Freyberg Square

Located in a bustling city corner framed by the Pioneer Women’s Hall and Ellen Melville Hall, Freyberg Square is a unique and vibrant public space. Aligned with the City Centre Masterplan, the re-design of this space has focused on the pedestrian experience and aims to improve access, open spaces and inclusiveness. This reimagined square has revitalized a significant public space while celebrating the place of nature and heritage in the city.

Freyberg Square with the Metropolis Hotel in the background.

Project overview

Location:  Freyberg Square, Auckland City Centre
Project Type:  Public Square
Date of Completion:   September 2017
Applicant:  Auckland Council
Project Team:  Isthmus, John Reynolds
Panel Members:  Rachel de Lambert (Chair), Mike Geale, and Lucy Tukua
Date of Panel: 8th October 2015

The AUDP influence on the project

Freyberg Square exemplifies how thoughtful design, guided by the design panel, can weave heritage, nature, and modern urban needs into a cohesive and vibrant space to be enjoyed by the public. The panel’s insights were instrumental in ensuring the square’s core design elements reflected both the city’s history and its aspirations for the future.

Updates based on the panels feedback included:

Street Closure: The panel advocated for the closure of the existing street bisecting the site, prioritising pedestrianised space.
Water feature: The panel supported the inclusion of a water feature to bring environmental elements, life and motion to the square.
Rain Garden: The panel supported the creation of a rain garden along the western edge of the square.

The design process with AUDP

Seating and Terraced Design Elements

The design of Freyberg Square reflects the Tāmaki Makaurau landscape narrative, inspired by volcanic flows and rocky terrains.

Lava Flow Metaphor: Encouraged by the panel, the terraced seating design draws from the volcanic heritage of the region, creating dynamic spaces for community use.

Material Selection: The panel emphasized the importance of texture, aggregate size, and colour to enhance the lava flow imagery, ensuring the design connects with the natural history of the area.

A drawing of a cross section of the terraces and tree planting in the square.

Cross section of the terraces and tree planting along the terraces.

Pedestrian Priority and Connectivity

The square’s reimagining placed pedestrians at the forefront.

Street Closure: The panel advocated for the closure of the existing street bisecting the site, enhancing the pedestrian environment and connectivity between Ellen Melville Hall and Freyberg Square. This action strengthened the public realm and created a seamless flow within the surrounding street network.

Activation: Through their guidance, the panel ensured the square offered a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly atmosphere that connects and engages well with the wider urban environment.

Taiao Nature

A strong focus on indigenous planting enhances Freyberg Square’s ecological identity and urban ngahere (forest).

Native Species: Robust trees such as pōhutukawa and nīkau, alongside native shrubs and groundcovers, were selected to reflect the unique biodiversity of Aotearoa.

Rain Garden: The panel supported the creation of a rain garden along the western edge of the square. This feature improves stormwater management while integrating native groundcover species.

Preservation: Existing Phoenix palms were retained, balancing heritage and ecological considerations.

Aerial perspective view of freyberg square and melville hall with four phoenix palms reinstated

Lighting

Lighting design harmonizes functionality with atmosphere, creating a cohesive day-to-night transition.

Clustered columns mimic Nīkau tree trunks and house luminaires, while targeted lighting illuminates water features, key structures, and pathways.

In-ground uplights, submerged strip lighting, and “moon” lighting for Pōhutukawa trees contribute to a layered lighting scheme.

These elements extend from O’Connell Street to Courthouse Lane, uniting shared spaces through thematic lighting continuity.

A concept diagram of the lighting in the square

Lighting placement throughout the space.

Water Feature

The panel supported the inclusion of a water feature to bring natural elements, life and motion to the square.

Te Waihorotiu Reference: The water feature pays homage to Te Waihorotiu Stream, which once flowed in daylight (not piped) through the area.

Integrated Design: It follows the contours of the terraced platforms, with a central fountain cascade at its heart. Strategically placed stepping stones invite interaction while preventing damp feet.