Work will start on the revamp of Auckland's Queen Street at the beginning of next month.
An artist's impression of the Queen St Stage 1 makeover. Photo: Supplied / Auckland Council
Auckland Council has announced the street will be redesigned to be more friendly to pedestrians.
That will include wide boardwalks, seating and native plants in planter boxes.
"Last year, temporary measures were put in place by Auckland Transport to allow physical distancing during the pandemic," said Auckland mayor Phil Goff.
"It's now time for the yellow markers, stone blocks and painted asphalt to be replaced.
"Extended decking pavements, similar to those on High Street, trees and shrubs in proper planter boxes and decent street furniture will help change the look and feel of the area.
"These measures will be trialled before permanent changes are made, once we receive feedback from businesses, shoppers, visitors and residents."
Vulcan Lane, a plaza off Queen Street, home to busy restaurants, cafes, pubs and stores. Photo: 123rf.com
A proposal had also been made for bus lanes to be brought into some sections of the street, with the intention of removing some private vehicles and improving bus reliability.
"Queen Street has taken a hit from Covid-19, with the loss of tourists, cruise ships and international students," Goff said.
"The changes proposed won't solve all the problems. The council, property owners, businesses and residents will need to work together to help the area recover from Covid-19 and to become an exciting and vibrant place to visit and shop."
A contractor has been appointed, and work was set to start at the beginning of May.
Traffic and pedestrians on Queen Street, Auckland. Photo: 123rf.com
"We're very mindful of the need for loading zones, and they're being put in place on Queen Street, and bus priority on Queen Street, and we're making a whole lot more room for people on Queen Street," said Councillor Chris Darby, the chair of the Planning Committee.
"We've had a chorus of people asking over the years to make Queen Street more pedestrian friendly, and that's at the heart of this initiative."
He said while the changes will provide less access for cars, businesses needn't worry.
"It's people that actually spend, not cars.
"We've seen this all around the world, where you make cities more attractive for people, and you create places for people and anchor human life in the city, ...they become way more attractive, [and] people linger and spend."