Auckland's High St will be transformed into a pedestrian-friendly zone by the end of 2022, the city's council has announced.
But what the street will look like in the end is still up in the air.
On Friday, Auckland Mayor Phil Goff and Auckland Council planning committee chair Councillor Chris Darby revealed trials of the pedestrianisation of High St will begin in October, in cooperation with local businesses and residents.
The trials will be "iterative" and based on a "co-design" model. Feedback from those affected will be considered "enabling the council to test and refine the changes to the street to ensure the best possible final design".
They will run for seven months at the northern end of the street and progress up the street over time.
The proposed 2022 completion date would be three years earlier than originally thought, if the project was approved by the finance and performance committee in August.
An indicative image of the upgraded street shows some cars may still be allowed, but the focus will be on the people.
"We want to return streets to Aucklanders and create a thriving commercial and cultural area for residents, workers, students and visitors to enjoy, not simply a parking lot," Goff said.
Currently there are 14 pedestrians for every one person in a vehicle on High St.
"Upgrading High Street makes sense - large numbers of pedestrians are squeezed onto narrow footpaths by relatively few cars, reducing enjoyment, safety and air quality."
The changes would also help those with disabilities and ensuring accessibility for emergency services and service vehicles.
Newshub.
