Auckland Council
The Pitch
Auckland Council created new shared spaces in the city center, turning Auckland, which was once car-centric, into a walkable city full of public spaces.
The Problem
In the early 2000s, Auckland had the highest rate of car ownership in the world. Public transit was underdeveloped, public spaces were few and far between and residents continued to move to the suburbs.
The Process
- Launched the Auckland Shared Space Program in 2007
- Developed a shared space typology where pedestrians and vehicles co-exist, pedestrian safety is prioritized and public spaces are enhanced with seating, public art, landscaping and more
- Collaborated with businesses, professional groups, Council Controlled Organizations and Council departments to design the program
The Impact
- Transformed 21,000 square meters of public spaces into walkable, business-friendly spaces over the past 10 years
- Made public spaces safer for motorists and pedestrians
- Increased the amount of walking trips made in the city center to 500,000+ per day
- Made shared public spaces accessible to people of all abilities and ages
- Encouraged new business development and grew preexisting enterprises by increasing foot traffic, increasing retail spending from 27% to 439% in shared spaces; business owners now realize the value of being in a space with more walkability than on-street parking
- Connected residents with public transportation options, reducing the necessity of cars in the city
- Decreased car volume in the city center by up to 54% and driving speeds by as much as 29%, subsequently reducing the number of car crashes
- Increased the amount of people moving back to the city: Auckland now has 50,000 residents living in the city center, up from just 1,400 in 1991
- Inspired projects in cities across New Zealand such as Hamilton, Wellington and Dunedin
