Grimshaw has released the final designs for City Rail Link (CRL), the largest infrastructure project ever in New Zealand. Situated in Auckland, it includes three train stations, designed in collaboration with WSP as part of the Link Alliance, a consortium of seven companies delivering the main station and tunnels for the project. Upon completion, CRL will double the capacity of the city’s rail network and will serve as a powerful expression of Māori cultural heritage and history of Tāmaki Makaurau.

CRL is New Zealand’s first completely underground railway line. It comprises a 2.14-mile twin-tunnel underground rail link up to 138 feet below Auckland’s city center. The project also includes the transformation of the Britomart Transport Center into a two-way through-station, the construction of two new underground stations, and a new interchange station.

The station designs were developed in partnership with Mana Whenua (local tribal authority) to integrate the narratives of the Māori creation story, Te Ao Marama. The design team enlisted the expertise of eight local tribes to make this happen. In addition to Te Ao Marama, the design of each station refers to its unique location in Auckland. 

CRL was developed in anticipation of Auckland’s population doubling by 2050 to 2.3 million people. The new rail link will help the city support the projected economic and population growth. According to Grimshaw, Auckland’s entire rail network is expected to carry between 20 and 25 million passengers per year. The CRL will dramatically reduce journey times within the city center. The undertaking is expected to be completed in 2024.