Showcase
- NZILA Award of Excellence Civic and Urban Design — 2026
Nomination statement
The George Street Retail Quarter is a once-in-a-generation transformation of Ōtepoti Dunedin’s primary civic and commercial street. Initiated by the need to replace ageing three waters infrastructure, the project reimagines George Street from a vehicle-dominated corridor into a pedestrian-priority destination that supports public life, culture and commerce. Spanning four blocks, it enhances accessibility, prioritises people, and establishes a distinctive inner-city identity. Delivered between 2019 and 2025, the $110 million programme reimagines approximately 37,000 m² of public realm across George Street and adjoining streets. It demonstrates design-led urban regeneration, integrating cultural identity, social inclusion, environmental stewardship and economic resilience. Mana whenua were genuine partners from inception through to completion, with Kāi Tahu represented by Aukaha and embedded within the Jasmax and AECOM design team playing a central role in shaping outcomes. Their involvement ensured cultural values guided decision-making at every stage. Strong design leadership and a collaborative Early Contractor Involvement delivery model further contributed to the project’s success, setting a new benchmark for culturally grounded, people-centred main-street transformation in Aotearoa. Aligned with the Central City Plan’s Green City principle, the project introduces 90 street trees and 730 m² of gardens, transforming previously barren streets into a thriving urban biodiversity corridor. Raingardens provide best practice stormwater management while enhancing amenity and attracting insects and native birds back into the city. Pavements, seating, play structures and public art enrich the experience for residents, visitors, and businesses, collectively elevating Dunedin’s inner city and reinforcing its identity as one of the world’s great small cities.
Judges' citation
George Street Dunedin Retail Quarter is a transformative civic project that reimagines the heart of Ōtepoti Dunedin as a vibrant, people-focused destination. The judges were impressed by the ambition and quality of the project, which successfully changes George Street from a vehicle-dominated corridor into a welcoming, safe and accessible pedestrian-priority civic space. The integration of mana whenua values, biodiversity, play, events and retail activity within the streetscape has created a rich civic experience and encouraged greater use of the street.
Particularly commendable is the genuine partnership with Kāi Tahu, whose narratives and cultural values are interwoven throughout the project, revealing stories of Ōtepoti Dunedin’s history that were previously hidden and strengthening the city's sense of identity.
Extensive planting, rain gardens, gathering spaces and a central play area transform what was once a largely hard-surfaced streetscape into a greener, more resilient and engaging urban environment for all citizens.
Across the four city blocks, a series of distinct destinations encourage people to spend time in the city centre rather than simply pass through. The judges believe the project establishes a benchmark for main street civic regeneration in Aotearoa and demonstrates how cities can successfully prioritise people, culture and sense of place while supporting long-term economic vitality and the precinct’s resilience.
George Street Dunedin Retail Quarter
Jasmax, in collaboration with Aukaha and Ō3 Collective
Client: Dunedin City Council
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