The Golden Mile, Wellington’s main retail and commercial strip, runs from the Parliament end of Lambton Quay, along Willis and Manners Streets, to the entertainment hub of Courtenay Place. Starting in May 2025, we’re revitalising Courtenay Place as part of the Golden Mile upgrade.
The revitalisation of Courtenay Place is part of the $116 million Golden Mile project, jointly funded by Council and Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency.
This project also includes essential infrastructure upgrades like installing new pipes, replacing slippery pavements, and enhancing the road for smoother traffic flow. An additional budget of up to $23m has been earmarked for upgrading pipes as work above ground progresses.
Over time, we’ll improve traffic flow and bus reliability, create wider footpaths and dedicated bike lanes, add more public seating and outdoor dining areas, include cultural design elements developed in partnership with mana whenua, and increase native planting.
Revitalising the central city will mean disruption in the short-term, but in the long-term, residents, businesses and tourists will benefit from better infrastructure, increased numbers of visitors, and world-class amenities.
Find out more about the construction changes taking place in the coming months...
28 April 2025: Groundbreaking work set to start on Golden Mile
Work to revitalise Courtenay Place as part of the Golden Mile upgrade starts on Sunday 4 May, with improvements to the Kent/Cambridge Terrace intersection. Redevelopment includes the construction of new pedestrian and bike crossings, weather shelters, and improved footpaths. This part of the project is expected to take around eight months to minimise traffic disruption in the area.
Long-term, Courtenay Place will feature expanded pedestrian areas, more outdoor dining, dedicated bike lanes and visual markers of underground awa (streams).
To keep up to date about this project, sign-up to our regular newsletter, or if you have any questions, email courtenay@wcc.govt.nz.
Wellington’s unique geography, compact city centre, and small number of road networks means we face unique transport challenges. We’ve designed a solution which supports new and improved ways of getting around, thriving hospitality and retail areas, and more people-centred public spaces.
Many of Wellington’s infrastructure assets such as water pipes, roads and footpaths are in need of repair and replacement. We’re working closely with our utilities operators to use the opportunity to improve these assets as we do construction work on the Golden Mile, which will mean less disruption and less cost for ratepayers in the long run.
The upgrade of Courtenay Place will create a vibrant space for all to enjoy. The design offers a strong cultural narrative of the area, informed by mana whenua who have been involved throughout the design process. The stories of the area will be told through paving designs and other elements.
Learn about how we're improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians and people spending time on Courtenay Place.
Explore what the changes mean for everyone moving in and around Courtenay Place - from pedestrians and cyclists, through to public transport, private vehicles, delivery drivers and authorised vehicles.
Learn about how we're collaborating with Wellington Water to renew and reinforce the pipes underground during Courtenay Place construction.
Learn about what these changes will mean for businesses in the area.
Learn about how we've engaged with mana whenua to develop a cultural narrative and designs.
Learn how construction is expected to roll out, and how you can still access businesses in the area.
Read all the detailed plans, engagement summaries, research and more.