Wellington's Te Ngākau Civic Precinct
Wellington City Council's elected members have been briefed on the latest progress in Te Ngākau Civic Precinct. The precinct is now nine months away from reopening, with a city-wide celebration planned for March 2026 when Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui – the Central Library - reopens its doors.
The reopening event will reflect the City Council's partnership with mana whenua and the creative community, drawing Wellingtonians from all walks of life into the new building with music, art, performances and interactive experiences.
Precinct Properties and the Council are negotiating a deal to activate the former CAB/MOB site while Precinct Properties completes all the necessary design and planning work for a new building. The activation space will be brought to life with art, retail, and hospitality offerings. The site will be activated for up to five years, while Precinct does its due diligence on the new building.
City Council Chief Operating Officer James Roberts says it's essential to activate the area in a creative way until construction begins.
"We'll use this opportunity during the planning phase to create a vibrant and exciting new space right in the heart of our city."
He says the intent for the new development on the site remains the same – a five-star green building that includes retail, hospitality, co-working, and office space, alongside civic and cultural spaces. The agreement with Precinct Properties will be considered by the Council's Environment and Infrastructure Committee in August.
Te Whare Whakarauika Town Hall continues to make good progress, with the refurbishment of the Town Hall itself, plus the construction of the new annex building, due to be completed by July 2026.
The design of the annex has evolved following engagement with groups including NZSO, NZSM, WellingtonNZ, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and Council regulatory teams. It will provide the main entrance to the Town Hall and feature front-of-house facilities including three bars, toilets, and offices. The Town Hall will re-open in early 2027.
Other key parts of the precinct are also due to be completed in time for the March 2026 reopening of Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui, including City Gallery maintenance and strengthening work, civic basement strengthening, and Te Ngākau Civic Square landscaping and redevelopment.
The City Council head office move to 68 Jervois Quay will also be underway in early 2026, bringing the Council back to the Te Ngākau neighbourhood to play a key role in the area's revitalisation.
The Te Ngākau Precinct Development Plan is currently being refined with input from the Wellington architecture community via a new urban design panel. The development plan will provide the blueprint for completing the precinct in future years, as the Council's funding and priorities permit. The plan is due to be finalised in July 2025.
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