Symphony Site & Bledisloe House developments

2020 - 2028

City Centre
In Progress

Two complementary developments for your City Centre.

Learn about our role in these projects below.

A major city centre development is planned for these two sites that will transform Auckland’s vibrant midtown and arts precinct, showcasing the continuing investment of Auckland Council and the private sector in the city centre.

OTOH The Symphony Centre Int Lobby Final01

OTOH The Symphony Centre Ext Wellesley Queen Final01

Aotea Central Concept Design Render 2 CR

OTOH The Symphony Centre Ext Mayoral Drive South Dusk Final01a

OTOH The Symphony Centre Ext Laneway Final01

Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB) has agreed with Auckland Council to develop the corner of Wellesley Street and Mayoral Drive in Auckland to capitalise on what will be New Zealand’s busiest public transport station at Te Waihorotiu Station.

MRCB will also oversee the ground floor commercial development and "upcycle" of nearby Bledisloe House. The upgrade of Bledisloe House will deliver premium commercial space above a vibrant and premium dining and hospitality offering.

Having both projects as part of the same development means they will also oversee the improvement work on an adjacent laneway.

The adjacent laneway will further add to the improvement of the connecting area.

Before and After - The Laneway

Drag the toggle left and right to compare

In the above slider comparison image, the 'before' photo is the area as at January 2024, while the 'after' render is an artist's impression of what the laneway will look like upon completion.

Former Bledisloe carpark frequently asked questions

Ahead of Te Waihorotiu Station’s opening in 2026, we’re preparing the former Bledisloe Carpark site for transitional use, keeping it safe, functional and easy to navigate, with clear links to Aotea Square’s arts and cultural quarter, while longer-term plans progress.

Q. How does the council intend to use the site?

A. It is the site of a future development by Auckland Council's development partner Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhard (MRCB).

Until construction begins, Auckland Council will activate the site to deliver a safe and functional transitional space for the area. This will support movement through midtown, including connections to Te Waihorotiu Station and Aotea Square.

Q. When is the site due to be developed?

A. There is no confirmed timeline at this point. Auckland Council's development partner, MRCB, is prioritising the development of the adjacent Bledisloe House and the construction of a new public laneway linking Wellesley Street to Aotea Square, before the development of the transitional use site.

Q. When will the site become available again for public use?

A. We expect the site to be open to the public in the second half of 2026.

Q. What will the site look like?

A. We are planning for the space to be functional and open, with a focus on safe connection to Te Waihorotiu Station and Aotea Square.

Installations will be cost-effective and adaptable. Where possible, we will repurpose existing elements such as fencing and street furniture.

Q. Will there still be access to Aotea Square?

A. Access to Aotea Square from Wellesley Street will remain via Bledisloe Lane and from Mayoral Drive down Myers Street. Once the transitional site is open, there will be access from Te Waihorotiu station entrance on Wellesley Street.

Clear wayfinding and signage will be in place to help people heading to Aotea Square.

Q. Will there be events or activation on the site?

A. We're exploring temporary activations such as planters, lighting, and art to help make the space feel welcoming and safe. Any events will be planned in partnership with Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and aligned with the wider Aotea Arts Quarter programme.

Q. Why not use the site as a car park?

A. The long-term vision for midtown is a vibrant, people-focused destination. Any transitional use must support safety, station access, and positive public experiences.

Q. Will the public or local businesses be engaged with about transitional use?

A. We will take an adaptive and practical approach to transitional use on the site and assess how stakeholders feel about what's going on and how they use or move around the area.

Q. Who do I contact for more information about the transitional use plans?

A. citycentre@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz