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Overall vision:

Councillor Greg Moyle says...

For the last 30 years Aotea Square has been a place for Aucklanders to gather, celebrate and commemorate. It is also a favourite spot for city workers, residents, shoppers, students and tourists to relax, unwind, and enjoy the ambience.

"Anyone visiting the square over the past nine months will have noticed its extensive redevelopment work. This upgrade will restore the square to its former status and revitalise it into the city's leading public open space. The work is due for completion in October 2010.

"The discovery of damage to the Civic car park underneath the square, requiring essential repairs provided the council with an ideal opportunity to upgrade Aotea Square into a modern venue for major public events and everyday activity.

"The redeveloped square will be able to host major big screen events, music concerts and cultural festivals that can draw crowds of up to 20,000. It will also cater for everyday activities such as busking, family picnics and various forms of recreation.

"The redevelopment is part of the council's 10-year plan to transform Auckland's CBD into a world-class, dynamic business and cultural centre, which includes a programme to upgrade the city's streets and open spaces.

"We have made great progress so far, with major upgrades of Queen Street, Vulcan Lane, Karangahape Road and many more. The Aotea Square redevelopment is another step towards revitalizing the CBD, and will be an asset for the whole of Auckland.

The Aotea Quarter

The redevelopment of Aotea Square is part of the council's plan to create a lively arts, culture and entertainment hub with a distinctly Auckland feel. The area, referred to as the Aotea Quarter, is a cluster of popular attractions which includes Aotea Square, Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland Town Hall, Auckland Central Library, Aotea Centre and The Civic Theatre.

Aotea's recent developments

Helping transform the Aotea Square construction zone into a place of interest, as well as bringing art into the community, are the jobs of two recent graduates from The University of Auckland Elam School of Fine Arts.

Lucy Tien and Joy Chang (pictured right) have each created temporary artwork on the hoardings, to reflect the improvements underway in Aotea Square. The works express the vibrant and dynamic spirit of Aotea Quarter - Auckland city's civic core, cultural heart and arts and entertainment hub.

With Resene Paints supplying the paint, their designs were chosen for being visually engaging while also having a compelling formal and conceptual strength as artworks.

But the installation of new art work is not the only recent development in the project. Other latest milestones include the reopening of the Greys Avenue and car park ramp and the "Smith & Caughey's" stair case being demolished.

With Greys Avenue ramp reopened, drivers can once again use both vehicle ramps, for easy access in and out of the Civic car park.

People behind the project

Improving customers' experience: Judd helping to ensure the disruption at the Civic car park is minimised.

Judd Cotter, business manager for parking - Auckland City Council

There are not many people who are as passionate about parking facilities in the city as Judd Cotter. He joined council in 2001 and thrives on working in a constantly challenging team environment. "I had been on my Christmas holiday a couple of years ago for just 14 minutes when my leave was cancelled because of problems in the Civic car park. Users have been patient in putting up with the disruption caused by the car park problems, and it will be a pleasure for us to complete a new top notch facility for the public to use next year." Judd always ensures the customers come first. He will do whatever it takes to improve the customers' experience in the car park. So, chances are you will bump into him at the Civic car park with his cheerful grin helping to ensure that disruption is minimised.

Merv McNamara, site manager at Aotea Square - Hawkins Construction

Merv thinks the completed Aotea Square is going to be the main meeting spot for Aucklanders. "Once the construction and landscaping is finished, it's going to be the place where it all happens - events, young people meeting friends and just enjoying the area." Merv decided to enter the construction industry almost 20 years ago as he felt it would be his ticket to travel the world, which is what he did when he completed his apprenticeship. He travelled through the UK, South America and Singapore working in the construction industry and joined Hawkins Construction when he got back almost three years ago. Merv's day usually starts at 6.30am and he leaves the site at about 6pm each day.

The next milestone includes demolishing the front steps of the Aotea Centre.

Since 1989 the steps have provided a backdrop to the square and a summer alfresco dining experience for many local office workers.

The removal will make the front of the Aotea Centre more open and welcoming with an enhanced entrance, as well as a new cafe and box office.

From City Scene, published on 28 June, 2009.