Changes afoot for Federal Street

Auckland Transport and Auckland Council are continuing in their efforts to create an ever more vibrant city centre, with more improvements planned for Federal Street.  

There are two distinct but connected projects afoot; firstly some temporary changes aimed at improving the street for people cycling and secondly the next stage in the upgrade of the street as a whole.

Cycling has been gaining momentum in Auckland and the city centre in recent years thanks to Auckland Transport's investment in infrastructure and their encouragement of people to use it.

Among the various outcomes of these projects, we expect that the changes will result in a more people-friendly local environment, which is likely to see an increase in foot traffic and the time people spend in the area. Successful streetscape upgrades already completed in the city centre include Vulcan Lane, Fort Lane, O'Connell Street, Elliott Street and the SKYCITY section of Federal Street.

Find out more about Auckland Council's work and vision transforming Auckland's city centre.

Temporary cycling facilities

The stretch of Federal Street between Victoria and Fanshawe Streets will soon see temporary facilities for walking and cycling set in place, including the addition of a southbound cycle lane on the street which is currently one-way. These improvements will provide an alternative route to Hobson Street, Albert Street and Queen Street for cyclists and increase connectivity between the Nelson Street cycleway and the future Victoria Street cycleway.

This project is due to be completed by mid-2018, and Auckland Transport will be seeking feedback on the temporary measures to guide their longer term plans for the area. 

Federal Street street update - stage 2

Stage 2 of the Federal Street upgrade project is also getting underway soon, with the block between Wellesley Street and Mayoral Drive next in line for development after the Stage 1 shared space development of the SKYCITY block between Wellesley and Victoria Streets in 2012.

This upgrade project is part of a proposed laneway circuit running from Aotea Circuit to the waterfront, which will feature good pedestrian access with a mix of urban design, retail and restaurants. At the southern end the streetscape will begin with a 'gateway plaza' providing a better link with Mayoral Drive and at the northern end it will link with the space occupied by St-Matthew-in-the-City. 

Consultation on the design for this project is due to begin in the next two months. 

_{Image: Daniel Davis}