O’Connell Street has been transformed from an unattractive, traffic-oriented space into a popular destination for businesses and pedestrians.

The upgrade of O’Connell Street presented a number of opportunities to transform the streetscape while preserving the heritage of the architecture. Boffa Miskell landscape architects worked with Auckland Council Heritage officers, New Zealand Historic Places Trust, and the project archaeologist to highlight particular features of the social and urban history and enhance views of the unique architecture and façades.

The street was transformed to a shared space with traffic managed through 3 nodes that provide visual constraints to vehicle flow. The final design provides more space for pedestrians and increased connections with surrounding streets. Businesses on O’Connell Street now have more potential to move outside for events or dining, making the street an attractive destination as opposed to the vehicular bypass it once was.

Simple paving and a high-quality finish give the street an uncluttered feeling, leaving the built heritage and street-life to be the main attraction. A series of text inscriptions on large stone seating elements communicate the history of the street.

Project team    

• Michael Hawes
• Stuart Houghton
• Alex Smith
• Kieran Dove

Worked with:

• JAWA Structures
• TPC
• LDP
• RDT Pacific
• Clough Associates
• Hawkins