A beautiful new laneway is the latest new public space in the heart of the city, offering Aucklanders and visitors a new place to enjoy. And there’s lots more coming too - in and around the Midtown area the new public spaces around the City Rail Link stations are starting to take shape, as is Te Hā Noa – an area of Victoria Street between Albert Street to Albert Park. Alongside new public places for people, there are number of newly renovated buildings and new businesses to experience. They’re part of a wider transformation programme aimed at creating a city centre that will be enjoyed by Aucklanders and visitors for generations. 

New in Downtown

 

Britomart is well-known for its intimate laneways and its fabulous businesses. So it’s wonderful to see the remainder of Galway Street (between Te Komititanga and Commerce Street) transformed into a beautiful new space.  

It perfectly shows off the Hayman Kronfeld Buildings which have been lovingly restored by Cooper and Company. These grand redesigns are home to Daily Bread and Perch. Perch is actually a revamped XuXu, still serving the dumplings they were famous for.

Nearby in Commercial Bay, 1 Queen Street is set to open in late 2023, with a 5-star Intercontinental Hotel, an amazing basement bar and a rooftop bar and dining experience. We can’t wait to check out the amazing views!

 

Image credit: Mary Gaudin
Galway Street
Daily Bread Britomart
PERCH

City dwelling in the future 

 

We’re expecting to see a lot more people move to the city centre to live in the future, and there’s several new apartment buildings being built or under construction here. This includes the Pacifica which cuts a striking figure across Auckland’s skyline. Standing at 178 metres, it’s the tallest residential building in New Zealand. Tucked below it is Deli de Bossi the ideal place to head to if you’re craving authentic Italian food without the airfare. While over on Customs Street, Seascape’s construction continues. Once finished, it will feature 221 apartments across 52 storeys.

DELI di BOSSI


Midtown

 

The Waihorotiu Station is emerging on the corner of Victoria and Wellesley Streets. Once it’s open Waihorotiu Station is tipped to become the busiest train station in the country. It’s no wonder, given how close it will be to shopping on Queen Street, shows at The Civic, or a night out at SkyCity. 

In anticipation of the thousands of people expected to flow out of Waihorotiu Station, the streets around the area are gradually being transformed to support more people. Each area will be a space to pause, relax and  importantly enjoy the many businesses and experiences nearby.

This midtown programme includes Te Hā Noa – Victoria Street – as well as all of Albert Street and eventually Wellesley Street. 

 

Image credit: Auckland Council 
Te Ha Noa
Station-Render-Te-Waihorotiu
Te Ha Noa

Right now, it’s a great opportunity to check out the changes happening in the midtown area while supporting local businesses.  Elliott Street is a foodie’s delight, including Elliott Stables which is a great place to grab a bite before checking out what’s on at The Civic. If you want to take in sweeping views of the cityscape (and the ultimate birds-eye view of developments) head to Bar Albert in Voco. At 38 floors up, it’s the highest bar in the city. If you fancy being a bit closer to earth, try the much-loved Mexican Café or take a peek on your way to pick up flowers from Roma Blooms.  While the iconic Real Groovy has recently opened down Victoria Street and its bigger space means there’s room for an epic Neon Light Museum and live music space.  

The Mexican Cafe
Neon light museum at Real Groovy
Bar Albert
Last updated: 24 May 2023

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