Symphony Site & Bledisloe House developments

Te Waihorotiu Station will open along with the rest of the City Rail Link (CRL) network on Sunday 13 September 2026. The neighbouring site at the former Bledisloe Carpark has been prepared for transitional use, keeping it safe, functional and easy to navigate, with clear links to Aotea Square, 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 on the transitional use site.

Q. What is transitional use?

A. Transitional use is the temporary use of land or buildings before long-term development takes place. It focuses on activating a site in a way that responds to local needs, enhances the surrounding area, and supports positive community outcomes.

At the former Bledisloe Carpark site, transitional use has been designed to contribute positively to the city centre and support a welcoming experience for people arriving, departing, and moving through the Te Waihorotiu Station neighbourhood. It will also help strengthen connections to key destinations and improve the overall experience of the area while future development plans are progressed.

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

A. Yes. Activations have already started, including an art projection trial on the station wall delivered with Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU). We are also testing small scale play, performance and community activities that help make the space welcoming, safe and vibrant.

These activations will align with the wider Aotea Arts Quarter programme, led by TAU, and connect with events and cultural programmes in Aotea Square and the surrounding precinct, such as Matariki, Diwali and Christmas in Aotea Square.

We'll use what we learn to inform future programming and activation opportunities from 2027.

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 .