Britomart project

Introduction | Britomart Precinct project | Chronology of project | Project history | Progress in pictures

Britomart Precinct project

Buildings along Quay Street

Five hectares in downtown Auckland will be turned into a vibrant precinct of shops, cafes, apartments, businesses and new public open spaces.

Cooper and Company's (formerly Bluewater) master plan for the transformation of Britomart will see 18 heritage buildings renovated and six new buildings emerge to create a new precinct incorporating a variety of retail, lifestyle, commercial and residential uses. The development will be the largest heritage restoration project ever undertaken in New Zealand.

The agreement with Auckland City Council provides for a construction period of up to 11 years and was signed off unanimously on 22 April 2004.

Under the deal, Cooper and Company has purchased the buildings and intends to develop, actively manage and own Britomart for the long term.

The 5.2-hectare Britomart Precinct is located on Auckland's waterfront and is bordered by Britomart Place, Quay and Customs Streets.

Cooper and Company took possession of the site in June 2004 and work on streetscapes and the heritage buildings started immediately. The revitalisation of Britomart is proceeding at an impressive pace with several renovated buildings already housing tenants. Several buildings are also being used as interim tenancies and a growing number of events have also been taking place within the precinct.

Other 'behind the scenes' restorations include the re-sealing of all car parks, removal of all external stairs and fire escapes and the erection of extensive outdoor lighting.

Background
Key features of the mixed-use development
Artist's impressions of the development
Download the concept plan

To view the detailed designs for the Britomart Precinct, please contact Cooper and Company on (09) 914 8431. Or visit www.britomart.org
On 30 June 2008 Auckland City Council notified a private plan change to amend planning controls applying to the Britomart Precinct in order to enable a taller building on the Seafarer's site (100-144 Quay Street).

See Plan modification 29

Background

The Britomart Precinct plans are based on Auckland City Council's master plan for the area, which was created by architect Mario Madayag and Jasmax Architects after public consultation in 1999.

In 2002 Auckland City Council called for proposals from developers. All proposals were carefully assessed by the Britomart working party and an evaluation panel which included property development, city planning, community planning and heritage specialists from Auckland City Council as well as independent architects and urban design experts.

The development proposals had to meet Auckland City Council's objectives:

to provide a transport interchange
the creation of a low-rise heritage based area where the city meets the sea
the creation of an environment which contains a rich mix of activities and ensures the precinct is vibrant 24 hours a day
an upgrade and revitalisation of the area which ensures a people dominated and safe environment
a desire to reinforce and reinvigorate retailing in the downtown area.

Key features of the mixed-use development

a combination of retail, lifestyle, commercial and residential uses
active management of the area to enable an energised environment and an attractive location for lifestyle tenants
restoration of 17 historic buildings
development of six new buildings including:
- two central buildings of seven and nine stories, linked with sky bridges and containing 2 levels of fashion stores
- a substantial east building with an open atrium and surrounding retail stores
- a new 1200 space car parking building to be built by Cooper and Company, which will be jointly owned and operated by Auckland City Council and Cooper and Company. A third of these car parks will be short-term spaces.
a "walking street" called Te Ara Tahuhu which runs down the centre of the precinct
two major new public spaces:
- Takutai Square at the eastern end which will be a public gathering space and the site of public entertainment activities sheltered by heritage and new buildings on four sides
- Station Plaza, behind the central post office that will be enhanced with kiosks and sheltered walkways
At least $2 million will be invested in streetscapes and landscaping to enhance the precinct and create links with the rest of the city to attract people into the area
the agreement with the council provides for a construction period of up to 11 years. However, it is hoped that if current market conditions and level of tenant interest continues, the Britomart Precinct will be substantially finished within eight years
Pip Cheshire of Cheshire Architects has been appointed as Master Architect to oversee the project and approve all design elements.

Artists impressions of the development

Illustrations by www.stantiallstudio.co.nz

Indicative perspective of the Galway Street edge to
Takutai Square.

Indicative aerial view from the north west corner of
Takutai Square.

Indicative perspective view down Gore Street..

Aerial view of the Britomart Precinct.

Download the concept plan

The concept plan is available below in PDF format.

Britomart Precinct concept plan (958kb PDF)

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