Positively Pōneke

Major infrastructure upgrades are needed to make our city a better place to live, work, and play. This work is essential and it can’t be delayed, so we’re getting construction rolling throughout 2023 and beyond.

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Our vision: A city of impact

The city is embarking on its biggest transformation programme since the development of the Wellington Waterfront more than 30 years ago.

Wellingtonians want a city that is climate-friendly, affordable, and a welcoming place to live for generations to come. We’re making that happen now. 

City-wide planning is reshaping the capital to accommodate a growing population that can move about easily and safely in ways that are healthier for people and the environment.

Wellington city and harbour on a sunny day.

The Spatial Plan and District Plan review will help make more housing available and more affordable by allowing more medium-rise and high-rise housing in our city. Let’s Get Wellington Moving and the $226 million Bike Network Plan will remodel our streets and enhance the way we use them, while Te Atakura – First to Zero is our blueprint for taking urgent climate action. Tākai Here sets out our partnership agreement with Mana Whenua.

We've got some big builds happening too – the Town Hall, Central Library, Tākina Convention and Exhibition Centre – as well as the less visible but equally important upgrades to water infrastructure, including the Taranaki Street pump station, and the Victoria Street rising main.

Workers in ditch constructing Evans Bay cycleway.

This is all ambitious and challenging work, and crucial for the future of our city.

Much more important than the individual projects, is what they produce when we piece them all together.

Each project helps towards building the vibrant, safe, and resilient capital city that Wellingtonians have asked for. These developments will draw more people into the city, creating opportunities for business.

People shopping for fresh fruit and vegetables at Harbourside Market on the Wellington waterfront with Te Papa in the background.

View our work programme

Te Ngākau Civic Square

Te Ngākau, the civic precinct, is the heart of the city, hosting several important arts and cultural venues, and providing a walking route between the city and the waterfront. A couple of the Te Ngākau projects which are being progressed:

  • In 2020, the Council opted to remediate the current central library building to the highest level of earthquake resilience. The refurbished building will deliver an integrated Central Library, City Archives, Customer Service Centre, and Experience Wellington’s Capital E, as well as celebrating Pōneke’s unique cultural identity. It’s due to be completed in early 2026. Find out more about Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui (Central Library) strengthening and modernisation project.
  • The Wellington Town Hall strengthening project includes redevelopments to support a new national music centre which is a collaboration between Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, Te Tira Pūoro o Aotearoa—New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO), and the Wellington City Council. The reopening date is scheduled for early 2025.
Architect’s projection of completed library building exterior.

The Golden Mile

The Golden Mile is the main retail and commercial strip from the Parliament end of Lambton Quay, through Willis and Manners Streets, ending at the entertainment hub of Courtenay Place. We’re revitalising the Golden Mile to move more people through the central business district by foot, bike, scooter, wheelchair, and public transport, creating space for thriving and attractive streets.

Tākina

Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wakefield St will be the Capital’s first premium event venue, with more than 10,000 sqm of meeting and exhibition space. The ground floor will include a 1,280 sqm exhibition gallery, which will be the largest in New Zealand. The opening date is scheduled for mid-2023.

The exterior of Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wakefield Street.

Sustainable transport

The Council is working in partnership with the Government and Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency to make it safer and easier for people to bike, walk, and use public transport in Wellington. Work is currently underway on the Newtown-to-City and Botanic Gardens-to-City routes.

The new walking and biking paths along the Cobham Drive foreshore.

The Green Network Plan

The Green Network Plan proposes a continuum of green areas to deliver ecological, social, economic, cultural, and public health benefits to the central city. It’s planned to include areas in both public and private ownership. This includes things like new parks and increasing tree and native plantings.

Workers planting trees in Swan Lane.

The Pōneke Promise  

The Pōneke Promise brings together community partners to make Wellington safe and welcoming. Focus areas include: reducing harm, improving public and community spaces, and working with business to increase confidence. We have several partners including government organisations and NGOs.

Find road closure information

Visit our road works information page to search for road works, roading projects, and street events that affect traffic access.

Maps

Workers tarsealing a road in Wellington.

Who we’re working with

Contact us

You can get in touch with the Council 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.