Maungawhau Station development site
Progress update
Kia ora community member
Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, and City Rail Link Ltd are continuing to work together to maximise opportunities for the development sites that have been enabled by the City Rail Link (CRL) project – both for the short, medium and long term.
We are in touch today to provide an update on this work.
Since our last update in August, we’ve continued to work with Uptown Business Association and other key stakeholders to progress plans to ensure the site is welcoming, safe, and has a quality sense of place before the CRL station opens.
The sponsors of the CRL project have also recently confirmed the CRL, including Maungawhau Station, will open in the second half of 2026 (no further information about a specific opening date is available at this stage)
Interim physical works
With permanent development of the site several years away, the Council Group is planning to support interim activation on parts of the development sites
In the first half of 2026, before the station opens, we are working towards having some parts of the site asphalted, some planted with grass and shrubs, and some of the larger areas to remain fenced off for now
In the new year, a more detailed site plan of these interim physical works will be available.
Interim activation plans
An interim site activation strategy, to be in place in time for the opening of the CRL, is being developed to create a welcoming, vibrant and functional environment for transport users and the local community. A wayfinding strategy is also being developed alongside this work.
As the timing of future development is uncertain, the interim activations must be robust enough to last several years while also being flexible enough to be removed/relocated as and when permanent development progresses. As they will be temporary, activations must also be cost-effective
In September this year, we undertook a range of engagements with the local community to understand what you’d like to see in the spaces. There was strong support for the activation of the sites. Feedback placed the highest value on initiatives that enhance safety and create vibrant, appealing public spaces. Key themes that have emerged from this engagement include:
• A desire for green spaces and areas for public recreation.
• An interest in community and cultural events – including markets
• The importance of safety and amenities.
• A desire to reflect the area's unique identity
• Initiatives that complement and draw people to the Uptown area.
Long-term development
Auckland Council has continued work on a strategy to release the development sites to the market, with a focus on flexibility and quality for this large-scale development. While marketing of the site is expected to commence next year, the scale of the development is such that a developer will likely take several years to design and build. Auckland Council will be in touch with the community as this process moves forward next year.
Auckland Transport has also progressed initial work investigating futureproofing the transport network in the area. This may enable some buses to come in closer to the train station from existing routes on Mt Eden Rd and New North Rd, to reduce walking distance for train-bus transfers. These options require significant funding commitments and, even if progressed further, will not be available for CRL opening. Auckland Transport has already confirmed that most vehicles (e.g. private vehicles, Ubers, emergency services, etc) will be able to drive into the station forecourt area for pick-up/drop-off from day one of CRL opening.
Next steps
The Council Group is now working through funding and delivery options for both the interim physical works, and the interim activations. More detailed information, including a site plan of what is proposed, will be available in the new year.
If you wish to sign-up for updates, please visit https://tinyurl.com/maungawhau-signup or use the QR code.
Thank you from the Maungawhau development site Council Group team We wish you a lovely festive season ahead, and look forward to seeing you in the new year.
