YOUR NEW MIDTOWN STATION IS COMING
The heart of Tāmaki Makaurau is being transformed
City Rail Link will provide Auckland with the modern rail network that people expect of the world’s best cities. It will unlock Auckland’s public transport network and improve travel choice and journey times.
Te Waihorotiu Station (Aotea)
Te Waihorotiu Station, which will run underneath Albert Street, is set to become the busiest transport centre in New Zealand. With entrances on both Wellesley and Victoria Streets, and room for nine-car electric trains, Te Waihorotiu Station will revitalise the midtown precinct and provide people with better access to education and the arts precinct, as well as new housing and employment opportunities.
The new, state of the art, underground station will be 15-metres-deep, 300-metres-long and will connect with Waitematā Station (Britomart), a new station under Karangahape Road, and a redeveloped Maungawhau / Mount Eden Station with 3.45km of new underground track.
With a train at least every ten minutes at peak times, you can just turn up and go. No more timetables!
Te Waihorotiu Station will also be future-proofed to connect with a potential future new rail line, and has been designed to accommodate a 21-storey development – the Symphony Centre – to be built over the top of its Wellesley Street entrance.
Follow the progress at progressakl.co.nz
Follow the progress at progressakl.co.nz
The cultural narratives in Te Waihorotiu Station’s (Aotea) design and immediate surrounds have been gifted by Mana Whenua. At its Wellesley Street entrance, hundreds of rods representing the stems of harakeke (flax) will be suspended from the ceiling to create a rippled lighting effect that mimics water. Skylights representing the seven stars of the Matariki constellation - which marks the start of the Māori new year - will light the underground concourse and platforms.
The regeneration of midtown
Over the next 30 years, a million more people will call Auckland home, and we’re working hard to ensure that we plan a city with people at its heart – creating a greener, safer, and better-connected city centre for everyone.
Already a popular place to live, work, study and play, Auckland’s midtown is on the threshold of an exciting future. Similar to the revitalisation of downtown, Wynyard Quarter, and Karangahape Road, Auckland Council is beginning a regeneration programme in midtown to continue our work to deliver the City Centre Masterplan.
This will include improved footpaths and access, enhanced public spaces, cleaner air and a strong Māori identity to make midtown and the city centre a welcoming and vibrant destination - one that is uniquely Tāmaki Makaurau.
Artist impression of Wellesley Street entrance to Te Waihorotiu Station (Aotea)It’s a huge job but we are making good progressboth below and above ground
The next big phase of underground construction
• With structural works of the underground station largely complete, the focus below ground has moved to station fitout. This includes electrical, communications, ventilation, and safety system installation.
• Rail tracks will also be laid, and architectural fitout and station entrances will be completed.
What the project will deliver above ground
The construction of Te Waihorotiu Station is a catalyst for redevelopment of streets and public spaces above ground. These works include:
• Installation of new wider footpaths and cycle infrastructure
• Installation of new road pavement including loading zones and bus stops
• Upgrades of new stormwater infrastructure and other utility services
• Construction of tree pits and tree planting
• Landscaping works
• Installation of street furniture
Regenerating midtown – neighbouring streetscape projects
Midtown is central to the changing way people travel into, out of, and through the city. When Te Waihorotiu Station opens thousands of people daily will use the station, its connecting frequent bus routes and surrounding streets.
Te Hā Noa - Victoria Street
Victoria Street will be transformed into a thriving place for movement, rest and recreation. It will become a place that connects and embraces our diverse and growing city centre. A more people focused and greener link across the city. A street that distinctly reflects Tāmaki Makaurau.
The first stage of the project will focus on the section of Victoria Street between Albert Street and Kitchener Street to support the opening of Te Waihorotiu Station and its two station entrances on Victoria Street.
Wellesley Street Bus Improvements
The City Centre Masterplan envisages Wellesley Street as the main east-west bus route through midtown and allows Te Hā Noa to be realised by removing buses from Victoria Street.
In conjunction with Stage 1 of Te Hā Noa, the first step for Wellesley Street Bus Improvements will be to ensure the area surrounding the Te Waihorotiu Station entrances will be accessible and welcoming for the thousands of people who are expected to arrive by bus and train every day.
To find out more about these projects and the regeneration of midtown visit progressakl.co.nz/midtown
Some construction impacts are unavoidable, but we work to minimise these effects on you.
Noise and vibration
• Noise mats around excavation and paving works will reduce noise from concrete saws and hydroexcavators.
• Machinery will be positioned to minimise noise impact on surrounding buildings where possible.
Safety and security
• Link Alliance employs full-time security guards to patrol public areas and operates a network of 24/7 CCTV cameras. Safety of our crews and the public is our top priority.
• Lighting is installed on hoardings and fence to ensure the site areas are well-lit at night.
Parking and property access
• At times traffic controllers will manage access to loading bays. Access and loading will be maintained for local businesses and residents, or appropriate alternatives will be found.
• Contractor parking will be proactively managed to avoid occupying on-street spaces and loading zones.
Traffic changes
• On-street signage will provide advance notice of changes to the road layout.
• Link Alliance is working closely with Auckland Transport and neighbouring projects to keep public transport and people moving through midtown.
• The Victoria / Albert Street intersection is expected to open to through-traffic at around the end of 2023 (subject to detailed programme and coordination with the Te Hā Noa Victoria Street Project).
Visual impacts
• A mixture of solid hoardings and fences are used around the site to meet the safety requirements while providing light, visibility, and visual aesthetics.
• Images advertising local businesses and public art are used to brighten up the area.
Pedestrian access
• Safe property and pedestrian access will be maintained at all times with temporary diversions in place as construction progresses.
• Pedestrians may need to be re-routed at times around works but we will use wayfinding signage to help find and access businesses
Dust control
• Scrim and hoardings will minimise any dust effects, and where necessary water will be used to control dust.
Support for businesses, residents, and visitors
The City Rail Link will bring considerable benefits to Auckland including a vastly improved rail network and attractive new streetscapes and public spaces. But we’re aware that you can’t build an underground railway in the middle of a bustling city without causing challenges for businesses and the surrounding community.
Link Alliance’s Small Business Support Programme (SBSP) has been designed to support small businesses. It provides an independent business connector to help identify business needs and to provide individualised, free, accessible support and specialist services.
We also work with a range of partners to enhance the public experience in the area during construction, including activations and events to encourage visitation and spending at local businesses. Our “Support Local to Win” competition is now running in the midtown area – with prizes on offer every month for those who spend local.
Businesses closest to the station construction site may be eligible for the Targeted Hardship Fund.
For more information on how we support businesses please visit www.cityraillink.co.nz/business-support or www.cityraillink.co.nz/targetedhardshipfund
Come visit us
Our public information centre, Te Pūkaki, is located at 1 Elliott Street (corner with Victoria Street). Come meet the team and learn more about the progress of Te Waihorotiu Station (Aotea).
