KARANGAHAPE ROAD Auckland's precinct for creative thinkers.
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KARANGAHAPE ROAD Auckland’s precinct for creative thinkers.
CLOAKED IN
HISTORY
“Karangahape Road is
great for start-ups. It’s
Karangahape (the Call of Hape) is named after the economically viable and
Tainui ancestor Hape. The path of Karangahape Road
predates European settlement. Until the mid 1900s, you’re surrounded by other
it was the only street in central Auckland with a Māori cool and creative businesses.
name. The area has been part of my
life since childhood.”
From 1900 to 1960, Karangahape Road was a
destination shopping area, especially busy on — Jordan Hurdle, Owner of The World
late nights. However, the expansion of motorways is Omni
through the inner-city area in the mid-60s displaced
many retail shops and 50,000 residents moved into
the suburbs. This turned Karangahape Road from
one of Auckland’s premier shopping districts into an
area known for its red light district.
Since the early 1990s, Karangahape Road has
become an area that promotes diversity, creativity,
experimentation and forward thinking. Today,
accountants run club nights, industry leaders
livestream their top tips, and fashion houses
collaborate with artisans. Karangahape Road’s
growth now attracts businesses, apartment dwellers
and visitors from all over New Zealand.
Karangahape Road is a 24/7 street with award-
winning hospitality, famous live music venues,
vanguard fashion houses, cutting-edge services, and
progressive creatives. This is the place many of us
want to be.
“Artspace has been on Karangahape
Road for over 20 years. It has always
been a colourful and vibrant area that is
hospitable towards the arts and cultural
life. It has a rich connection to Hape,
which connects us to Te Ao Māori history.
For us, these connections are crucial to
operating successfully.”
— Remco de Blaaij, Director of Artspace Aotearoa
Image: St Kevin’s Arcade
DOING BUSINESS
Karangahape Road and the surrounding “We wanted to be in an area which
neighbourhood is home to a dynamic and diverse is authentic, vibrant and innovative.
array of industries. Quirky office spaces and creative
shopfronts offer business owners a wide range of Karangahape Road has an energetic vibe,
characters and styles. is culturally rich, and aligns with our
brand.”
The area’s commercial landscape includes some
of New Zealand’s leading professional services, — Emma Ogilvie, Co-owner of Bar Céleste (Top 10
retail, advertising agencies, architectural practices, Restaurants in Auckland by VIVA Magazine, 2021),
accountancy firms, film production houses, tech East Street Hall, and Star Superette Wine Dealers
entrepreneurs, and more. These businesses are
drawn to the area for its creative spirit, and they
contribute to the life of the area both economically
and culturally.
More than 650
businesses operate
in the Karangahape
Road precinct. 10% of
all businesses in the
Karangahape Road
precinct are part of the
creative sector.2
76% of spend comes
from domestic
visitors and 14% from
locals inside the
business district.1
1. Market View
2. The Karangahape Road Plan
Image: Flying Out
4
LOCAL ECONOMY
Karangahape Road is one of Auckland’s busiest “I love the combination of passion and
roads, boasting amazing cafes and restaurants, business - real people doing the things
innovative retail experiences, and inclusive nightlife.
The road has long attracted engaged residents and
they love, forging a business out of the
diverse clientele. cracks and crevices of this culturally
diverse and inclusive part of the city,
The area is a flourishing hub for small and medium creating a community as they go along.
sized businesses. Many of which have discovered the Our philosophy of bringing cultures
range of architectural gems on offer.
together through food and hospitality
The area represents a rare combination of strong fits right in!”
community spirit and thriving local commerce. In the
last quarter of 2020, the average transaction was — Clare Hindmarsh, Co-owner of Carmen Jones
$36.24, up by 6.4% from 2019. 1 This is more than Restaurant & Bar
double the Auckland average transaction increase.
Between 1st July 2021 and 30th June 2022, the road
is expected to attract over 4 million pedestrians.3
$134M spent
2,300
across 3.9M
residents transactions4
with a median
3
age of 34.7
3.5M
pedestrians
5
June 2019 -
June 2020
3. Statistics NZ
4. Market View, 2020 Report
5. Pedestrian Counter
Image: Coco’s Cantina
PEOPLE AND
COMMUNITIES
A culture of diversity is the area’s secret weapon and
58% of residents a catalyst for innovation. Businesses are encouraged
work in professional to challenge the status quo, and celebrate new ideas.
services or The precinct runs a full calendar of events, and
reaches thousands of Aucklanders every week via
managerial roles, social media and newsletters.
and 35% earn over
However, the area is not all business. Karangahape
$60,000 pa.6 Road is home to a growing number of residents who
are at the heart of the community. There are 1,341
private dwellings in the area and the number is rising
with new apartments being developed.
People choose the strip for a number of reasons,
including its close proximity to Queen Street; the
area’s rich history and social diversity; its love for
companies with passion, and a constant flow of
energy unlike anywhere else.
“With the life and vitality that is being
ignited along this strip, it’s very quickly
being transformed to one of the most
desirable neighbourhoods in central
Auckland. The restaurants, bars and
cafes all bring a wealth of options.
Mixing bohemia with a modernist twist of
enterprise, Karangahape Road is really
coming into its own.”
— Jason Trowbridge, Investment Specialist at LJ
Hooker
6. Statistics NZ
Image: Pici
8
MOVING FORWARD ACCESSIBILITY
Karangahape Road is one of Auckland’s busiest The new Karangahape Station entrance is on Karangahape Road is the most accessible place in “After 6.5 years of living here and
regions. On average 75,600 pedestrians walk the Mercury Lane and sub-entrance on Pitt Street. It is Auckland CBD, with four major car parking facilities, watching the changes happening, we
7
road every week. With a 30-year projection of a estimated the rail line will bring 60,000 passengers nine bus routes, 40 bike racks, cycle lanes, and from
million more people calling Auckland home, growth to the area every day. 8 2024, underground rail access.
don’t want to be anywhere else. We
and change is coming and will bring a myriad of are excited for the area and are looking
opportunities. This hive of activity will stimulate commercial real The improved structure of the road with wider forward to when the new train station
estate and be a major catalyst for regeneration, pavements and cycleways, also improves opens.”
Major infrastructure projects — such as the investment and development opportunities. accessibility for people using wheelchairs and
construction of Karangahape Station by City Rail Link strollers. Three mobility carparks are noted on the
The completion of Auckland Transport’s map below. — Will & Shayne, residents of Karangahape Road
and the Karangahape Road Enhancement project
by Auckland Transport — will hugely influence the Enhancement project has brought new cycleways,
economic, socio-cultural, and physical fabric of the better pedestrian connections, and culturally
area, and provide better services and transport links engaged street environments. This has created
a sense of community and connection, making
to residents and visitors alike. Karangahape Road Parking Map
Karangahape Road a more attractive and accessible
September 2019
place for businesses, residents and visitors, while
future proofing for growth.
Up to 1,400
people per hour
are expected to
disembark at
Karangahape
Station during
peak times.9
7. Heart of the City’s Pedestrican Counter
8. Our Auckland article 03/05/2021
9. City Rail Link
Image: CRL rendering of Karangahape Station entrance
10
A NEIGHBOURHOOD FOR THE CURIOUS
Karangahape Road is iconic across Aotearoa for Among this, are some of Auckland’s most unique
its bohemian and colourful style and inclusive cafes, restaurants, bars, clubs and venues. There are
community. The area has grown organically to plenty of places to sit back with a perfect coffee, or
become one of the country’s leading arts and events enjoy any number of cuisines.
spaces, home to over 40 art galleries and workshops.
As the city’s 24/7 precinct, offices can adapt their
As a favourite gathering spot for designers, artists, hours to suit international clients and still hit the
musicians and writers, the area is a melting pot of town for a celebratory cocktail afterwards. And in the
creative talent. High fashion has also found its place morning, Auckland’s best coffee awaits.
alongside streetwear and vintage. Independent
design shops offer everything from handmade
jewellery to locally made home furnishings. While
music stores stock enviable vinyl collections and
instruments.
“We love being part of the
Karangahape Road community.
As an advertising agency, one
of our challenges is to help
our clients connect to all New
Zealanders. Karangahape Road
feels like all of New Zealand on
one street — so inspiration is
never far away.”
— Vaughn Davis, Creative Director & Owner
of The Goat Farm
12
JOIN US
When you choose to move your business into
the Karangahape Road precinct, you’ll be invited
to become a member of the Karangahape Road
Business Association (KBA). The KBA’s role
is to foster the economic development of the
Karangahape Road precinct. We do this by delivering
a comprehensive programme of marketing, events,
networking opportunities and advocacy for local
bodies. We are a partner of Auckland Council in its
city-wide Business Improvement Programme which
derives its income from a separate rate collected by
Council from property owners within its precinct.
The KBA has over 650 members who work
collaboratively to support the area’s ongoing
economic success, along with a number of associate
members who want to be part of the area’s future.
To discuss how you can get involved and benefit from
becoming a member of the KBA, simply get in touch.
Michael Richardson, CEO
business@kroad.com
KBA Office
09 377 5086
Shop 8, 59 Pitt Street (entrance on Beresford Square)
Newton, Auckland
karangahaperoad.com
Michael Richardson, CEO, KBA
14
“Karangahape Road has been a great
investment. It’s a fabulous mix of
hospitality, retail, characterful buildings
and history. The new customers and
energy are fantastic. Being up on the
ridge makes it easy to get to. The new
bike lanes and apartment blocks on Great
North Road will bring more visitors. In the
long term we will soon have Karangahape
Station bang in the middle.”
— Glenn Elliott, Property Owner and Landlord
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