eyeonauckland

Photostory

The Eye — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:45:54 +0000

Secret City

Time to show off your latest sneakers and become a tourist in your city. Let me start by introducing myself, my name is Craig and I would love to show you my Auckland. I will regularly be taking you on a journey through our city via the lens of my camera. I hope that you will discover another side to this incredible city we call home.

Auckland, with a current population of 1.5 million, is deceptively small and is way busier than some cities with larger populations. With all this talk about the unitary plan it is easy to lose focus i.e. we already have a liveable city and it’s getting better everyday. Let’s make it the most liveable city in the World.

Leave you car keys and cares behind – get out your HOP card and come with me, we will be hopping on the bus ….

Don’t forget to tag off. Copyright EyeonAuckland

Welcome to Auckland’s Big Little City, a new experience around every corner awaits.

Come on in – everyone is welcome. Copyright EyeonAuckland

Let’s head down to the shops for some retail therapy on Vulcan Lane

Do you have this in a size 5? Copyright EyeonAuckland

Phew that was fabulous ! time for a breather in Britomart

Grab a Britomart bean bag. Copyright EyeonAuckland

New to the city or not been here for a while ? no worries just ask the friendly Big Little City Ambassadors for directions

You are here. Copyright EyeonAuckland.

We need to catch the train, that’s down here

All aboard. Copyright EyeonAuckland.

There is so much to see and do – take a walk in Cornwall Park before heading back downtown

The road less travelled. Copyright EyeonAuckland.

Be sure to have a look around – the extraordinary lies around every corner:

There’s the happy couple getting married

I do! in Fort Lane. Copyright EyeonAuckland.

The guys going for a spin

1,2,3. Copyright EyeonAuckland.

Free enlightenment

God is here. Copyright EyeonAuckland.

Beware of the shark

OMG Shark!! Copyright EyeonAuckland.

Don’t be surprised if you see guys chasing each other on bicycles

Number 25. Copyright EyeonAuckland.

or the adventurous skating down Queen Street at peak hour

Wait for me….. Copyright EyeonAuckland.

People connecting in different ways

Mommy! Copyright EyeonAuckland.

Head on texting. Copyright EyeonAuckland.

Want to read a book with a view ? – we’ll find that on Te Wero Island

Well read. Copyright EyeonAuckland.

Time for some culture – The Auckland Art Gallery is a work of art in its own right

Cathedral of art. Copyright EyeonAuckland.

Wander around in wonder

Art in the park. Copyright EyeonAuckland.

Remember to always look up

Staircase to heaven. Copyright EyeonAuckland.

or perhaps you would rather look down – try the SkyJump

Look mum, no hands. Copyright EyeonAuckland.

I can see my bus from here

Number 795. Copyright EyeonAuckland.

With your feet back on Terra firma, it’s time for lunch at St Patrick’s Square

I’ll have the beef thanks. Copyright EyeonAuckland.

Need some fashion tips ? Britomart is your source

Catwalk cuties. Copyright EyeonAuckland.

It’s party time! Hey Mrs DJ

Can you hear me now? Copyright EyeonAuckland.

Not sure where to go next ? clues are everywhere

Go West my son. Copyright EyeonAuckland.

Take a trip down memory lane and take the tram around Wynyard Quarter

Ding ding!! Copyright EyeonAuckland.

North Wharf for some late afternoon drinks and dinner

Table for two hundred please. Copyright EyeonAuckland.

Time to head home on the new double decker bus

Twice the fun! Copyright EyeonAuckland.

What a great day ! tomorrow we will do it all over again

Moonrise. Copyright EyeonAuckland.

I hope that you enjoyed my first post as much as I enjoyed it. Keep a lookout for my next one. Who knows, maybe you will be a part of it ?

The Eye Loves

The Eye — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:11:19 +0000

City of Accolades

Not many people are aware of just how full Auckland and New Zealand’s trophy cabinet is. In fact we are exploding with accolades bestowed upon us. The World loves us and we love the World. Here’s a list of feathers in our cap:

AUCKLAND

Auckland ranked 4th in Conde Nast Traveler’s “Best in the World – Australasian Cities” (Queenstown was 2nd)
Lonely Planet’s NZ experiences ranked Auckland Harbour 1st and Urban Auckland 2nd.
Sky Tower’s elevator is listed on the World’s best elevator rides.
Auckland takes title for Australasia’s top destination in the 2012 World Travel Awards.
Auckland is the seventh-cheapest tourist-friendly city in the world, a travel website has found. The website Tripadvisor has launched TripIndex, which compares the cost of 50 tourist cities around the world.
Auckland named one of the top 10 cities that think about how they work.
The Malaysian Airlines Customers Experience Awards, held in Kuala Lumpur, saw Auckland Airport’s new luxury lounge secure the award for ‘Best 3rd Party Lounge’.
Auckland Airport continues to be a sustainable destination, retaining Silver certification under the Earthcheck global sustainable tourism scheme.
In a new report entitled State Of The World Cities 2012/2013, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (U.N.-Habitat) ranked the world’s cities in terms of prosperity – Auckland ranked as the 12th most prosperous.
Auckland’s working population is younger, more highly educated and better paid compared with the rest of the country, a review of employment in the city has found.
fDi magazine’s Asia-Pacific Cities of the Future survey sees Auckland ranked sixth in the Business Friendliness category and rising from 10th to seventh place in the FDI Strategy category rankings.
Auckland is the only city in the Southern Hemisphere to feature in the top 10 of all 3 liveability indexes: The Economist Index : #10 … Mercer Index : #3 … Monocle Index: #9
The designers of Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter have beaten others from Europe, Asia and North America to be honoured with a prestigious international award in the United States – Waterfront Auckland was handed the top award at the “Excellence on the Waterfront” awards.
Auckland Art Gallery has won an international award never before given to a New Zealand building. The gallery was awarded the International Award for Architectural Excellence from The Royal Institute of British Architects.
Ironbank, Samson Corporation’s revolutionary new Auckland building, was runner-up in a European architecture award. The building, designed by RTA Studio, made it to the shortlist of the World Architecture Festival, which drew hundreds of entries, and was highly commended.
Auckland is one of the World’s most multicultural cities on the Planet, 40% of Auckland’s residents are born overseas.
New Zealand’s Leading Business Hotel – The Langham Hotel Auckland.
New Zealand’s Leading Hotel – The Langham Hotel Auckland.
Auckland remains top dog in ASB’s regional economic rankings for the September quarter, thanks to strong population growth driving retail spending and the local housing market.
TripAdvisor has announced the top 10 hotel spas in the South Pacific, with Pullman Auckland’s Spa at the Pullman ranked at #8.
Karekare has been named among New Zealand’s best beaches by an American publication focused on the outdoors. The West Auckland beach was named by Outside magazine as one of the country’s top 10 beaches.
Auckland has been named the fifth-most innovative city in the Asia Pacific region, based on a report from business development consultancy Solidiance. The company’s two-year research project focused on indicators of technology, talent and tolerance in 16 major cities across the region from Mumbai to Melbourne.
Auckland has been named Best Turnaround Destination by the world’s leading cruise line executives, capping off a record cruise season. The award from Britain’s Cruise Insight magazine is based on a survey of industry leaders and ranks Auckland as the ultimate destination to start or end a cruise.
Auckland’s streetscapes, play spaces and parks have received an unprecedented number of accolades at the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architecture Awards with over 25 of the 53 awards presented to Auckland projects.
At the 2013 SKYTRAX World Airport Awards held at the passenger Terminal EXPO in Geneva, Auckland Airport was named the Best Airport in the Australia Pacific region for the fifth successive year and was also awarded Best Staff Service for the Australia Pacific region for the second year running.
Second globally in Best Airport between 10 and 20 million passengers.
12th Best Airport in the World.
Auckland 2nd best sport and event city in Australasia.

Auckland Skyline. Copyright Eye on Auckland.

NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand has been ranked 13th in the world in the 2012 Global Innovation Index – up two places from 2011.
NZ is the 11th best country in the world for supporting and enabling dynamic growing businesses according to the Grant Thornton Global Dynamism Index (GDI).
NZ ranked 3rd in the World for ease of doing business.
NZ is the 3rd best country brand globally, according to the Country Brand Index.
NZ has the best education system in the world, according to the annual Legatum Prosperity Index.
NZ has outshone the world’s major economies to top a Forbes list of the best countries for business.
NZ has been named the second-favourite destination in the world by readers of Conde Nast Traveller magazine.
NZ is “one of the great lifestyle superpowers of the world” according to the BBC’s Sydney correspondent Nick Bryant, who wonders in a post on bbc.co.uk why the rest of the world can’t be more like little ol’ Aotearoa.
NZ the World’s friendliest country according to the results of HSBC’s Expat Explorer Survey.
NZ is fast becoming a favourite spot for global billionaires. Global billionaires are increasingly drawn to the Country, pulled from the other side of the world by our pristine coastlines and easy lifestyle.
NZ was presented the ‘Favourite Country – Worldwide’ award at the Telegraph Travel Awards.
NZ the 5th most prosperous nation on Earth according to Legatum’s recently published 2012 Prosperity Index.
NZ is the world’s easiest place to start a business globally according to the World Bank Group’s Doing Business 2013 report.
An OECD report has ranked New Zealand in the top ten out of 34 member countries for the proportion of wireless broadband subscribers per capita.
NZ sits at 11th on the Global Food Security Index.
NZ economic freedom score is 82.1, making its economy the 4th freest in the 2012 Index.
NZ the best Country in the World for entrepreneurs according to a new report by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Dun & Bradstreet’s Global Risk Indicator (GRI) ranks New Zealand at number four in the Asia-Pacific region and among the top 20 safest countries globally.
NZ has been ranked second most peaceful country in the world in the 2012 Global Peace Index, equal with Denmark, but pipped by Iceland.
NZ the least corrupt Country in the World according to Transparency International’s Global Corruption Perceptions Index.
NZ ranked 3rd on The Human Development Index.
NZ ranks 3rd for Economic Freedom.
NZ is one of the most urbanised nations on the planet, 87% of Kiwi’s live in towns and cities – a higher proportion than Germans, French and British.
NZ has been ranked as having one of the top education systems in the world. Out of 40 countries, New Zealand came eighth in The Learning Curve global education report, published by education firm Pearson.
NZ has scored highly in an international survey of energy sustainability. The World Energy Council’s Energy Sustainability Index ranks countries on availability, security, affordability and quality of energy, and amount of energy from low-carbon and renewable sources. NZ ranks at #6.
Tourism New Zealand’s 100% Middle-earth, 100% Pure New Zealand campaign has taken out the award for ‘World’s Leading Destination Marketing Campaign’ in the World Travel Awards 2012 Grand Final.

Tourism New Zealand voted ‘Leading Tourist Board’ in the 2012 Australasian World Travel Awards.
NZ named the ‘Favourite Country – Worldwide’ at the Telegraph Travel Awards.
NZ favourite Emerging Destination – Overseas’ at the Condé Nast Traveller Reader’ Travel Awards in India.
NZ has also been named the top destination for 2013 by Flight Centre Australia.
NZ sits 10th on the world business optimism table.
NZ has been ranked as one of the best places (7th) in the world to have a baby in 2013, according to a quality-of-life index.
The North Island of New Zealand is the second best place in the world to get a tattoo, according to travel bible Lonely Planet.
NZ leads the way in human freedom according to an international index that ranks 123 countries. The Canadian Fraser Institute has released its report evaluating how each country measures in security and safety, movement, expression and relationship freedoms. New Zealand topped the index as offering the highest level of human freedom worldwide.
NZ has been ranked 21st in a 60-country globalisation survey conducted by consultants Ernst & Young.
The International Budget Partnership today released the results of the 2012 Open Budget Survey. New Zealand ranked first among the 100 countries surveyed with an index of 92 out of a possible 100.
NZ was awarded the title of World’s best luxury destination 2013 in the Shanghai Travelers’ Club 2013 Luxury Travel Awards.
NZ, along with Iceland, has been judged the world’s friendliest nation for tourists, according to a report released by the World Economic Forum.
NZ working women have the best professional treatment in the world according to an OECD report.
New Zealanders’ long lives and educational attainment have put the country in the top 10 (6th) most developed countries in the world, according to a United Nations measure.
NZ tops the The Legatum Institute’s Global Education Index.
NZ the 5th most Democratic Country in the World.
New Zealanders are among the most optimistic people in the world (4th), according to a study of more than 140 nationalities. The new study by Boston University, published in the Journal of Personality, analysed 150,048 individuals from 142 countries.

Queenstown, New Zealand. Copyright Eye on Auckland.

Share this with all your mates and let them know how proud you are of Auckland and Aotearoa. We don’t know how lucky we are ? Yes we do

Transport

The Eye — Thu, 16 May 2013 23:58:54 +0000

AT HOP PLanned For June

Press Release: Auckland Transport.

Following its introduction on trains and ferries at the end of 2012, the AT HOP card has now completed testing on buses. Testing commenced in April, ahead of the planned, public rollout to all Auckland bus services from June this year.

Auckland Transport’s Chief Operating Officer, Greg Edmonds says, “This final stage of the roll-out of AT HOP is the largest piece of one of the most transformational transport projects in the city. Auckland has 1100 buses in its fleet and carries 80% of public transport users which equates to 54 million passenger journeys a year. This means the roll-out is significant and must be handled carefully”.

Mr Edmonds says that in order to manage the scale of the roll-out Auckland Transport will be phasing the introduction of AT HOP on buses to ensure the smoothest transition possible for customers. The roll-out is planned to start with Urban Express bus services in June. Birkenhead Transport, NorthStar, Ritchies, Northern Express, Metrolink, Go West and Waka Pacific are planned to follow through to November.

Howick & Eastern, Bayes, Fullers Waiheke Bus Company, the Airporter and Airbus are planned in the final phase to the end of the year. ”As each bus service begins its roll-out we will be providing more detailed information to customers.” Mr Edmonds says. “The AT HOP card will bring Auckland in line with many other international cities by providing an integrated public transport ticketing system”.

The AT HOP card can be topped up online, at an Auckland Transport Ticket & Top Up machine or in person at a ticket office. Purchasing an AT HOP card may save up to 10% off single trip cash fares (excluding the NiteRider bus service). An AT HOP card also allows free unlimited access to ride on the City LINK bus service.

Registering an AT HOP card online helps to protect your card from unauthorised use should it be lost or stolen, while also helping to protect the balance stored on the card within 24 hours from the time it is reported missing. Cards can be registered online at ATHOP.co.nz.

Terms of use and the registered prospectus for the AT HOP cards and other information regarding the AT HOP cards are available on ATHOP.co.nz or at the Auckland Transport Customer Service Centre, Britomart. The obligations of Auckland Transport under the AT HOP cards are unsecured.

Architecture

The Eye — Thu, 16 May 2013 21:40:28 +0000

Khartoum Place Upgrade

We are loving the plans for Phase 2 of Khartoum Place with construction expected to start in the winter of 2013. The upgrade of upper Khartoum Place is part of a programme of transformations to the city centre that started with the ‘CBD into the Future’ programme and is now within the City Centre Master Plan. It is also an integral part of the Auckland Plan’s vision for Auckland to become the world’s most liveable city.

These transformations will create pedestrian-friendly destinations where you can shop, sit, relax, linger, dine and spend time. With these upgrades we are building a world class city centre that will attract internationally competitive businesses, jobs and opportunities for the whole region.

About Khartoum Place

Khartoum Place is one of the Auckland city centre’s most distinctive and intimate urban open spaces. It is part of an important pedestrian route linking the University of Auckland, Albert Park and the Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tamaki to Queen Street and the commercial heart of the city. It is also a central point amongst the city centre transformations, with street upgrades and shared spaces having already taken place in surrounding areas such as Kitchener Street and Lorne Street.

Khartoum Place has two important historical references. It is a memorial of the 1885 siege of Khartoum and the tile artworks on the walls and steps which make up the Suffrage Memorial ‘Women Achieve the Vote’ is a symbolic marker of New Zealand becoming the first nation in the world to give women the right to vote in 1893.

The Upper Khartoum Place project has recently been given the go-ahead following support from the Regional Development Operations Committee (RDOC) and a recommendation to proceed with a concept design that proposes to retain the memorial in its current location, whilst opening up a western wall to improve visibility and accessibility between lower and upper Khartoum Place to the Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tamaki.

Before and After images of Khartoum Place. Images courtesy of Auckland Council for Eye on Auckland.

Project upgrade details

The chosen design for the upgrade of upper Khartoum Place will help realise its full potential as a safe, enjoyable and attractive destination for people to visit and spend time. It will also provide a direct line of sight between Lorne Street and the Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tamaki, highlighting this pedestrian shortcut and framing the stunning architecture of the gallery. This design will also enable us to keep the Khartoum Place stairs and Suffrage Memorial intact.

The key objectives of the upgrade include:

Delivering a high quality, attractive, robust, durable and easily maintained urban open space that invites people to use the area.
To create an urban open space that celebrates Khartoum Place’s location in the arts and cultural precinct.
For the area to be used as an informal social, café, gathering and event space.
To encourage pedestrian use through the site and cross-connections.
To reduce the depth of the existing space and enhance the space’s visual field wherever possible.
To activate the central part of Khartoum Place.
To provide for the continued operation of existing adjacent residential, retail and commercial activities with clear entries and service access, including the mid level.

The upgrade will also address a number of negative aspects of this public space including:

In the evening, the space is perceived to be unsafe and poorly lit.
Too many elements and surfaces give the area a cluttered appearance.
The paving is of a poor condition.

Stepped Platform. Images courtesy of Auckland Council for Eye on Auckland.

Looking North East. Images courtesy of Auckland Council for Eye on Auckland.

Timetable.

Architecture

The Eye — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:29:34 +0000

BIG

With plans released for New Zealand’s International Convention Centre (HERE + HERE), Danish architect Bjarke ingels (BIG) is the second contender for a major redevelopment of the miami beach convention center in the southern sunshine state of florida. We love how they make use of the roof top space, once again showing that it can be done and that Auckland should follow the lead.

The latest iteration of the exhibit complex shows a more clearly articulated green space.

Promenades and rest areas are plentiful.

View shows undulating ribbons of glazing.

Convention center views.

The convention center is characterized by an angled facade.

Mass diagram.

Exploded axon program diagram.

The proposal activates the oridinarily ‘unused’ spaces of the roof top.

Photostory

The Eye — Thu, 16 May 2013 03:37:54 +0000

Our Heritage

Walking around Auckland one is always reminded of our heritage and how lucky we are to have some real treasures. Please enjoy the following photographs of our heritage buildings:

Elliott Street. Copyright Eye on Auckland.

High Street. Copyright Eye on Auckland.

Shortland Street. Copyright Eye on Auckland.

Customs Street East. Copyright Eye on Auckland.

Queen Street. Copyright Eye on Auckland.

Queen Street & Vulcan Lane. Copyright Eye on Auckland.

Vulcan lane. Copyright Eye on Auckland.

High Street. Copyright Eye on Auckland.

Britomart Train Station. Copyright Eye on Auckland.

Customs Street West. Copyright Eye on Auckland.

Auckland Art Gallery. Copyright Eye on Auckland.

Shortland Street. Copyright Eye on Auckland.

Ferry Building, Quay Street. Copyright Eye on Auckland.

Transport

The Eye — Wed, 15 May 2013 22:31:07 +0000

Transforming Public Transport

Press Release : Auckland Transport.

Auckland Transport will shortly hit the streets to consult over the New Network for public transport services in Auckland. The New Network is a region wide public transport network which is proposed to deliver bus services at least every 15 minutes throughout the day, seven days a week on major routesbetween the hours of 7am to 7pm. Services will connect better with train services for those customers who require connections.

The New Network will be rolled out by Auckland Transport over the next three years starting with bus services in South Auckland in 2014/15. To help people understand what the New Network will mean for them, prior to consultation, Auckland Transport has released a video guide today. See Video below

Auckland Transport’s Chief Executive David Warburton says; “We are in a period of transformational transport change in Auckland. Any change is challenging. Significant changes in the transport area in Auckland includes the completion over the coming months of Auckland’s integrated smartcard for public transport, the final step in the introduction of the AT HOP card on bus services following the roll-out last year on trains and ferries, the arrival of the first of Auckland’s fleet of new trains and our New Network for public transport services. These are large-scale transport projects for a city undergoing transformation.

“If Auckland is to cope with expected growth in population, public transport must become a very real transport choice for more Aucklanders. But in order to encourage greater uptake, we need to make bold changes to provide a better level of service, respond to public demand and expectation and provide better connections to the places people want to go.

“Due to the sheer scale of the changes we are proposing, consultation and implementation for the New Network will be broken up into several phases. Consultation on the New Network begins in June in South Auckland. Other parts of Auckland will be consulted on in the coming years”.

Dr Warburton says, “The changes will not happen immediately. Any significant transformation requires disruption which is part of change. Implementation of the New Network for public transport will be challenging for a period.

“The video released today demonstrates the scale of the changes the New Network will bring to Auckland. “In June and July, Auckland Transport will have people in the markets, shopping centres, transport hubs and on the streets in South Auckland talking to customers about these changes and getting their views”.

Dr Warburton says, “ The public will be invited to fill out feedback forms at the Open Days and can also provide feedback at our consultation webpage www.aucklandtransport.govt.nz/newnetwork, or by filling out our freepost feedback form”.

2016 Route Map.

Transport

The Eye — Wed, 15 May 2013 21:57:25 +0000

Skypath Update

Press Release : GetAcross.

Council supports SkyPath:

Last week Council’s Strategy & Finance Committee voted to support Len Brown’s recommendation for Council staff to advance their work on SkyPath’s funding and delivery arrangements. This will then come back to Council for their consideration which if positive would enable SkyPath to be implemented. The only Councillors consistently opposed to SkyPath are George Wood, Cameron Brewer and Sharon Stewart.

Cost savings identified:

Beca Infrastructure have further analysed the bridge strengthening works required for SkyPath and, through an innovative solution, have significantly reduced the complexity and costs of this work. NZTA will now consider their financial contribution to these strengthening works. The updated cost estimate (before NZTA’s contribution) is $30.5 million, this includes the landings at each end, special night lighting, security measures, observation decks and a contingency of $4 million.

Updated business case:

Auckland Transport has worked with Ernst & Young to update their business case. The low use/low growth patronage scenario now shows an overall surplus of circa $10 million. We are awaiting their figures for the high use/high growth patronage scenario.

Working with key stakeholders:

We have been in dialogue with the various stakeholder groups as we work on the detail of SkyPath’s landings at each end, see here We have reviewed the Northcote Residents Association, St Marys Bay Association and Westhaven Marina Users Association’s submissions to Council which outlined why they are opposed to SkyPath. We believe that each of their concerns are addressed or can be resolved to enable SkyPath to proceed.

“SeaPath” to connect SkyPath to Takapuna:

Northcote Residents Association were keen for us to provide a seamless connection through to Takapuna so that there would be far fewer people using the streets of Northcote Point. Hence we developed “SeaPath” which is now with NZTA and Auckland Transport to develop, see here.

The Eye Loves

The Eye — Wed, 15 May 2013 04:07:04 +0000

Hello Kitty in Newmarket

Just by chance we stumbled upon the new Hello Kitty Cafe in Remuera Road, Newmarket. It is bright, cheerful and playful. The owners told us that they are planning a few more upgrades and will be stocking Hello Kitty merchandise soon. We loved the massive Hello Kitty cups filled with delicious coffee. Pop in and say Hello Kitty.

Hello Kitty Themed Cafe, Newmarket. Copyright Eye on Auckland.

Architecture

The Eye — Wed, 15 May 2013 00:18:09 +0000

Devonport’s Transformation

Exciting capital projects are underway in Devonport, as part of Auckland Council’s $24 million investment in the seaside village. The projects include a new library, a new boardwalk and a major redevelopment of Devonport’s marine gateway. Mayor Len Brown says the projects will improve the quality of urban living in Auckland, as well as creating more open space for the people of Devonport and visitors to enjoy.

“Devonport is one of Auckland’s special places. People have been drawn here to live and visit since Auckland’s earliest days. “As a result, we have a responsibility to invest in protecting the character and planning for the future of one Auckland’s most loved villages.” The projects will result in a much better physical and emotional connection between the main street, the beachfront and the wharf, while complementing the heritage character of the village centre.

Proposed Marine Square.

Other significant investments in the Devonport area include the upgrade of the Bayswater Pipe Bridge and Clarence Street, as well as the renewal of Victoria Wharf. Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Chairperson Chris Darby says the projects reflect the village’s status as part of the city fringe in the Auckland Plan.

“This is the biggest capital spend in Devonport’s recent history and the projects will hugely benefit locals and visitors alike.” he says. “New life is about to be breathed into Devonport and any fears that the village would be forgotten about under the new governance structure have been allayed. “This is a serious amount of investment in two years, and outstanding design for our public places is at the forefront of our planning.”

Significant projects include:

• Devonport Wharf stage one upgrade and boardwalk development – $5 million, to be completed by the end of 2014
• Marine Square reconfiguration – $1.7 million, to be completed by the end of 2014
• Clarence Street upgrade – $1.1 million, to be completed by the end of 2013
• Devonport Library – $7.8 million – due for completion in December 2014
• Bayswater Pipe Bridge upgrade – $2.4 million, completion by the end of October 2013
• Victoria Wharf renewal project – $6 million, to be completed in 2014.

Courtesy of Auckland Council we can provide you with various images of the new Devonport Library:

Site Plan. Images courtesy of Auckland Council for Eye on Auckland.

Scheduled Items. Images courtesy of Auckland Council for Eye on Auckland.

Toilet Study. Images courtesy of Auckland Council for Eye on Auckland.

Ground Plan. Images courtesy of Auckland Council for Eye on Auckland.

West Elevation. Images courtesy of Auckland Council for Eye on Auckland.

South Elevation. Images courtesy of Auckland Council for Eye on Auckland.

East Elevation. Images courtesy of Auckland Council for Eye on Auckland.

South West View. Images courtesy of Auckland Council for Eye on Auckland.

North West View. Images courtesy of Auckland Council for Eye on Auckland.

Interior of living Room. Images courtesy of Auckland Council for Eye on Auckland.

Interior Spaces. Images courtesy of Auckland Council for Eye on Auckland.

Site Plan of Windsor Reserve. Images courtesy of Auckland Council for Eye on Auckland.

RELATED STORY: DEVONPORT LIBRARY

Press Release : Auckland Council

Transport

The Eye — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:28:35 +0000

Inside AKL’s New Trains

The countdown is on for new electric trains to commence passenger service in Auckland. The first train is about to roll off the production line at Construcciones y Auxillair Ferrocarriles (CAF) in Spain. CAF is building a fleet of 57 three-car high-speed train sets to carry passengers on the Auckland suburban rail network. These new state of the art trains have been designed to meet the specific needs of Aucklanders and feature the latest in terms of safety, comfort and reliability.

The first train is expected to leave Spain in June, arriving here in early September. Between September and April the new trains will be thoroughly tested and used for driver training before going into operation once there is a sufficient number to run a commercial service. And for the first time we can reveal the seating layout for the trains. This comes after Auckland Transport consulted with user groups (including the mobility impaired and cyclists) on what they need from the trains.

Auckland Transport Chief Executive David Warburton says, “The input of various interest groups has helped with the final layout. These trains are designed specifically for the needs of Aucklanders. The three-car trains carry up to 375 passengers, around 100 more than the current trains or an increase of over 35 per cent.

All cars will have a variety of seating arrangements. The longitudinal seating will be Priority Seating for people with mobility issues, seniors and parents with children as well as those travelling with large items like bikes and cases. There will be four sets of flip up Priority Seats inside the middle (or trailer) car where bicycles and wheelchairs can be secured for travel. Dr Warburton says, “Passengers will be able to walk the full length of a three car train via the connection between the motor cars and central trailer car, making it easier to find a seat and meaning increased safety.”

An external shot of the first motored car. Image courtesy of Auckland Transport.

An internal shot of a partially fitted-out train at the CAF factory in Spain. Image courtesy of Auckland Transport.

ARCHITECTURE

The Eye — Tue, 14 May 2013 03:22:17 +0000

NZICC

Yesterday we announced the approval of New Zealand’s International Convention Centre (NZICC) and we would like to add that the design of the structure has not been finalised. The following renders are just an indication of the size and placement of the structure. We can also confirm that The Albion Hotel ( cnr. Hobson and Wellesley Street West) is not part of the complex and will be preserved. The Art Deco Building (Rainbow Hotel) on the cnr of Nelson and Wellesley Street West will be restored and integrated into the design of the new NZICC.

Nelson Street Perspective of NZICC. Images courtesy of Skycity.

Hobson Street Perspective of NZICC. Images courtesy of Skycity.

Site Map of NZICC. Images courtesy of Skycity.

After the news broke we were wondering what is planned for other cities across the globe and if there is anything to be learned from them, this is what we found:

Sydney’s proposed Darling Harbour Convention Centre – we love the fractured facade, the various angles and the use of materials:

Sydney

Vancouver and Adelaide – we love how they integrated the ground level with the roof level and created a public park on the roof. Just imagine if The NZICC adopted the same principle – the views from there would be amazing and residents in the area would have a new park to relax in (now imagine a rooftop cafe at the park):

Vancouver

Adelaide

Melbourne – stunning inside and out. We love the public space in front of the Convention Centre, something that should be replicated at NZICC:

Melbourne.

Taichung – we love the relevance of this design to Auckland’s topography and lifestyle i.e. Volcanoes and The City of Sails:

Taichung

Tianjin – We love how an otherwise boring box is more interesting with creative facade features. We also love the lightness of the building:

Tianjin

Before + After

The Eye — Tue, 14 May 2013 00:41:39 +0000

Darby Str Before + After

We would love to share some before and after shots of Darby Street with you, the difference is truly remarkable

BEFORE