Heart of the City welcomes new era as City Rail Link opening date confirmed

Ten years since the first sod was turned, Heart of the City is ecstatic that the City Rail Link is opening on 13th September. 

“This is the moment we have been working towards for a decade and it marks the dawn of a new era for the city centre,” says Viv Beck, Chief Executive of Heart of the City. “Midtown is becoming a destination in its own right and people will be pleasantly surprised by the progress” she said.

The City Rail Link will make it easier and faster to get in, out and around the city centre, which will unlock the much-anticipated potential to attract many more people to come here.  While the City Rail Link works have been underway, billions of dollars of other investment has been happening in midtown that is reenergising this area. The New Zealand International Convention Centre opened earlier this year; new and refurbished hotels will meet growth in tourism; new student accommodation is enhancing our offering for international students; and investment in office accommodation demonstrates confidence in the return of office workers.  

Ongoing development will also drive growth in people living close to the new train stations.  On top of this, close proximity to our arts, cultural and entertainment area will make it easier for people to come and enjoy events and attractions only available in the city centre. 

 “It has been an incredibly tough road for impacted businesses, some of whom have sadly not made it through to see this day.  We remember them and trust that lessons have been learned.  Future large-scale, long-term investment through the middle of an urban area must plan and budget in advance to ensure that people’s livelihoods are not ruined.  Petitions and protests should not be needed in future to help people survive and on this note, I’d like to acknowledge our relationship with the late Hon Nikki Kaye to help raise the need and ultimately secure unprecedented targeted hardship funding,” said Ms. Beck.

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