Wellington City Council has agreed to spend up to $40 million on central city improvements, including options for Courtenay Place and faster public transport through the city’s central spine.
Councillors agreed the new approach at Thursday’s City Strategy and Delivery Committee meeting.
A preferred option is expected to be selected in December, with delivery to start in 2027.
The committee also agreed to increase cleaning in Courtenay Place from monthly to weekly. Councillors approved $150,000 from the City Growth Fund to support the Te Aro Hā business partnership to make visible improvements to buildings over the next 12 months.
Mayor Andrew Little said the inner city was Wellington’s economic heart and home to many people.
“We all want it to be a welcoming place where people can come together, enjoy a meal in the sunshine, make the most of our arts and culture scene, and feel safer,” Little said.
He said the council had “drawn a line” under a previous project that could not be delivered.
“We have an opportunity to do something that will make a difference, be creative and be affordable,” Little said.
Councillors will now help develop a project brief, due to be approved in August. That will set the parameters for a detailed business case to be released in December.
