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. In May 2025 we started revitalising Courtenay Place as part of the Golden Mile upgrade, part of the $116 million 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...
16 May: Work underway, changes to right-hand turn into Majoribanks Street
The right-hand turn bay from Cambridge Terrace into Majoribanks Street will be closed for around four months while construction on the new, improved centre island is underway. You will be able to turn left into Majoribanks Street from Kent Terrace and access Mount Victoria via all other normal access points such as Elizabeth Street and Pirie Street. The street itself will NOT be closed.
A sign-posted detour via Wakefield Street, Tory Street and Cable Street through to Kent Terrace will be in place while construction is underway. Note the work underway on Wakefield Street near New World is a separate project being done by Wellington Water.
2 May 2025: Groundbreaking work set to start on Golden Mile
Work to revitalise Courtenay Place as part of the Golden Mile upgrade started on Sunday 4 May, with improvements to the Kent/Cambridge Terrace intersection. Redevelopment includes the construction of new pedestrian and bike crossings and improved footpaths. This part of the project is expected to take around eight months to minimise traffic disruption in the area.
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.