FAQs on Tawa town centre improvement project

The Tawa town centre improvement project will make the centre a more attractive, vibrant and safe place. We want to help create a place which accommodates growth, attracts people, encourages investment and improves infrastructure – helping to support a stronger town identity and providing a great space for the people of Tawa.

The project area covers the Tawa plaza, at 206 Main Road, across to the west of the New World building. The site also includes the lane from the plaza to the New World loading bay and the upgrade of two pedestrian crossings on Main Rd. One crossing is adjacent to the plaza and the other is near the NZ Post shop.

• Removal of old and degraded elements (eg bollards, old light columns, furniture)
• Improvement of the plaza and adjacent laneway with new planting, street furniture and lighting
• A new mural for Tawa by established artist Poi Ngawati
• Improved safety, with consistent lighting to encourage more use of the plaza
• Upgrade of the two pedestrian crossings on Main Road.

The project may cause some disruption to a number of adjacent businesses and tenants during construction. The Council will work with businesses to minimise disruption. The Council will also provide contact details so people can easily get in touch with us to report any issues as they arise.

Fortnightly project updates will be circulated via email, placed on the site and will be posted on the Tawa town centre improvement project page.

To allow works to take place safely (particularly those relating to excavations and re-paving works) it will be necessary at times to restrict pedestrian and vehicle access to some areas. Alternative routes for pedestrians to surrounding streets will be signposted.

The project budget is $1 million.

Funding for the project was allocated within the Wellington City Council Long-Term Plan.

The construction start date is estimated for early 2018. The duration of construction works is subject to a main contractor being appointed following the tender period. Weather can also impact on outdoor construction programmes.

This will be confirmed once a main contractor is appointed.

Yes, access will be maintained to New World throughout the works.

For safety reasons, access through the plaza may be limited at times but our intention is that access will be maintained during construction works. Alternative routes will be signposted.

For safety reasons, pedestrian access to parts of the laneway may be limited at times. Alternative or narrowed routes will be signposted.

• Local property owners & businesses
• Northern Ward Councillors
• Wellington City Council’s Accessibility Advisory Group
• Service providers (eg electricity, gas, water, and stormwater/sewer)
• Tawa Community Board
• Vibrant Tawa.

A mural brief was developed in January and February 2017.

A first call for artists took place from 28 February – 16 March 2017 and was advertised widely. 12 proposals were received and reviewed. A second call for artists took place from 21 March - 23 April 2017 with 21 proposals received. All proposals were reviewed and shortlisted and a recommendation made to the key stakeholder group on 20 July 2017.

To provide for a flexible use space, the existing raised planter has to be removed. This will allow the new space to be better utilised for outdoor markets, events and day-to-day activities. By relocating the Cherry trees to Grasslees Reserve, we are able to save these beautiful trees and retain them for the community to enjoy.

Yes. New trees and more garden areas will be incorporated into the new design.