Improving Courtenay Place
Courtenay Place upgrade

In early 2025 we completed an upgrade of the intersection of Courtenay Place and Cambridge/Kent Terraces. This mahi was to be the start of a full upgrade for the Golden Mile, Wellington’s main retail and commercial strip that runs from Parliament to the Embassy Theatre. But the project was paused in November last year, so an independent review of costs and risks could be completed.

In June 2026, Wellington City Council confirmed the Golden Mile project would not go ahead as planned. Instead, improvements would focus on the Courtenay precinct. Funding of up to $40 million was approved to achieve some of the project's original goals such as new paving, more greenery, upgraded seating and improved lighting. No changes to the road layout or underground infrastructure – which cause the most construction disruption and cost – are being recommended or budgeted for at this time.

The Council has decided to take a new approach with this project. Rather than a single large project like the original Golden Mile upgrade, improvements will be delivered through a series of smaller upgrades over time. To guide this mahi, a new framework for Courtenay precinct improvements will be developed, along with guidelines for reporting on progress and a shortlist of improvement options. These will be presented back to elected members in early 2027.

Work to improve public transport along the Golden Mile route will be progressed separately through the joint Greater Wellington Regional Council and Wellington City Council work programme.

Meanwhile, Wellingtonians will see some improvements in Courteny Place soon, with more regular cleaning approved and $150,000 from the City Growth Fund allocated to support the Te Aro Hā business partnership to help enhance the area over the next 12 months.

The Council's goal continues to be improving the inner city so it's a welcoming place for people to live, visit, work and relax, while also feeling safer.