Vibrant Central City
When asked to describe the Central City in one word, the most used words describe its vibrancy or progress.
Almost two thirds (61-64%) are satisfied with the look and feel of:
- The streetscape and public artworks in the central city,
- New buildings in the central city, and
- The landscaping and tree planting in the central city.
A similar proportion (62%) also agree that the Central City has attractive and inviting open and green spaces.
59% agree they feel a sense of pride in the Central City. This has increased from 47% in 2022.
Visiting the Central City
There has been an increase in the number of respondents who had visited the central city for non-work or education purposes in the 7 days prior to completing the survey (51% in 2025 vs 45% in 2022).
Almost two-thirds (65%) agree that the Central City provides a range of things to do for all people, and, a range of spaces and places where communities can gather, socialise, celebrate and hold events.
Three quarters or more (76% - 88%) agree that the Central City offers:
- Access to a range of restaurants and bars
- A range of cafes
- A range of entertainment opportunities such as live music, theatre, movie cinemas and events
- Access to parks, open spaces and other outdoor recreation opportunities.
Living in the Central City
21% are open to moving to the Central City within the next 10 years; 55% would not consider moving to the Central City under any circumstances. The main three reasons include:
- The types of housing in the central city do not meet my needs (66%)
- There is not enough parking (both on street and off street) (61%)
- Lifestyle factors (e.g. enjoy living near the beach or the hills) (52%)
In addition, more respondents disagree than agree that the Central City provides a range of housing options that that are well -designed and/or affordable.
- The central city provides a range of housing options (33% agree, 36% disagree)
- The central city provides well designed housing options (23% agree, 35% disagree)
- The central city provides affordable housing options (15% agree, 44% disagree)
Safety in the Central City
Respondents report feeling safe in the central city during the day (82%).
However, safety after dark is an increasing concern where 49% reported feeling unsafe after dark in 2025, up from 46% in 2022, 44% in 2021, and ‘only’ 32% in 2020.
The main reason four for feeling unsafe in the central city include:
- Anti-social behaviour (e.g. Aggressive, intimidating people)
- People under the influence of drugs and alcohol
- Begging
- Homeless people
Priorities for the Central City
Residents’ top 5 overarching priorities for improving the central city over the next 10-15 year period include:
- Easy and affordable accessibility to the central city regardless of what travel mode residents want to use.
- A focus on rebuilding, repairing and revitalising still damaged or vacant areas: e.g. the Cathedral.
- Making the Central City safer and keeping it clean.
- Preserving, enhancing and increasing green spaces.
- Enabling more vibrancy though the arts, culture, heritage, events and entertainment.
Vibrant Central City
When asked to describe the Central City in one word, the most used words describe its vibrancy or progress.
Almost two thirds (61-64%) are satisfied with the look and feel of:
- The streetscape and public artworks in the central city,
- New buildings in the central city, and
- The landscaping and tree planting in the central city.
A similar proportion (62%) also agree that the Central City has attractive and inviting open and green spaces.
59% agree they feel a sense of pride in the Central City. This has increased from 47% in 2022.
Visiting the Central City
There has been an increase in the number of respondents who had visited the central city for non-work or education purposes in the 7 days prior to completing the survey (51% in 2025 vs 45% in 2022).
Almost two-thirds (65%) agree that the Central City provides a range of things to do for all people, and, a range of spaces and places where communities can gather, socialise, celebrate and hold events.
Three quarters or more (76% - 88%) agree that the Central City offers:
- Access to a range of restaurants and bars
- A range of cafes
- A range of entertainment opportunities such as live music, theatre, movie cinemas and events
- Access to parks, open spaces and other outdoor recreation opportunities.
Living in the Central City
21% are open to moving to the Central City within the next 10 years; 55% would not consider moving to the Central City under any circumstances. The main three reasons include:
- The types of housing in the central city do not meet my needs (66%)
- There is not enough parking (both on street and off street) (61%)
- Lifestyle factors (e.g. enjoy living near the beach or the hills) (52%)
In addition, more respondents disagree than agree that the Central City provides a range of housing options that that are well -designed and/or affordable.
- The central city provides a range of housing options (33% agree, 36% disagree)
- The central city provides well designed housing options (23% agree, 35% disagree)
- The central city provides affordable housing options (15% agree, 44% disagree)
Safety in the Central City
Respondents report feeling safe in the central city during the day (82%).
However, safety after dark is an increasing concern where 49% reported feeling unsafe after dark in 2025, up from 46% in 2022, 44% in 2021, and ‘only’ 32% in 2020.
The main reason four for feeling unsafe in the central city include:
- Anti-social behaviour (e.g. Aggressive, intimidating people)
- People under the influence of drugs and alcohol
- Begging
- Homeless people
Priorities for the Central City
Residents’ top 5 overarching priorities for improving the central city over the next 10-15 year period include:
- Easy and affordable accessibility to the central city regardless of what travel mode residents want to use.
- A focus on rebuilding, repairing and revitalising still damaged or vacant areas: e.g. the Cathedral.
- Making the Central City safer and keeping it clean.
- Preserving, enhancing and increasing green spaces.
- Enabling more vibrancy though the arts, culture, heritage, events and entertainment.