Learning Quarter - fuelling Auckland's future success

From City Scene, published on 1 August 2010.

The Learning Quarter is a joint initiative between The University of Auckland, AUT University and Auckland City Council, encompassing a 63ha site within the CBD where the universities' city campuses are based.

The Learning Quarter is key to fuelling Auckland's future success, stimulating economic, social and cultural development by attracting high-growth businesses, investment and talent (researchers, top staff and top students).

The partners are committed to matching the intellectual endeavours in the Learning Quarter with an inspirational environment, with projects including Micro Sites.

This "town and gown" initiative is similar to others around the globe that are seeing governments joining forces with their learning institutions to stimulate economic growth and help shape local and national development.

Some of the work the council has been doing within the Learning Quarter:

street upgrades to improve pedestrian safety and access, including Mayoral Drive, Wakefield Street and Wellesley Street
Auckland Art Gallery redevelopment and expansion
improved public transport through the Central Connector project (a dedicated bus lane between the CBD and Newmarket via the Learning Quarter)
Albert Park upgrades to improve lighting and safety.