Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry has announced that the Riverbank Market will relocate to Dowse Square and the surrounding Civic Precinct next year, while major construction work takes place.

The market has been a fixture of Lower Hutt’s weekends since 2005 and attracts thousands of visitors each Saturday, making it one of the largest and most popular weekly markets in the Wellington region.

The market needs to move to make way for improved stopbanks as part of the $1.5 billion Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi RiverLink project which also includes transport improvements and reconnecting the city to the river.

"We’ve made it a priority to keep the market central and local. The new location is a practical way to help attract foot traffic to the CBD and support local businesses through a time of disruption and change," Mayor Barry says.

"Market-goers will still be able to enjoy their Saturday morning routines-now with nearby attractions like High Street shopping, Riddiford Garden, the Dowse Art Museum, and the War Memorial Library just steps away."

The new location was selected after detailed planning and engagement. It’s close to the current market site, can host existing stallholders, and is well-connected to public transport and parking.

Work is underway on a resource consent application for the move, and a confirmed relocation date will be announced in due course, allowing stallholders and the public adequate time to prepare.

hutt.city/market

© Scoop Media