Aotea Square to reopen this weekend

One of Auckland's main central city public spaces will reopen to the public on Saturday following a $80 million redevelopment.

Aotea Square, on central Queen St, has been renovated along with the facade of the Aotea Centre arts complex and the Civic carpark, which needed its roof replaced and upgraded after it was found to be damaged.

The square, which was first opened in 1979, has also had more trees added and made more user-friendly.

"We now have a modern and high quality public space for all Aucklanders," Auckland City Council arts, recreation and culture committee chairman Greg Moyle said.

"The square now provides a safe, family-friendly environment for residents and visitors to enjoy major public events or everyday activities."

The square will open on Saturday, though the grassed terraces in the square would remain fenced off to protect newly-laid grass, which was soft and fragile following recent heavy rain.

- NZPA