About the High Street improvements project
High Street is one of the busiest laneways in our city centre with many popular restaurants, bars and shops. Neighbouring areas have already been upgraded, including:
- O’Connell Street
- Jean Batten Place
- Freyberg Place
- Ellen Melville Centre.
Now, Victoria Street is also undergoing a major transformation.
In 2019, we ran a pilot project to make High Street more pedestrian friendly and trial other temporary features.
The temporary wooden boardwalks installed are reaching the end of their life and will need to be removed in the next three to five years.
We now want to create a long-term plan for High Street.
Project update
Between July and October 2024, we asked the local community for their ideas and hopes for the future of High Street.
Nine main themes emerged from the feedback
- Vibrant street level: a lively mix of quality retail and hospitality venues, and fewer vacant spaces.
- Better walking experience: a range of ideas from better footpaths, pedestrian-only access and time restrictions on traffic.
- Space for Community: regular events and festivals where the community can come together using the whole street.
- Well-maintained place: clean, tidy and well-cared for with appropriate greenery.
- Safe and welcoming place: feels safe and welcoming for everyone, at any
time of day, with harmony between all users
- Unique and memorable character: to provide a sense of connection and belonging for many, both through the buildings and features that remind them of past cafes, bars and shops.
- Quirky, welcoming urban vibe: with independent shops and diverse experiences, making it distinct from other streets in Auckland.
- Ease of getting to
/and from High Street: for waste collections, deliveries and visitor access. - Well-connected to the surrounding area: through a network of laneways to create a stronger sense of community similar to some popular international cities.
Get a copy of the engagement report and summary
Download full engagement report
What happens next
Your feedback will guide the design team as they develop a range of options, from small operational changes to larger street upgrades.
These options will be shared in the first half of 2025, with opportunities to have your say.
We will share more details on how you can get involved early in 2025.
