Wakefield Street Ready For Its Close-Up Ahead Of Town Hall Re-Opening

02 Nov 2026, 16:33 by Wellington City Council · SCOOP

The Wakefield St upgrade project in front of Te Whare Whakarauika Town Hall has been completed, with two-way traffic now flowing freely down the redeveloped street.

As a key approach to some of the city’s most important civic venues, Chief Operating Officer James Roberts says this upgrade will make a real difference to this part of the city.

"This section of Wakefield Street is now more attractive and pedestrian-friendly, and it will provide a better connection between Lambton Quay and Te Aro."

Upgrades include new seating, landscaping, and paving as part of the new Town Hall entrance through the Annex. The southern side footpath has also been widened and improved, new green space and trees have been planted, and car parks reinstated.

The completion of this project marks the end of an extensive programme of street works around Te Ngākau Civic Square, with coordinated work between Wellington City Council, Tiaki Wai and other contractors.

Multiple projects were brought together to get work above and below ground all done at the same time, minimising ongoing disruption in the area.

Now that Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui Central Library and City Gallery Te Whare Toi are back, Mayor Andrew Little is pleased to see life returning to Te Ngākau.

"Next up is the re-opening of Te Whare Whakarauika Town Hall in February, and then the re-opening of the City to Sea Bridge in April. Piece by piece, the beating heart of Wellington is coming back to life."

The Town Hall will be a world-class musical and recording venue with improved rehearsal and performance space. It will be a base for civic and community events and the home of a new National Music Centre – a collaboration between Wellington City Council, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s New Zealand School of Music—Te Kōkī.

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