11 March 2019

This Friday 15 March marks the official opening of the Tawa Town Plaza - the final stage of a series of improvements to make the centre a more attractive, vibrant and safe space.

There’ll be speeches and singing as the community, contractors and council officials come together to celebrate the completion of this major project.

Mayor Justin Lester says a large part of the success of this project is due to the active involvement of the Tawa community.

“The community has played a leading role in the design of the centre and were clear they wanted the improvements to strengthen Tawa’s identity and attract people and investment into the town centre,” says the Mayor.

The project was broken down into three phases – improved pedestrian access between the main street and the shopping district, the commissioning of a large wall mural, and an upgrade of Tawa’s central plaza.

“The new plaza is a wonderful space for community events and we hope it encourages people to shop locally. The mural near the plaza certainly reflects the unique identity of our city’s most northern suburb,” adds Deputy Mayor and local ward Councillor Jill Day.


The mural
The installation of a vibrant new mural painted on the New World wall, running the length of the laneway to the south of the plaza. Following two public calls for artists in 2017, Poihakena Ngawati Ngati Hine (Poi) of Ngapuhi and Tainui was awarded the mural contract.


Improvements to Main Road
Improved pedestrian connections have been established within the shopping district on Main Road between Surrey Street and Cambridge Street, with the replacement of the existing pedestrian crossings with two new raised pedestrian crossings.

Ward Councillor Peter Gilberd says parking on Main Road has also been made easier and safer with the painting of new larger parking spaces. Improved lane markings for southbound traffic on Main Road have also been added at the Cambridge Street roundabout.

Improvements to the Plaza
The project included new green spaces, planting, street furniture, applying a decorative pattern to the footpath surface, and additional lighting.

Ward Councillor Malcolm Sparrow says the improvements will connect the Plaza with the shopping district and create a gathering space for community events. New amenities include increased seating, improved lighting, new bike stands and a new drinking fountain.

“Construction can be disruptive - it’s always hard for retailers and residents. However we’d like to thank all the retailers and residents around the area for their patience, and the contractors for their efforts to do the work with minimum disruption.

“The people of Tawa can now enjoy a vibrant public space that will be a boost for local businesses.”

Opening ceremony details:
Friday 15 March
4:30pm – 6:30pm Tawa Plaza
Formal opening and speeches 5:30pm - all welcome

Related links:
https://wellington.govt.nz/tawa-upgrade

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