Courtenay Place from Kent Terrace
Wellington's Courtenay Place is known for its vibrant and slightly edgy entertainment scene. On weekend nights up to 20,000 people visit this part of town, even more during major city events.
The area offers a wide mix of 24-hour, seven days a week activities: daytime shopping and early evening leisure activities, including dining, cinemas and live theatre, followed by late-night drinking and dancing into the early hours.
Wellington City Council's Courtenay Precinct programme focuses on safety in Courtenay Place and the surrounding streets.
Courtenay Precinct
The Courtenay precinct area includes:
- Courtenay Place
- Allen and Blair Streets
- Kent and Cambridge Terraces between Courtenay Place and Wakefield Street (the Embassy Theatre area)
- east Taranaki Street between Courtenay Place and Wakefield Street
- Holland Street
- Tory Street from Holland Street to Wakefield Street.
Courtenay Precinct Projects
Nightlife in Courtenay Place
Based on safety needs within the precinct, the Council has launched 12 projects and reviews concerning:
- alcohol-related harm (disorder, criminal offending and anti-social behaviour)
- footpath and traffic congestion
- streetscape design, including lighting
- public transport and taxi management
- public place activity.
Some of these projects will impact across the central city area.
Project Background
Wellington City Council has examined many factors impacting on the Courtenay precinct. The key focus was the safety of late-night crowds.
Groups and organisations consulted included Police, Walkwise, New Zealand Transport Agency's Taxi Enforcement Unit, Positively Wellington Tourism, Hospitality Association, Courtenay Quarter Accord and a Courtenay Place residents' group.
Five-year Vision
The Council has developed a five-year vision for the Courtenay precinct.
The vision proposes:
- continuing development as the city's premier entertainment district
- greater diversity in venues, and more outdoor café seating
- a streetscape that accommodates late-night crowds, and meets the priorities of all businesses and activities
- an exciting, welcoming, safe environment.
Key Objectives
- Shops, cinemas and service organisations for daytime customers.
- Entertainment venues for evening and late-night activity.
- Space for street theatre, live music, markets and cultural events, including in Allen and Blair streets, and Courtenay Place Park.
- Flexible streetscape accommodating diverse activities, and providing a safe place for crowds.
- Controlled drinking environments with good alcohol management practices to reduce alcohol abuse and alcohol-related offences and disorder.
- Public awareness of taking responsibility for friends, dangers of alcohol abuse, and consequences of illegal drinking.
- A strong and positive relationship between the Council, businesses, resident groups and other key stakeholders - with a shared commitment to keeping the precinct safe and vibrant.
Programme of Solutions
Wellington City Council agreed in March 2008 to a series of solutions. These solutions will address safety issues associated with late-night entertainment, and meet the priorities of local businesses and public transport.
Funding for 2008/09 work has been requested in the draft 2008/09 Annual Plan.
- Plans / Policies
- Courtenay Place Project: Strategy & Policy Committee report - 6 March 2008 (183Kb PDF)
More Information
Laurie Gabites
Project Manager
| Phone: | (04) 803 8094 |
| Email: | laurie.gabites |
Related Links
Department Details:
Policy
