Wellington City Council

What we know

Shelly Bay Road

Projects  > Shelly Bay Road  > What we know

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How we use this space

People use this stretch of road or visit the coast for several reasons. We have identified different opportunities to enhance how they may be able to move through or visit the area.

Different people have different needs

We know from engagement with the community that this area is used by lots of people in different ways. We want to ensure people continue using the space, while enhancing it for the growing communities. Below you can see some of the opportunities we have identified. 

How people use it

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Fishing and diving

The coastline is a popular spot for fishing and divers throughout the year. We will be looking for opportunities to add accessible paths where space is available while protecting the coastline, wildlife and habitat.  

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Pt Jerningham seating 2

Walking and running

The coast and peninsula are scenic spots for pedestrians and runners. We've heard from the community that many people are put off using this coastal route as they don’t feel safe with the mix of pedestrians, bikes and cars sharing the same space. As we expect more people to be moving through or visiting the area, we are looking at ways to make the road environment safer and easier to navigate for pedestrians and runners. 

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Cobham bike path

Riding bikes

Shelly Bay Road is a popular recreational area for people of all ages to get out on their bikes – and this is likely to increase as the city's population grows. With more people seeking active ways of getting around the city we are looking for opportunities to improve the road environment for people on bikes.   

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Cobham beach 2

Beach access and recreation

Shelly Bay’s beaches are busy spots for swimming, fishing, picnics and connecting with the natural environment for people from around the city. With the predicted population growth, these spots are likely to become more popular. We are looking at where we may be able to add accessible pathways to the beaches, spaces for people to sit, or highlight the cultural, historical and environmental features of this coast. 

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Music show with people sitting

Events

Shelly Bay and the peninsula are home to a range of walking, running and biking events, along with arts and music.

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What we've explored

We have looked at opportunities to upgrade this section of Shelly Bay Road beyond the consented design (the minimum). Many improvements beyond the minimum would require widening the road. To understand the challenges and constraints of widening the road, we have considered:

  • marine and terrestrial ecology
  • the coastal environment
  • geotechnical constraints and risks
  • flood risk
  • historical and cultural considerations
  • existing seawalls and utilities. 

We also considered how an upgrade would align with strategies such as Te Atakura: First to Zero, Let’s Get Wellington Moving, our Spatial Plan, Paneke Pōneke: the bike network plan, and the Great Harbour Way/Te Aranui o Pōneke.

We have also looked at other similar projects (like the Tupua Horo Nuku, and Eastern Bays Shared Path | Hutt City Council) where coastlines are affected, to see what we can learn. Challenges to consider here include the effects on natural habitats and wildlife, user safety, regulatory requirements, timelines and the costs involved. 

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These are the strategies and reports we and the engineers considered when looking at how we may be able to upgrade Shelly Bay Road.   

Eastern Bays Shared Path | Hutt City Council

Great Harbour Way | Te Aranui o Pōneke
Te Aranui o Pōneke is a walking and cycling route around Te Whanganui-a-tara, the harbour of Wellington.

Lets Get Wellington Moving
Joint initiative between Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council and Waka Kotahi aimed at improving our transport and creating a more liveable city.

Long-term Plan 2021-31 
Our 2021-31 Long-term Plan sets the direction for the next 10 years, outlines what we will be investing in, how much it may cost and how this will be funded.

Paneke Pōneke - Wellington City Council's bike network plan

Shelly bay decisions and consenting documents
You'll find links to the resource consent documents for the Shelly Bay Development at the end of this webpage.  

Spatial plan for Wellington City
The spatial plan guides the city's land use and transport planning. 

Te Atakura First to Zero climate action plan 
Te Atakura is the Council's plan for reducing our emissions to as close to zero as we can, and then using forestry, known as 'carbon sinks', to offset the remaining emissions.

Where we are today

Scientists, engineers and planners have assessed the area to identify the constraints and the opportunities available. They have considered the wider environmental context; the various city planning, environmental and transport strategies; previous community feedback; and recent Advisory Group workshops with key stakeholder representatives.

Click “Next” to find out what considerations and constraints there are in the area.

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