Auckland’s downtown twin-tower consent clears planning hurdle; delivery remains staged

Approval and delivery

Auckland’s Downtown Carpark redevelopment has secured fast-track approval for a mixed-use precinct with 55- and 45-level towers, opening a new chapter for the site at the western end of Commercial Bay.

The expert panel granted approvals on 5 August 2026. An addendum issued on 2 September made minor corrections, with revised resource-consent conditions replacing the original version.

Precinct Properties New Zealand Limited’s scheme, developed in partnership with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, includes an office tower and a residential-and-hotel tower accommodating up to 160 apartments and 200 hotel rooms. Three podium buildings, shops, hospitality spaces and pedestrian laneways form part of the wider plan.

The project centres on the existing carpark at 2 Lower Hobson Street. Its approved scope includes demolition and a new publicly accessible civic space, connecting a more varied mix of activities across the precinct.

Precinct says the initial delivery focus is the office tower, retail, hospitality and public areas, with flexibility retained for the future residential and hotel tower. Design, procurement and leasing are progressing, but further milestones remain before investment and construction decisions.

The existing carpark is still operating. Precinct has not confirmed a closure date and currently expects it to remain open into early 2027.