Downtown revamp signals City Rail Link milestone

Sunday, 8 February 2026

The first of the major revamps to areas surrounding three City Rail Link stations is complete.

The Waitematā Station Plaza and its eastern “glasshouse” entrance are now open for the public in downtown Auckland.

But this is only the “above-ground renewal” part of the project, the Auckland Council said in a statement. The actual station underground is still closed and the first commuter CRL trains are yet to run.

The Karanga-a-Hape Station precinct revamp is scheduled to be finished this month followed by Te Waihorotiu Station precinct later in the year.

Councillor Richard Hills, who chairs the council’s policy, planning and development committee, said completion of the new glasshouse entrance was “fantastic”.

“This area is functional and stunning, in equal proportion. I’m proud to see it finished, ahead of the historic moment later in the year when CRL is up and running,” he said.

Simon Oddie, the council’s city centre priority location director, said station neighbourhoods were critical to unlocking the full value of the City Rail Link.

The CRL was much more than a transport project, he said.

The council had worked for more than 10 years alongside City Rail Link Ltd, Auckland Transport and the private sector to ensure the stations’ surrounding streets and spaces were enhanced and ready for the influx of people expected to arrive when the CRL network opens later in 2026.

“It’s a city-shaping investment. Station neighbourhoods are where its benefits are truly realised – places that connect people seamlessly to jobs, learning, culture and daily life, while supporting a more walkable, resilient and low-carbon city centre.

“Over the past decade, we’ve delivered a co-ordinated programme of upgrades to prepare the city centre for thousands more people arriving by train, bus, ferry, foot and bike.

“CRL accelerates that shift … By designing the stations and their surrounding streets together, we’re creating places that work harder for Auckland.”

The approach reflected the role cities played at a global scale, he said, citing the work of a US urban economist.

“As Edward Glaeser says, ‘Cities are humanity’s greatest invention.’ To unlock that potential, cities need to be well planned and operate efficiently.

“These station neighbourhoods are about doing exactly that – using major transport investment to shape better urban outcomes above ground, not just below it.”

The Waitematā station precinct would become a highly efficient transport hub, Oddie said.

“It’s a greener and more attractive place to spend time in now. We have trees for shade and other environmental benefits, better lighting, public art, and spaces that reflect the identity of Tāmaki Makaurau.

“Our partnerships with mana whenua are central to this work.

“These environments tell a story about place, culture and connection, and we’re proud of what that represents for Auckland’s future.”