We’re getting underway with temporary improvements to activate a vacant Council site at Daly Street until it is needed for Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi (formerly RiverLink) works.
What’s happening
The vacant site at 6-9 Daly Street is owned by Council and is at a prominent location along the river corridor. This gives us the opportunity to draw people into the city centre, with more reasons to visit, stay longer and spend more. It’s also well connected to High Street via laneways.
It’s great chance for us to try out new ideas in a temporary way that can inform future projects around the city centre and throughout Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt.
View of the Daly Street from the riverbank.
To successfully activate the site, we are starting with the following elements:
- A pump track
- Accessible surfaces so everyone can enjoy the space
- A half basketball court
- Moveable seating and tables
- A low stage for events
- Power & water to support food & drinks trucks during events
- Planters
We’ve been working with businesses, residents, and community groups who call the city centre home to further develop our ideas and design.
We’re looking to open the space in autumn 2025 and run it until it is needed for Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi works.
The space may change over time to respond to community feedback. Any furniture or equipment used for the project will be relocatable elsewhere around the city.
What we’ve heard so far
Previous community engagement revealed that people are keen on:
- A social and family destination with vibrant street-based activities
- A better night-time economy
- High amenity for inner city living
- A walkable city centre including pedestrian laneways
We shared our initial ideas with businesses, residents, and community groups who call the city centre home. What we’ve heard is:
| Community ideas | Business ideas |
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Following this engagement, we’ve developed a plan for activating the site.
What’s next?
The site will be tidied up and made safe in early 2025 and temporary street furniture and equipment will be installed from March 2025.
The site will be opened to the public once these initial works are complete.
We’re keen to hear from the community once the site starts being used so we can make it better.
What could we do to help encourage you, and your friends and whānau, to visit and hang out in the city centre?
Share your thoughts with us at citycentreplacemaking@huttcity.govt.nz.
Get in contact
Got questions about the project? You can contact us at citycentreplacemaking@huttcity.govt.nz