Case Study: Fort Street; Auckland, New Zealand

Location: Auckland CBD, New Zealand
Population: 1.4 million
Metro: 1.5 million
Context: Mixed-Use (Residential/Commercial)
Right-of-Way: 19–20 m
Size: Area in and around Fort Street
Cost: 23 million NZD (16 million USD)
Funding: CBD Targeted Rate
Project Sponsors: Manager, CBD Projects, Auckland City Council
Speed: N/A – No posted speed

A Network of Shared Streets

The transformation of Fort Street into a shared street resulted in a 54% increase in pedestrian volumes and a 47% increase in consumer spending.

Overview

Fort Street showcases how shared streets can turn a district into a destination, increasing visitors for shopping and other activities. It is one of several new shared spaces implemented in Auckland’s Central Business District in recent years to enhance pedestrian connectivity and provide a high-quality public realm.

Goals

• Better integrate the area into the surrounding street network.
• Prioritize pedestrians.
• Create a distinctive public space.
• Create a space that supports businesses and residents and provides opportunities for a variety of activities.
• Provide a high-quality, attractive, and durable street that contributes to a sustainable and maintainable city center.

Keys to Success

Collaboration with key stakeholders.

Monitoring and evaluating the project before and after implementation in order to communicate its impacts.

Testing design variations.

Involvement

Public Agencies
Auckland Council, Auckland Transport

Private Group
Local business owners and operators

Citizen Associations and Unions
Blind Foundation

Designers and Engineers
Boffa Miskell, Jawa Structures, TPC (traffic engineering), LDP (lighting)

Evaluation