Auckland Airport unveils stunning $300m transport hub, redefining travel experiences

Saturday, December 16, 2023

A transformative shift is on the horizon for the primary gateway to New Zealand, as a state-of-the-art Transport Hub is set to debut at the heart of the airport in early the upcoming year.

Over the past 12 months, the former main carpark adjacent to the international terminal has undergone a metamorphosis, evolving into a cutting-edge $300 million transport center. The initial phase of this development is scheduled to open its doors early next year.

Encompassing 70,000 square meters, the new facility, located directly outside the international terminal, will serve as a fresh arrival and departure point. This modern structure aims to enhance the overall travel experience by offering expanded drop-off and pick-up zones for passengers, a redesigned road layout, and convenient access to public transportation—all within a contemporary, weather-sheltered environment.

Carrie Hurihanganui, Chief Executive of Auckland Airport, expressed anticipation about this significant transformation, stating, “This will be the biggest change to Auckland Airport in decades, creating a new welcome and departure experience for international visitors to Tāmaki Makaurau with our new Transport Hub.”

In addition to mitigating congestion outside the international terminal and streamlining journeys, the Transport Hub will feature a landscaped pedestrian plaza and covered walkways, contributing to an elevated streetscape around the international terminal. The pedestrian plaza will incorporate increased native planting, including mature Pohutukawa trees, promoting sustainability by reducing concrete and asphalt coverage and assisting with stormwater management.

With over 50,000 daily travelers passing through Auckland Airport, the Transport Hub is poised to play a crucial role in facilitating their commute to and from the international terminal. The four-story structure, spanning 200 meters in length, will offer dedicated lanes for buses, taxis, and public pick-ups, accommodating up to 650 vehicles during peak hours.

Prioritizing public transport, the facility will allocate lanes closest to the terminal for these services. Specific areas for public pick-up, priority drop-off for individuals with accessibility needs, and a commercial transport drop-off zone will also be designated.

Expected to open in stages throughout 2024, the Transport Hub represents a departure from the conventional open-air ground-level car park. Carrie Hurihanganui emphasized the focus on enhancing the customer experience, emphasizing ease of navigation, safety of pedestrian paths, and the availability of ample space for drop-offs and pick-ups.

Beyond its immediate benefits, the Transport Hub is designed to improve the airport’s sustainability and reduce its environmental impact. The facility’s roof will host a 1.2-megawatt solar array, powering 33 public electric vehicle charging stations and supporting a new office building. The development, designed to achieve a 5-Star Green rating, will provide office and meeting spaces for airport operational teams and partner organizations.

The Transport Hub not only promises to enhance the arrival and departure experience for travelers but also serves as a critical project to pave the way for the integration of a new domestic jet terminal at the eastern end of the international terminal. Upon the opening of the new pick-up/drop-off area in the Transport Hub, public access to the existing forecourt outside the international terminal will be closed to make room for terminal construction.

Looking ahead, the Transport Hub is positioned to accommodate the evolving needs of both domestic and international travelers, especially with the anticipated opening of the combined terminal in 2028/2029. Carrie Hurihanganui emphasized the airport’s role as a rapidly growing precinct, not only for travel but also as a business hub, underscoring the ongoing investment in the transport network to ensure resilience and preparedness for future transportation demands.

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