Te Ngākau Civic Precinct is home to many of Wellington’s key civic and cultural venues and connects the city to the waterfront.
The precinct is made up of:
Many buildings in the precinct were damaged during the 2013 and 2016 earthquakes, which means strengthening or redevelopment work is necessary.
Although the resilience issues in this area are challenging, they also offer an opportunity to rebuild Te Ngākau to ensure it is safe, well-designed, vibrant and fulfils its potential as the heart of our growing city.
What we’re doing
Some key buildings in the precinct are being redeveloped and strengthened, while others are being removed to make way for future development. Here’s what’s currently underway.
Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui | Central Library project
We’re strengthening and modernising Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui | Central Library.
Te Matapihi will be a space for everyone, with each experience opening a window to knowledge and connection, and a sense of belonging. It will be a place where people can learn, cultures and communities can connect and everyone can enjoy access to special public spaces.
Te Whare Whakarauika | Wellington Town Hall project
We're strengthening and upgrading Te Whare Whakarauika | Wellington Town Hall. The Town Hall will 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. Construction of the Town Hall will be complete mid-2026, and the site is expected to open to the public early-2027.
City Gallery Wellington | Te Whare Toi
Following remedial and earthquake-strengthening works, City Gallery Wellington | Te Whare Toi will re-open in February 2026 alongside Te Matapihi | Central Library. While this work is taking place, City Gallery art exhibitions can be found in new locations across Wellington.
Te Ngākau Precinct Development Plan
Public consultation on the draft Te Ngākau Precinct Development Plan closed on Wednesday 13 November 2024. In July 2025 the Mayor and Councillors are scheduled to adopt the final Precinct Development Plan. Please check our Let's Talk page for more information and the latest updates.
The draft Development Plan brings together all the work underway in Te Ngākau Civic Square with options for future development, to create a single plan that will restore Te Ngākau as the civic and cultural heart of Pōneke.
The consultation sought feedback from Wellingtonians on key two questions. What should replace the City to Sea Bridge? And what should be prioritised in the remaining areas of Te Ngākau Civic Precinct that need to be developed?
Civic Administration Building (CAB) demolition
The CAB demolition was completed in February 2025.
Municipal Office Building (MOB) demolition
MOB is being demolished to make way for the redevelopment on the CAB and MOB sites. The MOB demolition will be complete by the end of 2025.
CAB and MOB site redevelopment
Precinct Properties have been selected to redevelop the CAB and MOB site after a rigorous selection process. Once CAB and MOB are demolished, development of a new building can proceed on the two sites.
The Council is now in a period of commercial negotiation with Precinct that is expected to be completed soon, and the key terms of the development agreement will be presented to elected members on 12 June 2025.
The City to Sea Bridge and former Capital E building
On 5 December 2024 the Kōrau Tūāpapa | Environment and Infrastructure Committee voted to replace the earthquake-prone former Capital E building and the City to Sea Bridge.
The bridge will be replaced with a new pedestrian crossing on Jervois Quay, and a new bridge will be considered for funding by the Council in a future Long-Term Plan.
Currently work on the bridge is on hold pending a judicial review. The High Court has now heard the case and a decision is expected mid-2025.
Civic basement
The Kōrau Tūāpapa | Environment and Infrastructure Committee approved the strengthening of the Civic basement on 12 September 2024. This work is underway and will be completed by early 2026.
Michael Fowler Centre carpark development
In 2021, the Council agreed to the key commercial terms on a 175-year ground lease for the Michael Fowler Centre carpark.