There’s already a buzz around Auckland’s new Maungawhau Station, with passengers embracing the the city’s new Auckland Rapid Transit (ART) network.
And a new placemaking initiative is building on that excitement.
Make Space, delivered by Auckland Council’s Auckland Urban Development Office (AUDO), is transforming the future development sites around Maungawhau Station into a vibrant destination for locals, commuters and visitors.
The creative team who brought Silo Park to life are now uplifting the Maungawhau Station precinct, with Make Space.
The first phase of Make Space includes a new weekly Sunday market, interactive public art and skate lessons for kids. As we head towards summer, expect to see a new bike hub, and a park and picnic area to relax on, creating more welcoming places for people to meet, play, relax and connect.
Little ones can enjoy a skateboarding lesson or two right next to Maungawhau station.
AUDO Manager of Placemaking Frith Walker says Make Space offers people a reason to linger and explore after arriving at the station, whether you’re a regular user of the station or simply looking for interesting family friendly activities to enjoy.
“Step off the train at Maungawhau Station and discover Make Space, a place where you can connect, have fun with the family and enjoy everything from public art activations to markets and community workshops.”
“Activating these sites around the station prior to future development ensures they contribute positively to the area and create a vibrant, safe and welcoming place for its communities. This transitional use activation programme is how we help look after and guide a space that still has a lot of development to come,” says Walker.
The first art attraction to arrive to Make Space is the much-loved, award-winning Rainbow Machine, an interactive artwork that allows visitors to create rainbows by directing the machine towards the sunlight.
Have you tried the Rainbow Machine, right by Maungawhau Station?
Councillor Julie Fairey says the placemaking programme will help guide the precinct’s transition into a thriving community.
“Maungawhau has already become my favourite train station, and one of my kids helped me try out the Rainbow Machine at the CRL Opening Day.
“A weekly market and more fun activities take the station to the next level as a destination to check out. This will help the existing Uptown neighbourhood, with residents, businesses and some great hospo and retail options, who have had a tough time during construction.
“Auckland Urban Development Office is working with potential partners on the long-term development around the station, making sure it is carefully planned and delivered to enhance and connect with Uptown.
“Activations like this help us to see the shape of an exciting future for Maungawhau. They are important opportunities for longtime locals, new residents and visitors to mix and become a strong community,” she says.
Discover Maungawhau Market
Photo credit: Emily Wicker.
Every Sunday (weather amenable), Maungawhau Market will bring together local food producers, makers, artists and entertainers in a lively weekly market experience.
Located immediately outside Maungawhau Station, the market offers an easy, sustainable day out with trains stopping at its doorstep.
Photo credit: Emily Wicker.
The Maungawhau Market is delivered in partnership with The Village Square Trust. Make Space is made possible by Auckland Council and delivered through AUDO’s Placemaking Programme in partnership with local placemaking specialists Fresh Concept.
Whether you're travelling by train, meeting friends, shopping for local produce or simply looking for somewhere new to explore, Make Space is set to become a vibrant new community gathering place for Aucklanders.