The Downtown Infrastructure Development Program (DIDP) is the cornerstone of New Zealand’s largest concentrated urban transformation, realising Auckland Council’s vision of “a generous and welcoming destination along the water’s edge that is recognisably Tāmaki Makaurau”.
With just over two years to deliver the $250 million program ahead of the 36th America’s Cup and other major 2021 events, Downer in conjunction with our construction and design partners worked collaboratively to transform Auckland’s waterfront and lower downtown area.
Key work elements included:
- Te Wānanga – a new downtown public space
- Quay Street strengthening – seismic stabilisation to protect utilities and the waterfront
- Quay Street enhancement – improved streetscape to attract people to the water’s edge
- Ferry Basin redevelopment – six new berths to modernise ferry infrastructure
- Galway Street enhancement – upgraded streetscape in the Britomart Precinct
- Lower Albert Street bus interchange – a better-functioning transport hub enabling seamless transfers.
The work took place in one of Auckland’s busiest areas, where up to a fifth of Aucklanders interact weekly and where thousands of commuters, visitors, and businesses converge daily. Compounding the challenge, other major projects, including City Rail Link, were underway nearby, with $1.5 billion of concurrent construction in just 12 hectares of the CBD.
To minimise stakeholder impacts and de-risk consenting, the program pioneered a Development Response approach to stakeholder engagement, integrating resource consent, engagement, traffic management, and social and cultural outcomes. This enabled highly proactive collaboration with businesses, residents, mana whenua, and community groups.
Outcomes:
- Zero complaints escalated beyond the program team
- Balanced media coverage and smooth consenting
- Retail spend in the area grew by 2.3 per cent despite construction and Covid-19, compared with a 5.3 per cent decline across the wider CBD.
The Downtown program delivered a vibrant, resilient, and accessible waterfront, a gateway that reflects Auckland’s identity and supports the city’s future.
