Auckland's CBD Into the future

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The Aotea Quarter plan

Introduction | Vision and principles | Action plan | Aotea Square redevelopment

Where is the Aotea Quarter

The Aotea Quarter is our own unique arts, cultural and entertainment hub. It covers the area around Aotea Square and is bounded by Mayoral Drive, Wellesley Street, Lorne Street and Khartoum Place.

Aotea Quarter is home to the Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland Central City Library, Aotea Square, Auckland Town Hall, Aotea Centre and Civic Theatre. People visit this part of the city to go to a show, catch a movie or immerse themselves in the visual arts.

Why the plan

The aim of the Aotea Quarter plan is to build on current activity in the area. We want to create an even better place where you can enjoy, celebrate and participate in a wider range of edgy and sophisticated shows, exhibitions and events.

The Aotea Quarter plan is part of Auckland's CBD Into the future strategy, a 10-year plan to enhance the urban, cultural and business environment of Auckland's CBD. There is also a plan for the Victoria Quarter.

The council has completed a number of projects in the Aotea Quarter, including the central city library café development and lower Khartoum Place and Lorne Street upgrades. Upcoming projects include a redevelopment of the Auckland Art Gallery to increase exhibition space, a redevelopment of Aotea Square, and the development of an arts precinct, housing performing arts groups and other creative organisations at the rear of the Auckland Town Hall.

The council is also supporting the development of Q Theatre, a 350-seat multi-purpose theatre in the area south of the Town Hall.

Key stakeholders support the Aotea Quarter plan. They are:

Ngati Whatua o Orakei
Auckland Theatre Company
NBR New Zealand Opera
Auckland Philharmonia Opera
Q Theatre
The Classic Comedy Club
Sky City Metro
The Edge
Committee for Auckland
AUT University
Heart of the City
Methodist Mission Northern
Tourism Auckland