Construction update
Review of the Golden Mile project planned
During the construction planning process for the second stage of work along Courtenay Place, new risks emerged including cost increases and likely time delays. At a council meeting on 20 November the decision was made to review plans for the Golden Mile. This review will begin in early 2026 and take up to six months. To find out more about the background to this decision, check out the agenda paper online (pages 103-126).
Artist's impression of the new pedestrian crossing between Cambridge and Kent Terraces
Progress update on current works
Work on the intersection of Courtenay Place and Cambridge/Kent Terraces started in May this year. Construction should be finished by early December, ahead of the busy holiday season. The next phase of construction was set to start in the new year, but planning has been paused ahead of a project review.
What to expect while work is underway
Dayshift work will be done between 7am and 5pm, Mondays to Saturdays, with traffic management in place 9am and 4pm on those days.
Nightshift work will be done between 8pm and 6am Sundays to Thursdays, when necessary.
Read the construction advance notification letter (PDF 253KB) I Text version (Word 406KB)
Work is now finished and the two-way cycle lane is open.
The right-hand turn into Majoribanks Street reopened in October.
Work has begun on the island in the middle of the intersection of Courtenay Place and Kent/Cambridge Terraces, to create improved bike lanes and safer pedestrian crossings.
During construction Kent Terrace and the temporary cycleway will remain open. The existing pedestrian crossing will be open, but we may sometimes need to direct people to the nearest alternative crossing.
Changes to the footpath outside the Embassy Theatre has been completed.
Once the new cycleway through the centre island is completed, the temporary cycleway will be removed and signage will be installed to direct cyclists down the new cycleway.
Work on underground utilities will take place on Kent and Cambridge Terraces. The centre island work will be finished and construction completed.
Artist's impression of the new pedestrian island between Kent and Cambridge Terrace
Living with change
Modernising Courtenay Place will make it a more attractive, vibrant and welcoming place to live, work and play. It will also make it easier and safer to get around on foot, by bus, bike or whatever way turns your wheels.
For anyone who calls Courtenay Place home, the months and years ahead will mean new ways of moving through and around the area. We'll let you know when bus stops are being relocated, when walking access is different due to work taking place and when crossings will change location. For now the Kent/Cambridge crossing will stay the same. No matter what's underway, there'll always be well sign-posted, safe ways to get around.
The work programme has been designed to minimise disruption to traffic flow, dust and noise using noise-reducing padding on fencing, for example. During the day, work will take place between 9am and 4pm Monday to Saturday, while overnight work will be done between 8pm and 6am Sunday to Thursday.
As the project progresses, we'll provide ongoing opportunities for residents to keep informed. Signage, letters, face-to-face hui, community events and social media posts are just some of the ways we'll keep in touch. You can also sign up to our e-newsletter if you want to hear from us on a regular basis.
If you'd like to connect with your local residents' associations, you can contact Inner City Wellington or Mount Victoria Residents Association.
Business support available
We know construction can be disruptive so during this time we’re offering all impacted businesses:
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Access to our construction leads so any issues can be quickly resolved.
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Signage to ensure your clients and customers can still find you while work is underway.
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Suitable safety fencing for your business. For instance, noise-reduction padding, transparent sidings and branded sidings.
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Tailored mentoring and training through WellingtonNZ and the Regional Business Partners Network. Businesses can request training based on specific needs or take part in workshops about financial literacy, leadership, marketing and digital engagement.
Let's keep in touch
All timeframes are subject to final approval and may change. We'll keep you up-to-date with any changes.
If you have any queries about this project, please contact the Major Projects team at Courtenay@wcc.govt.nz.
Safety and accessibility
Learn about how we're improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians and people spending time on Courtenay Place.
Transport changes
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.
Water renewals
Learn about how we're collaborating with Wellington Water to renew and reinforce the pipes underground during Courtenay Place construction.
Business impacts
Learn about what these changes will mean for businesses in the area.
Mana whenua engagement
Learn about how we've engaged with mana whenua to develop a cultural narrative and designs.
What to expect during construction
Learn how construction is expected to roll out, and how you can still access businesses in the area.
Supporting documents
Read all the detailed plans, engagement summaries, research and more.