After almost six years of construction, the City Rail Link (CRL) project is today returning a much-loved, new and improved community space to the Karangahape Road community when Beresford Square reopens.

“We know Beresford Square is an important focal point for the community and we’re delighted to return to them a vibrant plaza that is upgraded and people-focused,” says City Rail Link Ltd’s Chief Executive, Patrick Brockie. “Community support is a critical part of delivering a project successfully and I want to thank our fantastic neighbours for their patience and goodwill during many years of construction.”

Over the years CRL Ltd, its lead contractor, Link Alliance, Auckland Council and Auckland Transport have collaborated with the Karangahape Road Business Association on the square’s revamp, complemented by streetscape upgrades across surrounding area.

“Auckland is becoming a truly connected city, and the opening of Beresford Square is the latest step towards a transport-friendly and transformed city centre – enabled by the City Rail Link project,” says Auckland Transport’s Jane Small, Group Manager Rail and Rapid Transit Infrastructure.

Beresford Square is one of two entrances to CRL’s Karanga-a-Hape Station (the other is nearby in Mercury Lane).

The entrance includes te ao Māori in its design, with the striking vent pou, bronze-cast manaia, and a maramataka installation that celebrates the Māori lunar calendar – all expressing a uniquely Tāmaki Makaurau identity. A dappled paver effect across the square represents Tāne Mahuta (god of the forest).

The upgrade also includes native tree plantings and a new retail space to open with the station next year, adding to Beresford Square’s character as the place to meet, socialise and shop. Auckland Transport has also been upgrading surrounding streets, with new cycleways, street furniture, trees, bus connections and resurfaced roads.

There will still be some ongoing low-level construction in the area as finishing works take place.

Locals will waste no time putting the upgraded square to good use.

“The Karangahape Road community is thrilled to see Beresford Square reopen. We invite all Aucklanders to celebrate with us and help bring the square to life at our First Saturday FAM market from 10 am tomorrow (Saturday 4 October),” says Jamey Holloway, General Manager of the Karangahape Road Business Association.

When CRL opens next year, passengers using Beresford Square will ride a 40-metre-long escalator - New Zealand’s longest – to get to and from Karanga-a-Hape’s platforms. The station will be the country’s deepest, 33 metres below ground.

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