Auckland's CBD has the potential to be one of the world's most vibrant and dynamic business and cultural centres. Find out about the plans and projects Auckland City Council has underway that will make this happen. In the future, everyone who visits, lives or works in the CBD will be doing so in one of the best cities in the world.

Work on transforming St Patrick's Square into an urban oasis is at the halfway mark and on track for completion by November this year. An impressive new sculpture, step touch stone, by local artist Steve Woodward has been installed and will be unveiled following the completion of construction.

With all local businesses operating as usual, work on the upgrade has been undertaken in stages to minimise disruption and ensure pedestrian access is maintained. The work is part of the council's 10-year CBD streetscape and open space upgrade programme.

The landscape design for Aotea Square is taking shape. A variety of native species will be planted, mainly at the southern end of the Square. This includes 10 pohutukawa which will stand in two rows in the paved area in front of Aotea Centre.

Another design innovation will be the establishment of a kiosk in front of the Aotea Centre housing a café and box office.

Free public transport for people over 65 years has led to an increase in the number of older shoppers in the CBD. Tourism operators and retailers confirm a rising trend of business from senior Aucklanders.

Not having to drive or find parking has encouraged those eligible for the SuperGold Card to utilise free public transport and come into the city for shopping and leisure, which is having the knock-on effect of activating our local economy.

As construction progresses on the Auckland Art Gallery, it's business as usual at the New Gallery on the corner of Wellesley and Lorne streets.

Opening on 28 February is the exciting exhibition of internationally acclaimed artist Yinka Shonibare MBE, on show until June.

Action by the waterfront - Get down to the Viaduct to enjoy the Auckland International Boat Show 2009 from 5 to 8 March. Check out a huge selection of locally made and imported yachts, launches and trailer boats, and the latest in marine electronics and boat equipment. A selection of classic yachts presented by the Classic Yacht Association will also provide a wonderful spectacle for you to enjoy.

Never a dull moment in the CBD - The Auckland Festival 2009 will bring the city alive from 5 to 20 March. This arts festival is a biennial event that boasts a spectacular programme of more than 200 theatre, dance, music, and visual arts events. With a bigger, better festival hub than ever before, and an array of free events for the whole family, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Enjoy tunes in the sun - The fantastic programme of free Music in Parks concerts continues in some of our city's most spectacular open spaces this month. There's a huge range of free music to look forward to as part of the council's Music in Parks programme - check out what's on at our events website and let us entertain you this summer.

Fun day out -  Make the most of the sunshine and head along to the Pasifika Festival on 14 March at Western Springs Park. As well as traditional and contemporary entertainment, workshops, demonstrations, stalls and food, the festival will feature a new Sevens rugby tournament with premiere Auckland rugby teams as well as demonstration games of soccer and rugby league.

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