Auckland CBD businesses are experiencing mixed reactions as the City Rail Link (CRL) nears completion after nearly six years of construction. While some businesses report increased foot traffic and optimism, others are still struggling with the economic fallout from the disruption.
City Rail Link’s Impact on Auckland Businesses
Lebanese Grocer on Karangahape Rd has seen a positive shift. “Foot traffic’s increased. People seem like they actually want to come down and visit K’ Rd now. You just have to give them more reason to,” owner Elie Assaf told 1News.
Nearby, roadworks were cleared in time for the Christmas shopping season. “The mood is much better. We’ve had much more people coming through now that the construction’s over. And yeah, everyone’s just really excited for that opening day, I guess,” said Hunter Keane of Flying Out Records.
The CRL is set to open in the second half of 2026.
Disruption from the CRL, combined with a challenging economy, contributed to a decline in spending along Karangahape Rd.
Crushes, a boutique on Karangahape Rd, recently moved to a larger location, anticipating improvements in the coming year. “I’m just so happy for the street and all the businesses that have held on because it’s just going to be really special and we deserve it,” said Rose Hope.
Downtown Struggles
However, the situation is more difficult for some businesses downtown. Kebab shop Karadeniz Café on Wellesley St was put up for sale yesterday.
“There’s a lot of food businesses around right now, like lots of them, they closed and it’s like, it’s a loss. It was a year of loss,” said Rose Rahmati.
The future is also uncertain for Roma Blooms, a nearby florist. Owner Shobhana Ranchhodji expressed concerns that her business’s needs hadn’t been addressed.
“Having the businesses be able to operate like businesses,” Ranchhodji said. “What do we need? We need loading zones. We need safe places for people to walk.”
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