As this is quite a large project and has taken place over a long period of time I have decided to devote a thread to the upgrade.

I am sure the first thing that comes to mind was all the chaos and narrow corridors provided to pedestrians as the upgrade progressed. Most of lower and Mid queen Street is now complete and they are working on Upper Queen street at the moment.

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90430245.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90430247.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90430250.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90430249.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90430246.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90430256.jpg


I am sure most people were pleased to see the end of this seating

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90430253.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90430254.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90430255.jpg


The original paving

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90430244.jpg

Here you can see where the old and new paving meet in Wyndham Street

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90430688.jpg


A few before and afters

Before
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90427450.jpg

During
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90430251.jpg

After
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90427456.jpg

Before
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90427448.jpg

After
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90427455.jpg

Before
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90427449.jpg

After
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90427466.jpg

Before
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90427451.jpg

After
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90427457.jpg

Before
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90427453.jpg

After
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90427460.jpg

Before
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90430242.jpg

After
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90430248.jpg

Before
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90427454.jpg

After
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90427459.jpg

Before
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90427463.jpg

After
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90427461.jpg

Before
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90427465.jpg

After
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90427462.jpg

Thanks so much for an excellent summation Mr KF! I agree that the new paving does look more "flash" than the old, but still comment on the unfortunate tendancy of the paving to stain. Here's hoping once the work is done that they will properly blast the paving and then coat with a stain resistant finish, or at least seal the porous stone.

The new seating is a vast improvement over the old, however.

I really appreciate the effort you put into this. Wonderful photos of the progression of the upgrade. Great to see all the work going on and the transformation at the end. Pat on the back Mr KF :D.

^^Thanks Svarty. :cheers: I have quite a few more images to add which I will do when they become available. I have been trawling through 56000 images on my HD to find those related to Queen street. :)

I really appreciate the effort you put into this. Wonderful photos of the progression of the upgrade. Great to see all the work going on and the transformation at the end. Pat on the back Mr KF :D.

Thank you MA! Its easy to forget what it used to look like when you walk through the city everyday, but these pictures bring back to mind just how bad it really looked in comparison to now! :)

^^Thanks Svarty. :cheers: I have quite a few more images to add which I will do when they become available. I have been trawling through 56000 images on my HD to find those related to Queen street. :)

You're definitely a prolific photographer! I only wish I could visit areas of Auckland that merit photography more often! ;)

I think the biggest upgrades to Queen Street aren't necessarily to do with the paving itself, but more to do with the upgrading of the lanes off the main drag itself and the installation of the extra pedestrian crossings. The surrounds of the trees (with the drainage channels) are of such a vast improvement it is hard to imagine life without them. Even the replacement of the fire hydrant covers was a vast improvement.

I also think the new lights and traffic lights are the bees knees. People often seem to overlook these things when talking about the upgrades to Queen Street. It is the little details that make this upgrade worthwhile.

A hell of a lot has gone on apart from the paving. The paving is probably the most obvious. Probably IMO the most useful has been the introduction of new traffic light controlled pedestrian crossings at a few new points

1. Durham lane
2. Strand Arcade
3. Myers park

and possibly a few more.

This is the Strand Arcade crossing (closest to Strand Arcade)

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90431294.jpg


Other changes that have been great are the widening of pavements in general - especially around Whitcoulls corner. (which I will cover later with images).

Also the entire corners of the streets have been made flat to allow easy access for wheelchairs and lazy people who don't like lifting their feet.:)

What I personally don't like the little yellow dots (seen above in the picture) - I find them extremely slippery when wet!

Some more of the "behind the scenes" work.

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90431572.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90431574.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90431576.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90431578.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90431580.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90431582.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90431583.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90431585.jpg

What I personally don't like the little yellow dots (seen above in the picture) - I find them extremely slippery when wet!

I've commented about that too (in the PT section in fact when talking about train stations). Those little plastic raised "bumps" are VERY slippery when wet and can actually come out of the ground too.

In the UK our raised paving was quite literally a moulded concrete block. Now I know these aren't as attractive as proper stone paving, but they were hellishly more practical!

And now we need 2 of those lanes given over to bus lanes with 2 lanes left for general traffic.

Bugger, I don't think this will happen any more - B.A.N.K.S.

^^ Agreed. The Queen Street bus lanes have gone very quiet at the moment? Can anyone post some information about the progress in the PT thread?

I think the biggest upgrades to Queen Street aren't necessarily to do with the paving itself, but more to do with the upgrading of the lanes off the main drag itself and the installation of the extra pedestrian crossings.

I think the biggest upgrade will be when they get rid of all the cheap tacky stores and fast food outlets that litter Queen Street and start replacing them with some classier stores like you see on Lambton Quay in Wellington.

I think the biggest upgrade will be when they get rid of all the cheap tacky stores and fast food outlets that litter Queen Street and start replacing them with some classier stores like you see on Lambton Quay in Wellington.

They have started refurbishing some shops and a couple of really classy shops have moved in or plan to move in BUT it will never be Lambton Quay ... Wellingtonian's mind-set is very, very different to that of Aucklanders (which I find to be more "rough around the edges") and that is reflected in Queen Street :lol:

I think the biggest upgrade will be when they get rid of all the cheap tacky stores and fast food outlets that litter Queen Street and start replacing them with some classier stores like you see on Lambton Quay in Wellington.

Most of the "cheap and tacky" are being moved along, mainly due to high rents along Queen Street. The two dollar shop and the Asian food court have been moved and are (possibly) being replaced by Gucci. Gentrification is slowly taking place. Don't forget, there was a period not too long ago that CBD foot traffic hit an all time low (from what I was reading anyway) and so the quality of QS did plummet. It's undergoing a renaissance now and that process takes time.

As for fast food - where else would they go? I'm sorry but most "main streets" in the world have a few fast food outlets down them. As much as I hate the concept, I think they're there to stay. True the Champs-Élysées and the Kurfürstendamm (Ku'damm) don't have the prolific fast food, but these are upmarket shopping streets. In Auckland, the upmarket area centres mainly around High Street, and this area is getting better all the time!

Most of the "cheap and tacky" are being moved along, mainly due to high rents along Queen Street. The two dollar shop and the Asian food court have been moved and are (possibly) being replaced by Gucci. Gentrification is slowly taking place. Don't forget, there was a period not too long ago that CBD foot traffic hit an all time low (from what I was reading anyway) and so the quality of QS did plummet. It's undergoing a renaissance now and that process takes time.

As for fast food - where else would they go? I'm sorry but most "main streets" in the world have a few fast food outlets down them. As much as I hate the concept, I think they're there to stay. True the Champs-Élysées and the Kurfürstendamm (Ku'damm) don't have the prolific fast food, but these are upmarket shopping streets. In Auckland, the upmarket area centres mainly around High Street, and this area is getting better all the time!

I couldn't have said it better, Queen Street is also catering for the large Asian community (which is bigger than Wellington's - me thinks). Lambton Quay has a completely different feel and I just love it.

As for fast food - where else would they go? I'm sorry but most "main streets" in the world have a few fast food outlets down them. As much as I hate the concept, I think they're there to stay.

disagree - would love to see Queen St modeled on Michigan Ave in Chicago - you'd be hard pressed to get a burger anywhere on that truly magnificent mile.

it's been a few years since i was last on Queen St but looking at the photos it's nice to see a few before and afters of the upgrade.

One thing that has been mentioned a few times in different places that i would love to see happen is the removal of all the canopies. an unusual feature of our main street - i would wager you would be hard-pressed to find a similar main thoroughfare in any other global city that blinded it's residents to the architecture and views around it in such a way.

disagree - would love to see Queen St modeled on Michigan Ave in Chicago - you'd be hard pressed to get a burger anywhere on that truly magnificent mile.

it's been a few years since i was last on Queen St but looking at the photos it's nice to see a few before and afters of the upgrade.

One thing that has been mentioned a few times in different places that i would love to see happen is the removal of all the canopies. an unusual feature of our main street - i would wager you would be hard-pressed to find a similar main thoroughfare in any other global city that blinded it's residents to the architecture and views around it in such a way.

Mmhm, but like I said - the upmarket shopping district in Auckland isn't the main drag. You'll be hard pressed to find a fast food outlet on high street too where the higher class shopping does exist.

The canopy thing exists throughout Australia too. Sydney and Melbourne arguably more "global cities" than Auckland both still have canopies from their shops. I agree it's odd and I don't like them, however, it seems Aucklanders as a whole are largely in favour of them as they don't like being exposed to the elements. ;)

Les Champs-Élysées has a "local" fast-food store halfway down called Quick. A shame really, it sort of looks incongruous with the rest of the street.

Les Champs-Élysées has a "local" fast-food store halfway down called Quick. A shame really, it sort of looks incongruous with the rest of the street.

It also has a large Hagen Datz ice cream place near the Arc de Triomphe. But they don't stand out quite as much as the Queen Street ones - nor are they as plentiful in number in such a short space - which is why others are complaining about them being there I think.

It doesn't really bother me. Most town centres in Britain had fast food and I just had to learn to turn a blind eye to them. Even in relatively unspoilt cities like Genevé there were McDonnalds poking their ugly street frontage in the most stupid locations ever thought possible.

Wherever they can get another buck I suppose, unfortunately.

Thanks for the pics Mr KF. A great improvement to Queen St. I like the nikau palms: gives it a bit of a tropical look while still being very kiwi. :)

Queen St & Lambton Quay comparison: my 2 cents worth

The quality of Lambton Quay is driven by the rent rather than planning. The west side of Lambton has the highest retail rents in the country (and the highest pedestrian count) and the cheap tack just can't afford it.

As for fast food, sure there's less on Lambton but it's still there. Both McDs and BK (and Starbucks and Gloria Jeans which I put in the same category - I loathe them all).

Just wait for those Queen St rents to go up ...

^^ Does anyone agree with me that the old red chip looked "Dowdy"??.:down:

Does anyone agree that the new paving looks "great"??:D

Does anyone agree that the mix of both the old red chip and new paving...dosn't look quite right.??

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90427459.jpg
^^^^

i.e It's the wrong contrast to have.?Kinda like saying...."well we were looking for a different shade or type of brick as a contrast feature........but then time ran out, and we thought "fuck it"........let's just bang back down some of the old red chip paving and save everyone some time.:nuts::weird:

That's why I think they should encourage wayyyy more of a café-scene around the side streets. It would basically hide the red-chip and create far more of a lively atmosphere. No doubt, that probably won't happen because some selfish pedestrian will run off complaining about the 4 whole metres through which they now have to walk as opposed to 5.

As for the main drag, it's there now. It's not tooooo bad.

^^ I agree my friend!....Perhaps take out the vehicle access all-together...or limit some sections of Queen St??....

Let "the people,be people":)

With regards to the tacky shops a number of pivotal developments are taking place in lower Queen street that will set the ball rolling in the right direction and create a further ripple effect

They are in no particular order

Not sure what number Queen street this is, but it is to the right of queen street arcade

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90473491.jpg


BNZ

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90473493.jpg


21 Queen street

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90473501.jpg



In addition to this is the new clean Swanson upgrade, making Queen street pleasantly accessible to the high end apartment occupiers from the Stamford

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90474669.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90474671.jpg

I think the biggest upgrade will be when they get rid of all the cheap tacky stores and fast food outlets that litter Queen Street and start replacing them with some classier stores like you see on Lambton Quay in Wellington.

Doesnt Queen Street have to compete with Newmarket? I thought Newmarket was trying to promote itself as the 'new downtown'. Either way even though they are only a stones throw away from each other Queen Street is still the public face of the city. For instance Id wager for every 10 tourists on QS there'll only be one in Newmarket. Im sure the city could easily support both as being major retail centres.

Having people living downtown is the answer. Can we follow Vancouvers lead please. I love the feel of the city centre (squint your eyes at times and you could be in Taipei or KL). One thing that seems to come with an area with high Asian pop is some tacky shops, miss that food court if it has gone, had some good cheap dinners there!- Im sure done correctly they could be blended in. For instance George St Sydney (southern end leading onto Chinatown) is a real mess and really out of place. In the space of a block you go from clean fresh and modern to what is basically a garish rubbish strewn dump.

Back to Auckland, I think downtown has had its bad days and it does all looks good from here. Its obvious that too many people care about it- and that bodes well. And although Im grumpy at Sky City at the mo I think they can be thanked for getting things rolling initially.

I wanted to add further that with the Elliot coming on line in 5 yrs time, as well as the smaller players like The Barclay, Saffron, and possibly a resurrected Stanley and Antipodean, there will be plenty more people living in the city very close to Queen Street.

Obviously with the refurbs and BNZ building, rents are going to increase and attract higher end shops. Coupled with that the potential new market of high earners then living in Stamford and Elliot not wishing to drive to Newmarket.

I hope that New World wakes up and places a New World Metro in the retail section of the Elliot, in a similar vein to the one on Lambton Quay in Wellington. The CBD needs a central 'upper market' supermarket that could cater for all the new residents of the afore mentioned buildings as well as office workers and tourists. Economics dictates that with the demand the supply will follow and this is definitely a very exciting time coming up for Queen street over the next decade! :banana:

Having people living downtown is the answer. Can we follow Vancouvers lead please. I love the feel of the city centre (squint your eyes at times and you could be in Taipei or KL)..

Yeah...VANCOUVER!! :drool::drool::drool:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1264/1394319317_91e5301792_b.jpg
http://l.yimg.com/www.flickr.com/images/spaceball.gif
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/175/434741191_8155bc1e9f_b.jpg

Yeah...VANCOUVER!! :drool::drool::drool:

Are you sure you'd like to emulate Vancouver? If you're talking about a city with a whole district overrun with the homeless and heroin addicts then that is a city to model yourself on. Now don't get me wrong, Vancouver is meant to be lovely (my Mothers best friend in England is looking at moving out there with his family).

Why can't Auckland simply be Auckland without having to look abroad for examples?

^^ I dont know much about Vancouver-apart from the fact that it is really beautiful and there are lots of homeless people and druggies in the Downtown area...
I just like what I have seen in the pictures....Theres nothing else to it
I never said that Auckland should look up to Vancouver...
just wanted to post some pictures of how dense the skyline is! especially with apt. buildings and was just supporting the statement by Milan Luka that having more people in the Downtown makes it more interesting! :):):)

^^My reason for using Vancouver as something to aspire to was that there's a high population living in the city centre. And done properly downtown Auckland could easily accommodate an extra 10000. Also has a huge proportion of Asians. Thankfully we dont have anything that comes close to Gastown!

And trying no to get too off topic but an aside I believe there PT is pretty damned good to.

I will agree with you both wholeheartedly about one thing - denser cities = more fun cities. It is the thing I miss most about Europe and so to aspire to density in the CBD is a very noble goal and one that I would support wholeheartedly. Auckland has a lot of potential in this area and thankfully more and more people are coming around to the idea of apartment living. The CBD has shoved up apartment after apartment and so you never know - it might happen someday that we have a continuous built up section stretching from the CBD to Newmarket.

As for Vancouver's PT - it's okay for its size from what I've seen of my infrastructure browsing. In contrast, I would invite you to look at a few similar sized European and Asian cities to compare - Munich, Lyon, Lille, Bilbao, Sapporo (all of which are about 500,000 smaller than Vancouver). The Vancouver skytrain is good, but it was underplanned with too small platforms, too small trains and slower loading times than anticipated and even the new Canada Line will be plagued with the same problems despite the high frequency associated with the service. Outside of the Skytrain, PT is average. (These opinions are based upon my own reading and feedback from my Mothers friends who are trying to move out there).

In addition to this is the new clean Swanson upgrade, making Queen street pleasantly accessible to the high end apartment occupiers from the Stamford

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90474669.jpg




What happens when it rains? because I can see lots and lots of water running down there in a downpour........would make things interesting.

:nuts::nuts: Auckland Venice perhaps.

^^ Pretty much the same as what happened with the old Swanson - just keep putting one foot in front of the other. The paving stones they are using now are porous and are not slippery at all - probably less slippery than what was there before. Only those horrid little yellow circles at the intersections are slippery.

Old Swanson!

http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33863116/file.jpg

The new Swanson has like the old an option of stairs as well for those not willing to battle the elements.

http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33863119/file.jpg

These are the yellow dots I am referring to!

http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33863164/file.jpg

Great thread kf :)
Loving Queen St's new look. And yes- good times are ahead for the street and the CBD in general.

Thanks Flyin and Kegan! :cheers:

A few before and afters of Whitcoulls. For me this has been a great improvement with the widening of the pavement to great degree on the queen Street and Victoria Street sides.

Before
http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33857469/file.jpg

After
http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33857495/file.jpg

Before
http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33857508/file.jpg

After
http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33857482/file.jpg

Before
http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33857646/file.jpg

After
http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33857645/file.jpg

New Trees planted on Queen Street Side.

http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33857487/file.jpg

I agree with you, the lowered paving makes a huge difference. I don't see many disabled people on the streets though despite all accessability upgrades.

New pedestrian crossing Upper Queen Street opposite Myers Park

http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33863418/file.jpg

http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33863419/file.jpg

Work been done mainly on LHS as you ascend Queen Street

http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33863420/file.jpg


... and a little being carried out at the top near the Columbus Coffee Bar,

http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33863428/file.jpg

http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33863432/file.jpg

Should all be finished by June 08

http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33863424/file.jpg

Great photos as usual of the progression. Great to see, but those corrugated-ironish things above the Asian food places have gotta go. We can do much better than that.

Speaking of up-market, the building where Louis Vuitton & Prada will be has just been unveiled and it is GORGEOUS !!! Mr KF got some pics ... now there really is only 1 huge eye-sore left in Queen Street .... the building across the road from the Civic Theatre (St James) .... why don't they just build The Antipodean :bash:

Ooh, how I wish I could afford a few items from Louis Vuitton lol. But good to hear they are moving to Queen St, to glam it up a bit.

Speaking of up-market, the building where Louis Vuitton & Prada will be has just been unveiled and it is GORGEOUS !!! Mr KF got some pics ... now there really is only 1 huge eye-sore left in Queen Street .... the building across the road from the Civic Theatre (St James) .... why don't they just build The Antipodean :bash:

I thought it was Gucci not Prada, and has it been confirmed.

Are you sure you'd like to emulate Vancouver? If you're talking about a city with a whole district overrun with the homeless and heroin addicts then that is a city to model yourself on. Now don't get me wrong, Vancouver is meant to be lovely (my Mothers best friend in England is looking at moving out there with his family).

Why can't Auckland simply be Auckland without having to look abroad for examples?

To be fair to Vancouver, its homeless/drug problem stems largely from the fact that its the warmest part of Canada. The majority of homeless just move there from the rest of the country. The drug problem also stems from it being a major port with the US just south. That said i love the fact that they care for view channels (Cough cough Scene aparts), have plenty of pubic space and art and a waterfront that is, er, accessable. Novel thought that one. That said my girlfriend is from Vancouver and she likes it more in AK - partly due to the more authentic culture - i.e. not over run with American franchises, and the better day trips had in AK. Thou don't get her started on treatment of pedestrians here....

To be fair to Vancouver, its homeless/drug problem stems largely from the fact that its the warmest part of Canada. The majority of homeless just move there from the rest of the country. The drug problem also stems from it being a major port with the US just south. That said i love the fact that they care for view channels (Cough cough Scene aparts), have plenty of pubic space and art and a waterfront that is, er, accessable. Novel thought that one. That said my girlfriend is from Vancouver and she likes it more in AK - partly due to the more authentic culture - i.e. not over run with American franchises, and the better day trips had in AK. Thou don't get her started on treatment of pedestrians here....

Warmest part of Canada? Man, that's not saying much. Hehe :nuts:

Ooh, how I wish I could afford a few items from Louis Vuitton lol. But good to hear they are moving to Queen St, to glam it up a bit.

They are already in Queen Street, directly opposite to their new home ;)

I thought it was Gucci not Prada, and has it been confirmed.

The rumour mill says that it is PRADA, LOUIS VUITTON & GUCCI ... but everything is very hush-hush. We shall have to wait and see ;)

The rumour mill says that it is PRADA, LOUIS VUITTON & GUCCI ... but everything is very hush-hush. We shall have to wait and see ;)

That'll be interesting if all three move in! Would make Queen St look very classy!

That'll be interesting if all three move in! Would make Queen St look very classy!

Oh yeah Baby, the floor space is big enough for all three .... cross fingers, willy's & toes ;)

Here are a couple of more before and afters

Before
http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33919842/file.jpg

After
http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33919874/file.jpg

Before
http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33919844/file.jpg

After
http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33919886/file.jpg

Before
http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33919843/file.jpg

After
http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33919871/file.jpg

Before
http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33919846/file.jpg

After
http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33919879/file.jpg

Before
http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33919845/file.jpg

After
http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33919884/file.jpg

Before
http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33919848/file.jpg

During (Not completed as of 19/12/07)
http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33919882/file.jpg

Before
http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33919847/file.jpg

After
http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33919883/file.jpg

Before
http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33919850/file.jpg

During
http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33861092/file.jpg

After
http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33919877/file.jpg

Before
http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33919849/file.jpg

After
http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33919881/file.jpg

Before
http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33919851/file.jpg

After
http://craigsyd.phanfare.com/show/external/520378/728730/33919885/file.jpg

FANNY-TASTIC job Baby :) now one can truly appreciate the upgrade of Queen Street ... the older version looks HIDEOUS !!

I seriously do love those new traffic lights and street lights!

(Do I sound weird for saying that?)

I seriously do love those new traffic lights and street lights!

(Do I sound weird for saying that?)

Not at all :lol: I feel the same way ;)

That'll be interesting if all three move in! Would make Queen St look very classy!

Didn't the Versace store at Chancery close. If this is true i don't think Auckland could sustain so many expensive brands especially since NZ'ers tend to be loyal to their own designers. As for the Queen Street upgrade, well it's not until you see the after pics that you really appreciate how awful it used too look - it really was an embarassment.

^^^ Yes it did but there is more money floating around now, you just have to look at the amount of luxury cars driving around, there seems to have been a sudden boom, as if they were handing sports cars out to every Tom, Dick & Harry :)

Hmm, I would disagree with you Engima, something else has come to Kiwis, not just prosperity - the notion of "keeping up with the Jonses" has finally reached this corner of the world.

This has resulted in one thing - CREDIT. People are taking more and more loans, more and more hire purchase and more and more risk. It is a phenomanon that really is sweeping the Anglophone world, especially Australia and the USA, and now seemingly New Zealand as well. The best measures of wealth are not "things" but personal wealth minus debt, and debt is something that Kiwis are accumulating pretty fast as private debt has risen significantly in recent years - hence some of the interest rate hikes to curb consumer spending.

That being said, it would be nice to have those brands on Queen Street all the same! ;)

Evil = the Plastic Fantastic. To avoid falling into such depths of financial despair, I pay in cash at every opportunity I can (should the need to spend arise..). Svarty is right in saying that NZ has a major credit problem. If there were more financial literacy and a money-savvy mindset in this country, things would be better and perhaps there would be more demand for luxury brands. That said...as the old adage goes, money don't buy happiness.

^^ Quote from Meatloaf: "You took the words right outta my mouth".....:)

"Keeping up with the Jonses" is truly alive and well in NZ but at the same time you have to earn big bucks to have the kind of credit to buy those luxury goods. There is some big money floating around Auckland .... I know some very, very wealthy people here and the numbers are growing ....

"Keeping up with the Jonses" is truly alive and well in NZ but at the same time you have to earn big bucks to have the kind of credit to buy those luxury goods. There is some big money floating around Auckland .... I know some very, very wealthy people here and the numbers are growing ....

Oh I don't for a second doubt that there are wealthy people in Auckland, not at all! You just need to look around the "old money" suburbs to see that.

But credit is handed out far too easily in this country - especially to low income earners (hence all those nasty boy racers down in South Auckland :lol:).

Oh I don't for a second doubt that there are wealthy people in Auckland, not at all! You just need to look around the "old money" suburbs to see that.

But credit is handed out far too easily in this country - especially to low income earners (hence all those nasty boy racers down in South Auckland :lol:)

:puke: those words "boy fucking racers" is banned from these forums ;) I hate those losers ....

Anyways ... does anybody know what that arcade is called down the road from The Strand Arcade ? is it Mid-city ? I want to write them a letter about that hole (the stairs to nowhere) facing onto Elliott Street ...... Elliott Street is really becoming the place to be seen and that staircase spoils everything ... it stinks of human waste and it is always filthy .... they should just brick it up.

:puke: those words "boy fucking racers" is banned from these forums ;) I hate those losers ....

Anyways ... does anybody know what that arcade is called down the road from The Strand Arcade ? is it Mid-city ? I want to write them a letter about that hole (the stairs to nowhere) facing onto Elliott Street ...... Elliott Street is really becoming the place to be seen and that staircase spoils everything ... it stinks of human waste and it is always filthy .... they should just brick it up.

I know the arcade you mean, but doesn't that lead down to a food court?

PS: I'll try not to refer to them any more. ;)

Thanks Smarty :) I will take a walk down there tomorrow and make sure that I have the correct building ... and then I will try to find out who the managing agents are.

Thanks Smarty :) I will take a walk down there tomorrow and make sure that I have the correct building ... and then I will try to find out who the managing agents are.

Write another acid penned letter, they'll doubtless fall over themselves to answer your call! :lol:

Write another acid penned letter, they'll doubtless fall over themselves to answer your call! :lol:

I intend to do just that ... one of these days they will be chasing me out of Auckland with a cattle prod :lol: ... mmmmmm ... doesn't sound too bad actually ;)

Not to go off-topic, but I have an Armani fetish...does Giorgio intend to set up (an official) shop here in Auckland?

Not to go off-topic, but I have an Armani fetish...does Giorgio intend to set up (an official) shop here in Auckland?

Not that I have heard of .... isn't Armani in Smith & Caughey ? ... I think that they are also in The Galleria ???

^^ Yeah, they've got franchises in the city already. Why compete with themselves?

(Mind you, Subway do!)

^^ Yeah, they've got franchises in the city already. Why compete with themselves?

(Mind you, Subway do!)

That's right - just checked, Giorgio Armani is represented at Smith & Caughey.

^^ Yeah, they've got franchises in the city already. Why compete with themselves?

(Mind you, Subway do!)

Just thought they might want to flex their globalisation muscle and establish a real store. Plus, the franchises usually put ridiculous mark-ups on the items...the ones I want anyway. :P :nuts::lol:

That's right - just checked, Giorgio Armani is represented at Smith & Caughey.

Funny you should mention Armani though, my signature cologne is "Acqua Di Gio" by Armani! Anyway, sorry for going off topic. :)

That's right - just checked, Giorgio Armani is represented at Smith & Caughey.

Thanky you.

I intend to do just that ... one of these days they will be chasing me out of Auckland with a cattle prod :lol: ... mmmmmm ... doesn't sound too bad actually ;)

Hey Enee!!!... why you using my pic for your avatar?? :bash: I have got just the right prod for you! :)

Hey Enee!!!... why you using my pic for your avatar?? :bash: I have got just the right prod for you! :)

Ooooh, hello DADDY :lol: I knew that you wouldn't mind ;)

One of the things I like about Asian cities (apart from being really tall for once) is the conspicuous consumption of luxury goods. I hate shopping but I do enjoy walking the malls full of Burberry, Armani, XOXO, Hugo Boss etc etc etc. Like the affluence rubs off on you. Now even though Auckland if a tiny bit smaller than Tokyo, Singapore or Hong Kong and we also get a smaller percentage of high end tourist dollars but Im sure we can do with alot more nice new stores on Queen Street. Tiffanys, Bvlgari, Hermes, Polo Ralph Lauren. Even if we can't afford it and all ring up huge credit card bills I dont mind- it should be everyones civic duty to keep these stores afloat. My family in Croatia is poor as crap but think nothing of saving their pennies to holiday in Italy and buy up big with designer gear. But then they are only doing what everyone else in the country does.

This is the building Enee was referring to earlier that will be attracting all the high end shops in Lower Queen Street.

It is the Imperial Building - which has Micheal Hill, (the golfer) as a tenant presently, and use to be home to the two dollar shop and the pretty run down Asian eating hall.

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90473491.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90569309.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90569308.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90569316.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90569317.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90635958.jpg


What it used to look like!

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90569307.jpg

For Svarty!

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90569310.jpg

One of the things I like about Asian cities (apart from being really tall for once) is the conspicuous consumption of luxury goods. I hate shopping but I do enjoy walking the malls full of Burberry, Armani, XOXO, Hugo Boss etc etc etc. Like the affluence rubs off on you. Now even though Auckland if a tiny bit smaller than Tokyo, Singapore or Hong Kong and we also get a smaller percentage of high end tourist dollars but Im sure we can do with alot more nice new stores on Queen Street. Tiffanys, Bvlgari, Hermes, Polo Ralph Lauren. Even if we can't afford it and all ring up huge credit card bills I dont mind- it should be everyones civic duty to keep these stores afloat. My family in Croatia is poor as crap but think nothing of saving their pennies to holiday in Italy and buy up big with designer gear. But then they are only doing what everyone else in the country does.

You've gotta be off your rocker! There is no way in hell that the credit card culture is sustainable and it simply results in (just as America is going the way of) creating a false economy based upon consumerism which topples like a house of cards when the going gets tough.

Also: thanks Mr KF! I got my own picture dedicated to me! :):)

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90569310.jpg

^^ My Pleasure! Yip and one more even .......:)

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90569405.jpg

I think the street needs to find a balance between luxury and full blown credit card culture, ie. high-end brands being encouraged to have a presence so as to give an air of class and sophistication. People who typically visit designer stores are a. label fanatics and consumer fetishists or b. people who hold quality in high esteem. Queen Street will need to be able to balance very carefully, the prestigious air that comes with luxury and the mass public feel of 'the people' spending time in the centre city. Having said that, aspirational brands, in the marketing sense, are there to tease (how cruel) people who may not exactly have the means to afford luxury items, which may therefore have the added bonus of enticing more people to the street.

I am pleased to note, personally, that New Zealanders do 'hold quality in high esteem', be it from an international label or a local fashion designer. In my mind, the continual shunning of bad quality will be beneficial so as to lessen the impact of places like the Warehouse who in general have bad impressions and tarnish the reputation of Queen Street and other places.

I would love to see more and more local designers doing really well and being able to set up along Queen Street, alongside international brands. If Queen Street is able to evolve as such, I will be very proud. It will have taken the lead of famous places like Les Champs-Elysées where FFF (fashion/food/finance - banks -) have made such places absolute icons.

^^ My Pleasure! Yip and one more even .......:)

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90569405.jpg

Applause must be given to Mr. Hubbard. Design quirks like that are just so coooool. It sorta 'lights up' my night! :lol::banana:

I agree, much more classy to have a light at the bottom of a traffic light than to have one underneath a car. ;)

Also with regards to your post over the page MA about the presence of quality being needed, I agree 100% and I said in my earlier post that I think we SHOULD have the stores definitely, they'll be an excellent addition to QS! :)

^^ That acronym for Queen Street that you posted : QS, itself, looks quite classy! Queen Street should brand itself with that!!

Have on the banner as you come down or up the street "QS" in really nice cursive writing and on every second banner, the New Zealand flag. :banana:

The Imperial Buildigns are looking so good now. Horray for that upgrade! And do love the blue underlighting on the streetlights :)

Have on the banner as you come down or up the street "QS" in really nice cursive writing and on every second banner, the New Zealand flag.

Yes, that is a very good idea!! The writing needs to look regal to give that vibe that 'this is the place to shop'. Also something a little more permanent perhaps like mettallic plaques on the side of stone buildings or on posts at intersections that set the boundary to 'QS'. I like it:cheers:

Yes, that is a very good idea!! The writing needs to look regal to give that vibe that 'this is the place to shop'. Also something a little more permanent perhaps like mettallic plaques on the side of stone buildings or on posts at intersections that set the boundary to 'QS'. I like it:cheers:


I'll enquire with the council! Can anyone do really good graphics work of a QS???

New 'count-down' traffic lights for pedestrians, presently cnr Queen and Victoria and Queen and Quay.

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/90797160.jpg

^^:lol: I've got my lotto numbers for this weekend now.

5 10 11 19 20 21 22 don't have an 'orange man' and 12 is 'red' all on his lonesome....that gives me a Combo 8 :okay: :lol:

^^:lol:

^^ jeez if you win off those numbers it'll be so fucken cosmic man :nuts:. Good luck and remember your friends here at ssc. :wink2:

^^lol


I do wish the Council would put the 'countdown' pedestrian crossing lights at the Queen-Wellesley St intersection- one of the busiest in the city!

And when they reach 0 does mean all bets are off, and death race Auckland is back on? :)

It appears they are not continuing this nice new gray paving beyond Mayoral Drive? I notice the plain, black asphalt outside Groovy has been replaced. So...no paving between Mayoral & K'rd, correct? That's a real shame.

^^ Is a pity. I imagine the cost of paving that part of Queen St would be LOTS though.

They should continue the paving IMO. Be good to have it going up the hill, give the entire street a makeover. Sure Upper Queen Street is a bit far from everything and painful to walk up on a humid muggy day but it's still the main link between downtown and the excellent neighbourhood of K Rd.

I guess the lower pedestrian counts mean that it didn't make the cut for stone paving on the Council's project list. At least there will still be the cool new streetlights ;)

Work on open area opposite Aotea as at 4/1/08

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/91351691.jpg

^^ I really wish that building (red one) beside that little square is demolished for a nice new tower....
All that would probably happen is a new coat of paint :(


EDIT: Does anyone know if its possible for a building of that size to be demolished in an area like Queen Street?

Thanks for the update. :):):)

I can't remember if I heard it right so don't take my word for it but the chapel next door is apparently being torn down sometime later this year. Hopefully if this is true then this building is going down as well. ironically the Chapel is quite a nice building internally while this one is absolutely dreadful inside and out (used to be the old AUT business building - full of cramped dark corridors)

Thanks for the update. :):):)

:cheers:

From Skytower

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/91352162.jpg

^^ I am not sure if it is being demolished...But the building is currenlty for Sale and there are multipe lease agreements...
The Northern Methodist Mission which occupies most of the building is moving out...I have posted a couple of articles before in which it is stated that a new 22 level office tower would be constructed and the red building would be demolished...That could be something to look forward to! :):)

However, it may take lots of time because of the lease...

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/91352428.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/91352429.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/91352430.jpg

its pretty much the whole block isnt it?

New pedestrian crossing cnr Queen and Fort Streets...

http://craigsyd.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p933884533.jpg

http://craigsyd.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p1035129123.jpg

Work recommences on unfinished section of lower Queen Street....:tongue4:

http://craigsyd.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p213771714.jpg

I'm really pleased how Queen St is looking right now. Just walked down it today, and with the sun at full bore, its just so much better than it used to be. Cheers for those pics kf :)

^^ Thanks Flyin :cheers:

Here is an update on Upper Queen street upgrade. They are now busy on both sides of the road.

http://craigsyd.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p522945654.jpg

The orange line represents the point to where the pavements will be widened to - this is the pavement running along the "China Town" building (ie LHS as you walk up Q street to K Road)

http://craigsyd.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p278986014.jpg

http://craigsyd.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p420562729.jpg

Do we know if it's going to be bluestone paving or just asphalt?

^^ As far as I know asphalt.

Hmm, I spose it makes sense from a cost-benefit point of view but still, it would have been better if bluestone was used.

I 100% agree with you Flyin'. I guess the area doesn't really get that much foot traffic in comparison, however, I reckon that if they bluestoned the lot it would encourage tourists to traipse up to the hidden gem that is K'road.

^^Indeed, considering that they have done up K'Rd quite nicely now too.

Concrete been poured for Durham Street pedestrian crossing.....

http://www.pbase.com/enigma35/image/91546861.jpg

Nice.

All of these new crossings are fantastic. Perhaps they'll also have the effect of discourage people from using Queen Street as a through route, and thus reducing traffic down the street anyway!

^^ I think there was a concerted effort to make sure the lights were out of phase to make sure cars couldn't just zip up or down Queen St.

Sometimes little things like that can make a big difference.

Yea the traffic calming measures are great! Very much needed.

New Queen Street banners.......

http://craigsyd.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p1054692217.jpg

:applause: They read these forums :)

GOOD STUFF! No more grammatically incorrect slogans! :cheers:

Those banners look much much better. Now they only have to work in our new "QS" branding written in a nice copperplate font. :)

GOOD STUFF! No more grammatically incorrect slogans! :cheers:


What did they say before?

^^ "Creating Auckland's CBD into the future"

^^ "Creating Auckland's CBD into the future"

:eek::eek::eek:

I also thought the new Auckland City logo looked awfully reminiscent of Triangle Television's when I first saw it in November... it was only after I got back to Sydney I found it had caused quite a fuss in that regard.

queen streets looks soo hott atm, wel done to all..!! loving the big new trees and those under the light pole lights hehe.! not to sure about those art pieces of the underground stream up by the imax complex, they r pretty dull but i guess the meaning behind them is ok ! is guna look even better when the bNz is up n running and the new LV store etc :)

^^Yea Queen St is so much better these days. Looking hot fo sho ;)

^^ Indeed it is looking like something I can *Smooze* my fellow TwinkieBoy's on......Look!,There's Sammy Case now! :D :runaway:

:eek::eek::eek:

I also thought the new Auckland City logo looked awfully reminiscent of Triangle Television's when I first saw it in November... it was only after I got back to Sydney I found it had caused quite a fuss in that regard.

What about this unfortunate logo?

http://www.hotcity.co.nz/images/generic/logo.gif

It looks like someone giving the finger.

^^ Indeed it is looking like something I can *Smooze* my fellow TwinkieBoy's on......Look!,There's Sammy Case now! :D :runaway:

*wolf-whistles*

What about this unfortunate logo?

http://www.hotcity.co.nz/images/generic/logo.gif

It looks like someone giving the finger.

LOL - that's dreadful.

Funny how Auckland City Council returned the word 'council' to their logo to identify themselves as such - but really, while they are the council and not a tourist organisation, their function and profile is synonymous with the city itself, so why not embrace that their image is also the image of the city as a whole?

Tourism is important to Auckland, but the word council is officious in the first place. Did Aucklanders really not recognise the old logo as that of the ACC? At least it represented sails on the harbour with Rangitoto... the new logo doesn't say shit IMHO.

News...
They are resealing the street afterall, thank goodness. The surface looks really bad atm. Will really finish things off when its done.

From the Council>>

Queen Street resealing at Easter
Upgrading the surface of Queen Street (http://s0.tx.co.nz/at/tep112n37510j153778i218821f1c3942936a4t9s4z) between Mayoral Drive and Shortland Street is scheduled to begin during the Easter long weekend. The resurfacing work will complement the Queen Street upgrade and provide a safer road surface for all users.
Queen Street will remain open to traffic with two lanes (one in each direction) available at all times. Access to the intersections at Wyndham, Victoria, Wellesley, Rutland and Wakefield streets will be disrupted for a time while work is in progress. Detours will be in place at these intersections as required. Pedestrian access to Queen Street will be maintained throughout the work.

:applause: They read these forums :)

Without a doubt. I am certain that day John Banks and the rest of the bureaucrats rush to work as fast as their fat little legs will carry them and then spend the day reading these forums, and anxiously refreshing every 5 seconds so they can see new posts as they appear! If they ever build a giant sign saying 'Welcome to Auckland, bitch' I will know they used my idea. Hooray!

Creating Auckland's CBD into the future

That slogan makes me fear for the future.


At least it represented sails on the harbour with Rangitoto... the new logo doesn't say shit IMHO.

I think perhaps the three sided triangle is meant to represent the three cities that make up Auckland - Auckland City, North Shore City and Waitakere City. Guess they're prentending that Manukau City doesn't exist.

Queen Street is a nice name, who doesn't like a queen? Queens of England, Dairy Queens, Homecoming Queens, Beauty Queens, Drag Queens, it's all on the level if yah ask me!

I think the new Auckland logo is suppsed to represent a stylised sail boat, the water down below, and also if u were trying real hard - an arrow head pointing upwards.
But to be honest, it looks alot like the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra logo.
http://www.aucklandphil.co.nz/images/logo.gif

You could quite easily make a hat out of that logo.

Its more than a bit uninspiring. I like the philharmonic one.

The latest section of the council's Queen Street upgrade, between Victoria and Customs streets, has been completed ahead of schedule. Work included widening and paving footpaths and constructing new light-controlled pedestrian crossings near Durham and Fort streets to improve pedestrian safety. Nikau palms were also planted and multifunctional street poles, new street furniture and public art have been installed. Two parts of the $43m upgrade are still under way. The upgrade between Mayoral Drive and Karangahape Road, which also has a pedestrian safety focus, is advanced, as is progress in the open space on the corner of Wakefield and Queen streets.

CityScene

Can't be much left to do now.....

Wonder when those 24/7 bus lanes are going to come along?

the resealed road is good too.! big ups :)

^^Indeed, its a much better surface now. Easy to bike on thats for sure;)

^^ saweeet.. !!

Does anyone have access to today's Weekend Herald article talking about Gucci's arrival into Queen Street, it's a good article. Unfortunately, I have no scanner to get the thing up here and looking through the Herald website has yielded nothing. In addition, Bernard Orsman, a columnist is soon to be writing a long column about the upgrade, so I'll try to find that as well. The search continues...

Ive got a scanner...but no Weekend Herald :(

Does anyone have access to today's Weekend Herald article talking about Gucci's arrival into Queen Street, it's a good article. Unfortunately, I have no scanner to get the thing up here and looking through the Herald website has yielded nothing. In addition, Bernard Orsman, a columnist is soon to be writing a long column about the upgrade, so I'll try to find that as well. The search continues...

^^I sincerley hope that the other Designer Labels are enticed into Queen Street.:yes:

Queen Street needs to be reserved STRICTLY for the Designers.Not only from an image perspective,but to cater to the many cruise ship tourists and those whom aspire to the *Funk Brigade*.......

Let it all Flowwww :cheers:

Out with all the current 'shit' and in with the NEW!. :okay:

christian dior
louis vuitton
chanel
armani
miu miu
versace
asprey
vera wang
DKNY
vivenne westwood
calvin klein
missoni
prada
dolce & gabbana
marc jacobs
stella mccartney
lacoste
mulberry
burberry
radley
jimmy choo
givenchy
ralph lauren
gucci
tods
st. john
bottega veneta
yves saint laurent
valentino
chloe
jil sander
hogan
fendi
paul smith
max mara
donna karen
hugo boss
manolo blahnik
celine
salvatore ferragamo
escada
kenzo
roberto cavalli
gianfranco ferre
tommy hilfiger
galliano
oscar de la renta
ballantyne
jean paul gaultier
longchamp
bally
alessandro dell'acqua
jitrois
alberta ferretti
etro
nicole farhi
moschino
kurt geiger
karl lagerfeld
pringle of scotland
daks
belstaff
massimo dutti
malene birger
sergio rossi

m))

what a list :):):) haha!
bring 'em on i say !
sick of these many souvenir shops, theres too many! :cheers:

we need flash..not trash !!

Does anyone have access to today's Weekend Herald article talking about Gucci's arrival into Queen Street, it's a good article. Unfortunately, I have no scanner to get the thing up here and looking through the Herald website has yielded nothing. In addition, Bernard Orsman, a columnist is soon to be writing a long column about the upgrade, so I'll try to find that as well. The search continues...

Here ya go... glad to know we're finally seeing a higher standard of shopping in NZ. :banana:

http://i26.tinypic.com/2008vt1.png
Click for larger version (http://i30.tinypic.com/dp7ifq.png)

Thank you, thank you and welcome bonkiebonks. I am aware Louis Vuitton is moving in with Gucci soon, so that shall be good as well. I love the list Goluboy and Queen Street would be FABulous with their presence. It will happen, the designers just need to see enough demand. And it is already happening as can be shown in the article.

And thank the secular nondenominational deity above, the upwardly mobile, un-nimby generations that seem to be inhabiting this city will be better dressed than ever before. Milano, here we come!!!!!! :D

That list reads like a itemized account of shallow consumerism and is proof positive that most humans do not have the intellect required to function in a free market.

Still at least it would mean some nice store fronts on Queen St.

Or a list of things where people can't afford the stuff and get defensive and moral. If it's there, why not? I buy by quality, not by brand.

Indeed, intersting article. Myself i prefer NZ designers, but there's nothing wrong with having a little international fashion pomp on Queen Street lol.

Definitely a better look than the SHIT which clogs up Queen Street at the moment

^^It's not all shit tho. Think Smith&Caugheys etc.

Smith&Caughey's isnt that nice...The interior of the store is old and ugly. The place needs a bit of work
We once went there and were unimpressed...The store smelt too lol

Smith&Caughey's isnt that nice...The interior of the store is old and ugly. The place needs a bit of work
We once went there and were unimpressed...The store smelt too lol

Yeah we should knock it down and build a 4 story Warehouse there!

:lol: thats not what I meant...I was refering to the interior of the store.

Must have been an off-day. I love the place, the staff and owners are very friendly and they have heaps of stuff. I can literally spend a whole day in the place :lol:. It smelt?? Bad plumbing, (abundance of) fragrance? :lol:

It is the very store from which future stores of 'designer' ilk need to take inspiration. Yes, obviously the brand culture isn't the be all and end all of life, but plain logic prevails; good design and enticing surroundings + people = vibe. Despite my not voting for him, I do give applause to Dick Hubbard for pushing this through. Things have improved beyond all measure. :D

^^ I agree I very much like S&C - Auckland needs more department stores (on a larger scale) just like them.

What I disagree on is making Queen Street a road for rich people. The whole point of Queen Street as the main street in Auckland is that it spans all interest groups, all tastes and all wallet sizes. I think that it can only be improved by more range be it at both the high end and lower ends of the spectrum so that it doesn't become overly exclusive. Auckland already has High Street which can be developed further for unique boutiques.

That list reads like a itemized account of shallow consumerism and is proof positive that most humans do not have the intellect required to function in a free market.

Still at least it would mean some nice store fronts on Queen St.

:lol:

^^

- Simth & Caughey's is not too bad.I buy my par-fume from there... *dabs on sum Kenneth Cole* :bowtie:

- Q needs sum inspiration, and the designers will add positive vibes to the whole street.Feel free to shop at one of the many large suburban malls if you want affordable clothing and not 'quality' long lasting merchandise.

- All my clothes are labels.Half are copy's:lol:.Half are the real McCoy.I currently have to buy them from overseas, as they are not available locally.If they were?,that money would be spent locally,and on that point....that's exactly what this is all about.:)

Can someone post some pics of the new Gucci store

When does it open??

^^It opened this week apparently...

Can someone post some pics of the new Gucci store

I walked past it. It's nothing overly special, but it does look fairly nice!

Can someone post some pics of the new Gucci store

Sure, I'll try to take some pics tomorrow.

When does it open??

It opened yesterday.

I have been inside. The 'shop assistants' wear black gloves so if you're not into that pretentious side of things, no need to go :lol:. Store plan is above average and there are helpful porters for door opening.

Their range is 7/10, as in the variation of different items in store and if you don't like getting pounced on by over-zealous staff, something I HATE, then avoid it as well. :lol: All in all, a good addition to the street.

I hate overpriced crap like Gucci. You're paying triple just for the label. I'll go in there and pass wind the next time I'm on Queen Street.

Often the quality of High St fashion is worse than normal clothing, not that I buy it because I ain't no victim, but I read it somewhere.

I hate overpriced crap like Gucci. You're paying triple just for the label. I'll go in there and pass wind the next time I'm on Queen Street.
Brilliant! Couldn't agree with you more. What an enormous waste of money.

I wouldn't spend money on Gucci either but I'm more than happy it's replaced a dirty food court and $2 shop. That shit was embarrassing.

I love overpriced labelled clothing! :master::happy:

I wouldn't spend money on Gucci either but I'm more than happy it's replaced a dirty food court and $2 shop. That shit was embarrassing.

^^Couldn't agree more Re: $2 shop.How the F**K a 2 buck shop was ever allowed to trade on Q street...... I'll never no.:wtf:It was SHIT!:puke:,and it has no place on our ROYAL strip.Bring on the DESIGNERS!!.:cheers:

Rudman's City: Queen St owners need to come clean 5:00AM Friday April 25, 2008
By Brian Rudman



Now that Auckland City ratepayers have forked out $43.5 million to upgrade Queen St and, as a result, greatly enhanced the value of the buildings lining the Golden Mile, isn't it time the property owners came to the party as well?

The picture in yesterday's Herald of the drunkenly leaning iron veranda posts outside the historic shops beyond Mayoral Drive summed up the neglect that marks what the shopowners want us to believe is the country's premier shopping strip. The truth is, much of it looks more like the main street of a tired old provincial town, slowly dying since the state highway through town got bypassed.

The long, hot summer has wiped out old memories of Queen St's leaky verandas, but any day now, when the rains return with a vengeance, the stroll up town will once more become the 100m colander dash.

But forget the verandas for a moment. Forget even the eye-level window displays where most retailers make some sort of effort to entice the passing trade inside. It's the decay and neglect above the verandas, spotted best from the opposite footpaths, that is the most depressing. Every second building needs a good scrub. Most need a decent lick of paint and more.

It's almost unfair to single out one offender, but my lunchtime routine regularly takes me down Wyndham St to Queen St, where the eye catches the grubby old Kean's Building, rust on the roofing iron, moss rampant atop flaking paint. Alongside is a dirty blue building, on which you can still pick out in outline the indecipherable lettering of a long-gone incumbent.

Heart of the City cheerleader Alex Swney was in the paper earlier in the week claiming "Queen St is on the road back". There's not much sign of that above the ground floor.

There were plans to throw a big welcome back party for customers old and new, but that seems to have been shelved. Perhaps Heart of the City could spend the money on water-blasters and get its millionaire members out one weekend for a scrubathon instead.

What a shame they're not like that boutique building owner, lawyer Billy Boyd, whom I was reading about last weekend. He says he gets "a real kick out of buying a rundown historic building and restoring it to its former glory along with full-on modern amenities and services". Lucky CBD buildings he has rescued include Number 9 High St and 23 O'Connell St.

Mr Boyd has monthly and quarterly washing-down programmes for his buildings. Back in the 1980s, after he bought his first building, the Empire Tavern, he was spotted "hosing down the walls himself and affectionately scrubbing them".

That's the sort of pride we need from Queen St property owners. If they want the rest of us to treat their street as a destination to treasure, then they should lead by example.
It's all very well skiting about Louis Vuitton doubling its shopping area and Gucci coming to town, but one suspects this alone won't result in a huge upsurge of shoppers abandoning the malls for the CBD.

The extra width of the paving, and the fact that it doesn't wobble under foot as the previous cobbles did, is to be welcomed. And as I've said before, I'm a convert to the nikau palms look. As for the public artworks, the less said, perhaps, the better. The $250,000 glass and light folly outside the Civic Theatre was such a failure the artist demanded her name be removed from the pavement plaque. I think it should have been left as a warning to all who take money from the public purse to be careful with it. :lol: TRUE

As for the 7m-high stylised waka sternpost, designed by Fred Graham for the bottom of Swanson St, that was a good idea that hasn't worked. It's supposed to represent where waka were beached in 1840s Auckland, but to have succeeded, it needed a bit of space around it, both horizontally and vertically.
Unfortunately, stuck between two modern buildings at the end of a pokey lane, and overshadowed by a mess of verandas and signs, it just adds to the urban clutter.

But at least it's clean, which is more than can be said for much of the rest of the street.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd6/MonsieurAquilone/Picture1432.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd6/MonsieurAquilone/Picture1433.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd6/MonsieurAquilone/Picture1435.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd6/MonsieurAquilone/Picture1437.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd6/MonsieurAquilone/Picture1438.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd6/MonsieurAquilone/Picture1439.jpg

Cools pics MA, I wonder whether the young couple came out all dressed in Gucci hahaha.

I wouldn't spend money on Gucci either but I'm more than happy it's replaced a dirty food court and $2 shop. That shit was embarrassing.

Oh, I agree there. Better an overpriced overrated fashion shop than some shitty arsed $2 dollar shop. How the hell does a $2 Shop afford to pay the rents anyway? Actually, a better question. Who the hell even let them on Queen St?

Cools pics MA, I wonder whether the young couple came out all dressed in Gucci hahaha.

:lol: Hahah, the man seemed quite hesitant!!

Thanks for the pics :banana:

Yea thanks for those shots MA. Looks quite a cool addition to the streetscape externally anyway, I like how they've used underlighting in the verandas.

^^ Yes it's an eye catcher:)....note that most peeps are looking in the direction of the store.The lighting is very endearing.

In fairness, most people will be looking at the store because it's new too, not just because it's Gucci ;)

Thank God for GUCCI .. I am going to lick the windows and doors ... finally a taste of class, style and glamour that is more than just a tantalising teaser !!

Hello Sir Syd:) Indeed my friend....Knew you'd be lurking in the darker quieter areas of our humble dungeon.:lol:

I didn't dare walk inside because then they would think that they were getting more attention, so sorry if I didn't give you guys a good enough taste of the interior.

And I'm on *GO GUCCI Cheerleaders* side on this one, it makes the place look so much nicer. So not everyone can afford it and maybe the brand accounts for 80% of an item's price..there's demand for it so we can't get all snotty because of it (or will we blame marketing for that :lol:)? I'm pleased it's here, now we just need more of that ilk, more New Zealand art stores, more artisanal food stores -- only then will Queen Street live up to its name well and truly.

And yes, hello Sydney, I hope you approve of my humble photographic efforts :lol:.

it will be even better when louis vuitton opens up next door !:banana:
does anyone know when it will open?:cheers:

GOD!....Imagine GUCCI - Louis Vuitton - PRADA next to each other.

Now that's my wet D......

And when 'my' brand PRADA opens....I shall be there *glued* to the walls with a smile:lol:

^^ Bliss!! :lol:

:happy:

I didn't dare walk inside because then they would think that they were getting more attention, so sorry if I didn't give you guys a good enough taste of the interior.

And I'm on *GO GUCCI Cheerleaders* side on this one, it makes the place look so much nicer. So not everyone can afford it and maybe the brand accounts for 80% of an item's price..there's demand for it so we can't get all snotty because of it (or will we blame marketing for that :lol:)? I'm pleased it's here, now we just need more of that ilk, more New Zealand art stores, more artisanal food stores -- only then will Queen Street live up to its name well and truly.

And yes, hello Sydney, I hope you approve of my humble photographic efforts :lol:.

Oh sorry MA ... I am very rude ... currently working on two monitors here, one for SSC and the other for my Uni assignment (it is official, after writing a 110 page report on California Bungalows - I can honestly say that I HATE California bungalow :lol:) ... your pics are FANNYTASTIC !!

Now I must get back to my assignment :(

GOD!....Imagine GUCCI - Louis Vuitton - PRADA next to each other.

Now that's my wet D......

And when 'my' brand PRADA opens....I shall be there *glued* to the walls with a smile:lol:

http://www.paradise-engineering.com/quotation/my-heaven.jpg

^^ :D

LOL. Well I hate to say it, but you guys are all sounding rather GAY frothing at the mouth over fashion labels like this. It's FAG talk. Christ Jesus! Hahaha. Not that I can talk:D ;) :)

Nah, good to see ya back Syd :cheers:

lol join the family :cheers::lol:

lol join the family :cheers::lol:

You're gay??

perhaps lol

Love the pics MA. The guy is like "nooooo...... my credit card will suffer", his girlfriend is like "but you forgot my birthday last year!!!! time to suffer for that!"

Eventually she wins. It's classic.

Love the pics MA. The guy is like "nooooo...... my credit card will suffer", his girlfriend is like "but you forgot my birthday last year!!!! time to suffer for that!"

Eventually she wins. It's classic.

If anybody needs Gucci, her boyfriend does. As for her, who is she kidding ? Piha has some great shopping sweet-heart, stall #3 :ohno:

LOL. Well I hate to say it, but you guys are all sounding rather GAY frothing at the mouth over fashion labels like this. It's FAG talk. Christ Jesus! Hahaha. Not that I can talk:D ;) :)

Nah, good to see ya back Syd :cheers:

Thanks Sweety ... albeit for only a couple of minutes a day .... to much work and too little time .... must dash, a floor plan is calling me ....

Thanks for compliments people. I seem to be getting more time to take pics around the city now so perhaps I could serve as a substandard KF and SYDNEY replacement :lol:, snapping where I can. On a day like today though, I don't think I will venture outside. Monday awaits!

Have to say I prefer the NZ labels on High St, at the Chancery and around there myself...

But it takes all sorts...

Has there been any news regarding reducing the speed limit to 30 and providing bus-lanes on Queen Street; or just anything that improves the general environment for pedestrians?

^^ Very good question. Last I heard the bus lanes idea had been put on hold because, even though more than 75% of submitters thought it was a great idea, some of the shop-keepers were concerned that potential customers wouldn't be able to roll up in their SUV and park outside the shop. Gah, this isn't the suburbs people!

Queen St blocked after fire at Gucci store
Thursday May 08, 2008

A fire has broken out at the Queen Street store of luxury goods maker Gucci, filling the shop with smoke.

The newly opened shop was plunged into darkness as fire fighters put the fire out.

Senior station officer Jeff McCulloch said the fire started after a light was placed too close to wooden ceiling trim.

Four fire engines blocked off half of Queen St.

Gucci store staff referred nzherald.co.nz inquiries to their head office in Sydney, who had not yet been told of the fire.

shit, i wondered why it was closed when i walked past at about 5.30 usually its open late..!

Fire at Gucci? Whoops. Not the best start. You can buy something on the cheap now, air it out and freshen it up. Before long it'll be good as new! :)

Oh no .. not Gucci :gaah: Why wasn't it the Warehouse....damn damn damn !! Some Kiwi electrician/interior designer is in big shit today, well that will teach them to not treat everything as some random DIY job on some flash bach (excuse the pun) :lol:

^^ Well that cut's my options down a little..........I'll have to wait untill it opens again, to get my daily dose of 3 visits a day.:lol:

Might be a few specials on offer ;)

it was open yesterday

^^Yea I walked past yesterday at around 4.30 and it was open, full of people, and form what I could see no fire/smoke damage at all.

yeah nah nothing out the ordinary aye, back to business lol. must have just been something minor...

:dance2: :cheer: :dance2:

How could you even be questioning Gucci!?!?!?!?!? It's the eternal phoenix !!!!

Its so halfass how most of the top bit of queen st was left alone.

And also is it just me or do a heckload of homeless people sleep in shop entrances these days

Its so halfass how most of the top bit of queen st was left alone.

And also is it just me or do a heckload of homeless people sleep in shop entrances these days

Absolutely. It would look so much better if the paving continued up to K'rd.

Ditto on the homeless. I get asked for change about 2-3 times per week working on Queen St. Not sure what can be done about that though. IS begging legal in NZ?

God i'm sick of those homeless people on queen street! they make the street look terrible, they should be banned from queen street if they are caught begging. They are a put off and they smell rather nasty.. I don't think our tourists like seeing that, i think they'd rather spend their money at gucci lol

I think most tourists would be surprised at how few homeless people are on our streets begging for money. Go to most overseas countries and it's far more widespread.

I think the City Mission development will hopefully be able to provide a lot more housing for these people when it's complete. In the meanwhile I guess they'll just hang out in Queen St McDonald's for endless coffee refills.

I commented to a friend while walking down Queen Street once on how the bums are now using text language on their cardboard signs. The new, hip homeless, perhaps? :lol:

I think most tourists would be surprised at how few homeless people are on our streets begging for money. Go to most overseas countries and it's far more widespread.

I think the City Mission development will hopefully be able to provide a lot more housing for these people when it's complete. In the meanwhile I guess they'll just hang out in Queen St McDonald's for endless coffee refills.

Depends, I rarely saw homeless people on my trips around the western world - except in parts of London where they become quite widespread. I have limited sympathy to a point in most countries where a decent level of social welfare exists, though with NZ in a state of chronic state housing shortage and few Government run shelters (I've never seen one in fact) then the problem is going to be quite visible and unfortunate.

I think the main reason we get hassled so much by homeless people is that they all concentrate on one street as the city centre in Auckland focuses on that one street thus it can appear that there are more homeless than there really are.

Coming from South Africa, Auckland can't even come close to the amount of homeless people in South Africa :) The most homeless people that I have seen in one day here in AKL is approx. 10 and in the 3 years that we have been here I have been asked for money only once.

I have travelled to every inhabitable continent (except Oz - that will change next week :)) and there are many cities that have way bigger problems than Auckland ... my friend that lives in Vancouver says that they have a huge homeless problem.

Auckland has nothing to worry about ....

I commented to a friend while walking down Queen Street once on how the bums are now using text language on their cardboard signs. The new, hip homeless, perhaps? :lol:

There's nothing "hip" about text language.

Unfortunately I fear it is just a result of poor education. There are probably many young New Zealanders who think "dnt b l8" is actually a sentence.

.

There's occassionally someone who arrives in these forums talking lyke dat. We slap them down pretty quickly :)

Coming from South Africa, Auckland can't even come close to the amount of homeless people in South Africa :) The most homeless people that I have seen in one day here in AKL is approx. 10 and in the 3 years that we have been here I have been asked for money only once.

I have travelled to every inhabitable continent (except Oz - that will change next week :)) and there are many cities that have way bigger problems than Auckland ... my friend that lives in Vancouver says that they have a huge homeless problem.

Auckland has nothing to worry about ....

Plenty of homeless in Aussie cities Syd.

The first city outside NZ I ever went to was Sydney, in 2000. Although up to that point I hadn't spent a LOT of time walking around Auckland's CBD, I had never been asked for money by strangers. Within my first two days in Sydney I'd been asked by about 10 people. It was a bit of a shock.

I was in Boston a few years ago and the problem there is way worse than any of our cities.

There's nothing "hip" about text language.

Unfortunately I fear it is just a result of poor education. There are probably many young New Zealanders who think "dnt b l8" is actually a sentence.

.

Haha. I hate it too, but the homeless probably won't seek to write an entire essay detailing why they need your money. :lol:

^^
Considering the speed at which people look away and zip past text language would seem a logical choice to get the message across

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/2910934702_54da1e9517_b.jpg

^^ would be nice to compare with the finished Deloitte Centre

Oh Look! Theres even a shelter in there...I wonder where that went...The mayor's backyard perhaps?

http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/council/projects/cbdproject/images/aoteajunction.jpg

^^ The finished result is a lot different!

^^Oh Look! Theres even a shelter in there...I wonder where that went...The mayor's backyard perhaps?

The shelters look a lot like the ones in Wellington that Sydney showed us, you can clearly see where they got the idea from!

You might want to merge your posts though, Bluffmaster. ;)

Nah that increases my post count...You can only order us when you are an official mod ;)

The shelters look a lot like the ones in Wellington that Sydney showed us, you can clearly see where they got the idea from!

You might want to merge your posts though, Bluffmaster. ;)

^^ sadly the idea never got implemented :(

Haha, I wasn't ordering anything, just a suggestion to make it easier for me (and others) to follow what you were saying. :)

Yeah, it is a shame that some iconic shelters weren't set up at each of the four corners of the major intersections on QS. However, thinking about it, the shelters + the awnings could make the intersections look very cluttered if done incorrectly. Speculation, supposition and nothing more than that. :lol:

The render and finished product look barely alike the render is far nicer I love those shelters

The render and finished product look barely alike the render is far nicer I love those shelters

I think it's very nearly always the case with public squares and projects of this kind that an ephemeral render doesn't necessarily bear any resemblance to the finished product.

I agree, I like the shelters, but as I said I'm not sure how well they'd interact with the awnings from the buildings at the corners (as they aren't pictured in that render). It could have led to a very cluttered streetscape.

I hate awnings!

I like awnings when it rains.

I grew up in a country without awnings and thus I am used to just getting wet when it rains, however, the style of rain is very different between the UK and here. In the UK you look up and say "oh I just felt a bit of drizzle", here on the other hand the rain seeks to cave your skull in, thus I can understand the presence of awnings even if I dislike the things.

I like umbrellas! (despite the fact I always forget to use them) :lol:

^^lol hardout!

I like awnings when it rains.

I also like them when it rains. However, it just doesn't give you that chance to experience the building thats above you! I mean, when walking around town sometimes, it feels as if you are in some enclosed room but you are in the middle of a road...But Queen Street is Okay I guess, a portion of the footpath is not under a canopy.

You have a pretty good view of the buildings on the other side of the road. Plus, half the buildings on Queen Street are such ugly 1960s-1980s abominations I'd rather not see them thank you very much!

Yeah but I quite like the Heritage buildings after the Whitcoulls store :)

If only they could demolish the rest!

I grew up in a country without awnings and thus I am used to just getting wet when it rains, however, the style of rain is very different between the UK and here. In the UK you look up and say "oh I just felt a bit of drizzle", here on the other hand the rain seeks to cave your skull in, thus I can understand the presence of awnings even if I dislike the things.


Yes, when I lived there, we would call it 'magic rain'. It's raining but I'm not getting wet :?

Dunedin gets plenty of ''magic rain''
We call it drizzle :)

Dunedin gets plenty of ''magic rain''
We call it drizzle :)

It was doing it yesterday its almost a bit like mist you can see it and you can fell its wet but you stand in it and stay dry

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