Story: City public spaces

Original plan for Auckland

Many towns were originally laid out with public spaces in mind. However, these were sometimes sold or deemed impractical. Auckland’s original plan included two squares, a circus (a circular open space where roads converge) and a public quay. The quay was never built, and the city’s rolling topography put paid to the squares and circus.

However, the centre of the proposed circus became the site of Albert Barracks, part of which was later set aside for Albert Park, one of the city’s most treasured public spaces.

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Auckland City Libraries - Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero
Reference: NZ Map 2664

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How to cite this page:

Geoffrey Rice, 'City public spaces - Public squares', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/zoomify/22900/original-plan-for-auckland (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Geoffrey Rice, published 11 Mar 2010