Mills Lane and Swanson Street Improvements

About the project

We’re working on improvements to Swanson Street and Mills Lane, which sit to the west of the Waihorotiu Queen Street Valley and both play an important role in our city centre. Swanson Street provides a key walking route through the city for thousands of people each day and the laneway provide essential loading and servicing functions.   

We are making improvements to enable easier and safer access for pedestrians and to provide more ease for loading and servicing activities.   

The project is guided by the City Centre Masterplan which seeks to create a better-connected, safer and more accessible city centre, with improved spaces and streets.

Engagement process

Thank you to everyone who contributed their thoughts and feedback during previous public engagements. 

We have reviewed the feedback and are working with technical specialists to refine the design which is expected to propose: 

• Improved pedestrian priority at the intersection of Mills Lane and Swanson Street 
• A lower speed
• A more accessible crossing point from Mills Lane to the Exchange Lane staircase
• Wider footpaths
• Loading and servicing improvements
• Improved lighting level 

Partnering with mana whenua

Our mana whenua partners for the project are Ngāti Maru and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. We’re exploring collaborative design opportunities such as patterned surfaces and/or installation of a light projection that celebrates the area’s heritage. 

What happens next?

We’re working to finalise the design and will keep you updated as the project moves forward.