Courtenay Place Revitalisation

Prioritising buses through Courtenay Place during the day will mean a faster, more reliable journey, helping buses stick to their schedule along their entire route. 

New, more comfortable bus stops will be spaced so you won’t have to walk more than a few minutes to your closest stop from any point along the Courtenay Precinct. 

While construction is underway, we’ll have bus diversions and temporary bus stops in place to ensure you can still get where you need to go. 

While some bus stop locations will be changed, including the removal of a bus stop by the St James Theatre, this will help prevent buses from stopping every few metres along Courtenay Place and prioritise the bus stops that are used by the most people. Loading areas are provided near the St James for pick up/drop off between 7pm and 7am. 

A separated path for bikes and scooters will run the length of Courtenay Place. This will give cyclists coming to and from town from the southern and eastern suburbs a direct route into this part of our city while lessening the risk of conflicts with pedestrians and buses. 

The separated path has been designed in a way that will encourage cyclists to slow down through this area, with markings, curves and pavers all used to encourage slower speeds. See how this path connects to the rest of the bike network. 

It is not intended to be the sole commuter route, with cyclists and scooter users continuing to use the waterfront and existing cycle infrastructure. 

In the short term, the first part of connecting the bike network will start with works at the intersection of Courtenay Place and Kent Terrace. Beginning in April 2025, the centre island will be upgraded to provide a safer journey for cyclists travelling down Kent and Cambridge Terraces. While this work is under way, a clearly signposted transitional cycleway will be in place.

The revitalised Golden Mile will enable more purposeful use of Wellington’s central city streets. Courtenay Place is a hub for entertainment and connection and will prioritise pedestrians, while private vehicles will use nearby Wakefield Street, which is designed as a key traffic artery. 

Between 7am and 7pm only buses and authorised vehicles will be allowed to drive on Courtenay Place. There will be a permit system for authorised vehicles, which can be applied for either by individuals or by companies (e.g. a delivery company could apply on behalf of their drivers). Between 7pm and 7am all vehicles will be allowed to drive on Courtenay Place, with no permit required. 

Residents will be able to apply for permits for their private vehicles. In the coming months we’ll be identifying which residential buildings will need permitting systems, and we’ll stay closely connected to residents’ groups and body corporates in the area.

Details of eligibility for permits and how to apply will be released publicly before construction of the new Courtenay Place is finished.