It's reigning trains!
Words: Brent Kennedy
Photography: Fresh Concept and Blink Ltd
There was a point in time, back before September 2026, when the trains did not stop in Uptown.
During those rail-less years of the previous near-decade, we navigated the dug-up roads and paths, and shuddered as huge trucks rumbled past our doors towards the giant expanse that was to become Maungawhau Station. Dusty high-visers appeared at our cafes and stood on our street corners pointing at things. Huge tunnels appeared, construction almost complete. City Rail Link opening dates were pushed out, promises "modified".
Gloriously for all, those days are over! Now trains constantly appear and disappear in tunnels under Uptown. It's been wonderful to experience the reactions of people when they first take a ride and see the station. The "First Look" event attracted over 10,000 visitors with many exploring the neighbourhood. Several bars and cafes reported record sales on the day. Since the opening, the discussion has been around the ease of getting to and from the neighbourhood by train.
We now have the ability to go from a waterfront restaurant to a gig at the Powerstation in Uptown within a seven-minute ride. Eden Park is now less than 3 minutes away from the Maungawhau platform. This fluidity makes city living more enjoyable and helps create and sustain businesses all around the network. City-wide events can now be executed as people easily zoot from station to station. The "City Ale Link", brainchild of Small Gods Taproom's Luke Harris, is one fun example of how people have embraced a new way of navigating the city. Many other Uptown businesses are now encouraging their customers to enjoy a visit via train.
These have been the moments when all the patience and resilience of the local business community started to pay off. The tide has started flowing in, after an interminable period of stasis.
This project is not just about tunnels and trains. It's about improving urban realms, creating accessible, thriving city spaces empowered by attractive public transport. For Uptown, the land directly around the station provides an opportunity for up to 800 new homes and spaces. We'll all be watching to ensure that developers deliver a response that enhances our broader precinct. Let's see some design thinking that matches the creativity of the stations.
There's always a pleasant surprise around the corner here. A new discovery to be made. This magazine tells the stories of Uptown people and places. If you want to move your business or family here, to become part of our story, there's never been a better time.
Take a train and take a look. We think it's wonderful.
Brent Kennedy, Uptown Precinct Leader
