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.
The goal of the Golden Mile project is to 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.
Review of the Golden Mile project planned
Wellington Mayor Andrew Little recently announced the Golden Mile project will be reviewed to make sure we get the best outcome for the city. This follows new risks that have emerged during the construction planning process. These include cost and time delays from scenarios like finding unknown problems with underground infrastructure, which would have to be covered by the Council. We'll be able to provide an update on the scope and timing of the review when Council decides the approach it will take to the review at the next council meeting on 20 November.
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 more about this process
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.
Sign-up to the Golden Mile newsletter
23 October: Wheel-y good news!
For cyclists: The new dedicated two-way bike lane on Kent/Cambridge Terraces is open! There’s still work underway on the centre island though so please take special care when using the new layout and watch out for anyone who might mistakenly wander there.
For drivers: The righthand turn into Majoribanks Street has reopened, so no need to turn early or follow the old detour. But please keep an eye out for cyclists while they suss out the new route to and through the intersection.
For pedestrians: The new pedestrian crossing through the upgraded centre island has not been activated so everyone should continue using the existing crossings until further notice.
For everyone: Enjoy the kōwhai, native birdsong and new landscaping – it’s looking lovely!
Coming soon: Wayfinding signage is in production - watch this space for new signs, directional footpath decals and more. Next month the new weather shelters will be installed. They'll be a similar width as the existing one, but in two sections to allow for cyclists to pass by.
19 September: This month's e-news - Construction update on Courtenay Place
26 August: Check out this month's e-news
14 August: Plans for next phase of Golden Mile shared
6 June: Check out progress on the Courtenay Place intersection
16 May: Work underway, changes to right-hand turn into Majoribanks Street
2 May 2025: Groundbreaking work set to start on Golden Mile
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.