Auckland’s city centre cracks the 200,000 mark – not once but nearly twice this week!

It’s all go in the heart of Auckland’s city, with data released today revealing events, new businesses, and more people are all adding up to a strong bounce back for Auckland’s city centre.

Last Friday 3 March, Heart of the City’s pedestrian counts clocked more than 200,000 people, and yesterday, thanks to the pulling power of great events, came in a close second at 199,000.  Aside from New Year’s Eve, this is only the second time this milestone has been hit in three years. Spending is also trending positively, and more than 25 hospitality and retail businesses have opened in the last six months – with more earmarked for the coming months.

Viv Beck, Heart of the City’s Chief Executive, says that “We’re thrilled to report positive metrics for the city centre – the number of people here and level of spending has been tracking upwards. Hitting a milestone of 200,000 people on the first Friday of Autumn, and virtually the same number yesterday is fantastic. This is off the back of a solid December quarter which saw spend edging closer to 2019 levels, and international spending back to around 20% of total spending. 

Beck says “There’s plenty of tourists, students are back, and there’s many people here because of events. Events, and our hospitality offer, are key reasons why people want to be in the city centre. We’re looking forward to seeing what happens over the next few weeks in response to a packed calendar of events at local and regional venues. We’re confident that Harry Styles as well as Pavement at The Civic last night contributed to a 10% uplift in our foot traffic yesterday vs the same day last week.” 

If that’s not good news in itself - leasing is also showing healthy signs. Off the back of higher vacancy rates as a result of COVID, JLL Asia Pacific recent market reports, show a reduction in retail vacancy along with good demand for quality office space. Great amenity and social connections, as well as long term projects such as the City Rail Link are proving to be reasons for people wanting to invest and be here.

Beck says that “Businesses are showing their confidence in the city centre by choosing to locate here. In particular we are seeing a jump in new hospitality businesses including Bossi, Bivacco, Panacea, Guangzhou Hotpot and Machi Machi with a number planning to open very late. This will further strengthen the diverse offer, day and night, and grow the city centre’s appeal.

Beck says that “Despite wider economic headwinds, and challenges that most cities around the world have to overcome, there are very positive signals for our city centre ahead. There is energy in the air. It’s great to be feeling like the city’s truly bouncing back.”

-ENDS-