Before its revitalisation, Federal Street suffered from the perception of being a series of unrelated blocks with a lack of through-block connectivity. However, the design team recognised that there existed the foundation for unlocking a great street with a fine-grained pedestrian route.
The design team addressed a number of issues. These included the lack of an identifiable and enjoyable walking route, physical barriers to pedestrian movement, sporadic ground floor activation, lack of space for outdoor activity, and an inability to support night-time activity in Federal Street alone. The possibilities for the transformation of Sky Tower Plaza were of equal if not greater significance.
Some of the key design moves included removing the raised planters and benches which has dramatically increased the ease and visual legibility of pedestrian movement between Victoria Street and the plaza. The removal of the existing substantial footpath canopy has opened up the plaza and strengthened its spatial relationship with Victoria Street, assisted in ‘decluttering’ the plaza, and increased awareness of Sky Tower when viewed from ground level.
The Sky Tower Plaza frontage with Victoria Street was dominated by the substantial footpath shelter structure and raised planters and benches. These items collectively blocked views into the plaza and upwards to Sky Tower, formed barriers to pedestrian movement from Victoria Street into the plaza, and generally created a poor quality first impression.
The design was careful to consider the inclusion of trees where possible as an important addition to the amenity and ecology in the city. As much of the Sky Tower Plaza is over a podium roof structure, the designers wanted to avoid the need for raised planters, placement of trees required careful coordination with underground structures as well as servicing and event requirements. A green wall treatment has been installed to the structural columns and structural beam of the west side building façade to increase planting in Federal Street.
The project has transformed the street into a public space, supporting high quality eateries and entertainment as well as a place for visitors and the community to gather; supporting the Auckland Council’s vision of Auckland becoming the world’s most liveable city.
