Nine main aspirations emerged from the feedback.

Together, they paint a picture of a vibrant, people-friendly street that supports daily life, celebrates local character and evolves with the city.

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  • Vibrant street

    You want High Street to feel alive, with buzzing shops, quality places to eat, drink and shop.

  • Better walking

    You want it to be easier and safer to walk, with better footpaths and more space for people.

  • Space for community

    You want space to come together - whether it’s for events, markets or somewhere to sit and enjoy the city.

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  • Well-maintained

    You want the street to be looked after, clean and tidy, with greenery that shows people care about it.

  • ​Safe and welcoming

    You want the street to feel safe, day or night, with a welcoming vibe and a good balance between people and vehicles.

  • Unique and memorble

    You want the street to hold its character, a place that feels familiar and connected to the stories, shops and spots you remember.

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  • ​Quirky, urban vibe

    You want it to stay unique, not polished or generic, but quirky, with interesting, small, independent businesses and a creative energy.

  • ​Ease of getting to/from

    You want the street to work well, with access for daily operations like deliveries and waste collection, and easy for people to reach.

  • ​Well-connected

    You want it to feel connected, part of a bigger network of laneways and spaces that make it easy and enjoyable to explore the city.

View a summary of the engagement here.

Download the engagement report here.

Save the date to have your say from 21 July

On Monday 21 July, we’ll be sharing three design ideas for High Street's future.

Your input at this stage will help get the foundations right and help guide the next steps in the design process.

Have your say from 21 July:

  • Complete an online or paper feedback form - Available from 21 July
  • Participate in a 45-minute conversation, email us at highst@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz to book
  • Chat with us at a local drop in session

Drop in at the Ellen Melville Centre between:

  • Sunday 3 August, 12.00 pm – 4.00 pm
  • Monday 4 August, 11.30 am – 2.30 pm and 4.30 pm – 6.30 pm
  • Thursday 7 August, 11.30 am – 2.30 pm and 4.30 pm – 6.30 pm
  • Friday 8 August, 11.30 am – 2.30 pm and 4.30 pm – 6.30 pm
  • Sunday 10 August, 12.00 pm – 4.00 pm
  • Monday 11 August, 11.30 am – 2.30 pm and 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm
  • Thursday 14 August, 11.30 am – 2.30 pm and 4.30 pm – 6.00 pm
  • Friday 15 August, 4.00 pm – 7.00 pm

You can stay updated about how to have your say by signing up here.