Wellington City Council’s Kōrau Mātinitini Social, Cultural, and Economic Committee has agreed to progress the land negotiations needed to deliver a long-awaited community park and surf hub at Lyall Bay, with a strong focus on public access, co-design, and early delivery of key amenities.

The committee recommended declaring three parcels of land surplus, with the sale conditional on Wellington International Airport Ltd (WIAL) meeting design and delivery obligations.

Draft designs for Huetepara Park and the Surf Hub include public toilets, changing rooms, showers, a boardwalk, nature play areas, accessible ramps, picnic tables, a raised viewing platform, and sand dunes - delivering practical, inclusive spaces for locals and visitors.

Key commitments include:

• Co-design with the Huetepara Community Group at key milestones
• Targeted delivery timeframes for amenities like a pump track and picnic area
• Improved disability access
• Ongoing public access protections
• A nature-first landscaping approach supporting coastal resilience.

The Council’s three Eastern Ward councillors welcomed the decision. Committee Chair Councillor Teri O’Neill said: “Huetepara is a space dreamed up by and for the community. I’m so proud that we’ve recognised that legacy today. We’re truly lucky to have a partner like Wellington Airport committed to investing in shared spaces and working alongside the community to get it right.”

Councillor Sarah Free added: “I’m really pleased we’ve included stronger accessibility requirements in today’s decision. This ensures our south coast spaces are welcoming and usable for everyone- a key value for our community.”

Councillor Tim Brown added: “This is a win for common sense and community priorities. These conditions strike a good balance: they give the community confidence that important elements like the Surf Hub will be delivered on time, while giving flexibility to finalise the agreement properly.”

The development is expected to include accessible boardwalks and raised platforms, connecting wheelchair users and others with limited mobility to the beach and park spaces. A nature-first design approach will also help strengthen the coast's resilience to climate change.

Formal public consultation will be part of both the road stopping and reserve revocation processes. Community informed on progress and to let people know how they can have their say throughout final design.

More information on the Airport's proposed Huetepara Enhancements can be found here: https://www.wellingtonairport.co.nz/news/airport-projects/lyall-bay-parade-development/

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