“Everyday tens of thousands of Aucklanders will use these stations. They will drive urban renewal including new housing, commercial activity, and cultural expression. They will also be beautiful public spaces that make Aucklanders proud to use public transport.”
Transport Minister Michael Wood and Auckland Mayor, Phil Goff
Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland’s City Rail Link (CRL) is the largest transport infrastructure project ever undertaken in New Zealand. Upon completion it will double the capacity of the city’s rail network and be a powerful expression of the cultural narratives gifted by Mana Whenua (local tribal authority).
CRL is also the country’s first completely underground railway line. The project comprises a 3.45km twin-tunnel underground rail link up to 42 metres below Auckland’s city centre, the transformation of the Britomart Transport Centre into a two-way through-station, the construction of two new underground stations, and a new interchange station.
With Auckland’s population expected to double by 2050 to 2.3 million, the new rail link will help shape the city’s future by creating a modern rapid transit system to support projected economic and population growth.
Auckland’s entire rail network is expected to carry between 20 and 25 million passengers per annum and the City Rail Link will dramatically reduce journey times within the city centre.
With construction underway and expected completion in late 2025, Grimshaw has worked with WSP as part of Link Alliance to design three stations - Maungawhau, Karanga-a-Hape and → Te Waihorotiu.
The systemwide design strategy for the stations reflects Te Ao Marama, the Māori creation narrative, and each station also has its own unique identity through
The station names and designs are a unique expression of a cultural narrative for the people and the city, one that hasn’t been seen anywhere else in the world.
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Auckland's City Rail Link received international recognition by being the first ever New Zealand project to receive the WAFX 'Cultural Identity' Prize at the 2019 World Architecture Festival.
Client
Link Alliance City Rail Link Ltd
Status
Construction
Year
2024
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