Council survey asks central city residents what they want

By 2043, the number of people living in central Wellington is expected to increase by 84 percent. To help plan for this growth, Wellington City Council is inviting central city residents to complete a survey.

The results will help the Council put the Wellington Urban Growth Plan into effect, and make sure the central city is an attractive place to live. The plan will allow the Council and others to build infrastructure, facilities and urban places that will work – now and in the future.

Lambton Ward Councillor Nicola Young says, “Since 2008, almost half of Wellington’s new homes have been apartments; most of them in Te Aro. This trend will continue, as with rising numbers of tertiary education students and retired residents will skew the demand towards smaller, lower maintenance homes.

“People thought it odd when I moved into Te Aro 12 years ago, now they think I have one of the coolest Wellington addresses”, said Cllr Young.

The central city – which includes Thorndon, Wellington Central and Te Aro – is home to nearly 17,000 people. Under current growth projections, it is estimated this area will need to house about 15,000 more people over the next 30 years. New apartment developments provide much of this housing.

One part of the central city that has room for population growth is Te Aro. Because of its location, the area has many advantages for both employment and recreation opportunities. It is within walking distance of the central business district, as well as the waterfront, Courtenay Place and Pukeahu National War Memorial Park.

Transport and Urban Development portfolio leader Andy Foster says, “There has been significant residential development in Te Aro over the last decade, particularly near the waterfront. We want to encourage good quality development to spread south from the waterfront, all the way to Memorial Park.”

The survey is administered by Nielsen on behalf of the Council. Central city residents are welcome to contact Nielsen directly regarding any issues with the survey.

Invitations to complete the survey will arrive in letterboxes next week. Additional information can be found at wellington.govt.nz/central-city-survey. A summary of the results will be published in December.

ENDS

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