Jack Ilott Green

“Jack Ilott Green should not be sold”, says Mayoral contender Nicola Young. “I initially supported selling its leasehold to contribute towards the cost of the Town Hall’s strengthening, but the commercial property sector question the likelihood of getting $8million for the site, because of possible constraints on the building height.

“I was elected to represent Lambton Ward, and have heard from many Wellingtonians who oppose the sale. I will be a Mayor who listens, and the support for Jack Ilott Green has been loud and clear.

“By scrapping the $5.5m Frank Kitts Park redevelopment we can save Jack Ilott Green – protecting two green parks in central Wellington at the same time. Once a green space has gone, it is lost forever – and Jack Ilott Green should be protected for future generations.

“Central Wellington’s population has increased almost 50 percent since 2003; this growth has generated a substantial uplift in rates, but also increased the demand for inner city green spaces – particularly important for people living in apartments.

“Central Wellington needs to be attractive for the thousands of people (including families) who have moved there in recent years, and all the people working in the CBD. As Mayor, I'll ask the City Council's urban designers who are transforming Wellington's laneways to use their creativity on Jack Ilott Green. At the moment it's an underused space, and needs to be buffered from the adjacent traffic.

“Work must also begin on the Town Hall's seismic strengthening. There has been little progress in the three years I have been on Council – it’s a disgrace.

“The Town Hall is one of Wellington’s most-loved buildings, with outstanding acoustics and its Edwardian concert organ is internationally recognised for both its sound quality and historic value. Wellingtonians want to hear music once again in their Town Hall.

“Instead the Council's current leadership has chosen to focus on professional sport, suburban cycleways and dishing out lollies from its secret slush fund.

“I will lead a City Council that freezes rates at inflation. Getting started on our historic Town Hall is top of my list of priorities – and it’ll be affordable if we spent less on subsidising professional sport and pointless consultations, and focus on our core business.”

ENDS

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