Courtenay Place: Our past, present and future

After an earthquake drained and rose the area in 1855, much of modern Wellington’s central business district was formed. There was more usable land for people, including new land to add a rail and road route, soon turning the area into an industrial hub for the city.  

Transformation came again in the early 20th century, with Wellington’s fruit and vegetable market, which began on Allen and Blair Street, moving to the Waterfront and what we know as the Habourside Market. This brought a new energy to the area. People would flock to the Harbourside Market for fresh produce every weekend, bringing more foot traffic to the area.

At the same time, there was rapid growth in the businesses on Courtenay Place, with new cinemas, theatres, coffee spots, restaurants and shops popping up – some of which are still around today. These changes cemented Courtenay Place’s reputation as an entertainment hub. 

The rejuvenation of the 20th century set up Courtenay Place to be what it’s now known for; its nightlife, entertainment and social spaces. The Golden Mile project will be the next milestone of this history. While Courtenay Place is leading as a hospitality and entertainment district in Pōneke, perceptions of the area have fallen in recent years, with an acknowledged experience, safety and investment issue. 

The Council is working towards making the area safer, better looking, and a more comfortable and fun place, through short-term mahi like Courtenay Place Precinct Plan as well as longer-term mahi like the Golden Mile project.  

The works for ‘The Golden Mile’ area (Courtenay Place through to Willis Street, Manners Street and Lambton Quay), transferred to Wellington City Council in March this year when the former Let’s Get Wellington Moving programme was formally dissolved. 

This project aims to revitalise the heart of the city with generous spaces for people to shop, work and play by shifting the focus to public transport, walking and cycling. This means better lighting, wider footpaths, more public seating, outdoor dining opportunities and more. 

Revitalising areas of the Golden Mile will create a more vibrant and welcoming place to live, work and play as well as make it safer to get around. 

Partnering with mana whenua is a key part to this work, and Council is committed to celebrating our city centre’s rich and unique cultural history.    

Since taking over the Golden Mile project, Council has reviewed Let’s Get Wellington Moving’s plans and made decisions about how to deliver the works as efficiently as possible. The construction schedule isn’t confirmed yet and there will be engagement with businesses and residents about plans in the coming months.  

Major infrastructure upgrades are needed to make our city a better place to live, work, and play. These essential investments will enable our city to grow and thrive. Keep up to date with the projects happening in Wellington city on the Positively Pōneke microsite. Or, read more about the Golden Mile transformation project on the Golden Mile revitalisation Let's Talk page.