Businesses say the new Central Auckland Police base is a positive step towards improving the city's safety.  

The new Federal Street station will be close to Aotea Square, making it easier to deploy officers right across the central city.  

Police plan to have it open to the public 24/7 by the middle of next year. 

Heart of the City's Viv Beck told Ryan Bridge that businesses have been after more police - especially with the City Rail Link opening soon.  

She says we want a vibrant, safe, international city, so there needs to be enough police. 

LISTEN ABOVE