Work on the West End Crossing, a more pedestrian-friendly western entrance to New Plymouth city centre, with more parking spaces and a green shared space between the iconic White Hart building and the Len Lye Centre, is due to start on 12 January.

The project, which is expected to be finished by July includes:

• Kerb extensions with plants that will allow for five new parking spaces in neighbouring streets.
• A raised crossing over Devon Street between the White Hart building and the corner of Robe Street.
• Reversing the one-way direction on Queen Street between King Street and Devon Street to create a shared space for pedestrians and cars with space for outdoor dining. (Traffic would remain two-way between King and St Aubyn streets).

“The West End Crossing will help to revitalize our city centre and support our city centre businesses. This project and the upcoming opening of the Huatoki on the old Metro Plaza site will help bring people back into our CBD,” said NPDC Major Projects and Planning Delivery Manager Andrew Barron.

“We've made about $545,000 in savings from the original plan since the previous council passed it in August last year, and I'm looking forward to getting shovels in the ground and seeing some progress."

Ngāti Te Whiti Hapū spokesperson Julie Healey said the design concepts through the development would reflect Ngāti Te Whiti hapū values as supported in the Ngāmotu New Plymouth City Centre Strategy.

“We’re looking forward to the West End Crossing project bringing the Ngāti Te Whiti story back to the heart of Ngāmotu,” said Ms Healey.

At a glance

• The project is part of the Ngāmotu New Plymouth City Centre Strategy adopted by the Mayor and Councillors in December 2021.
• The West End Crossing was budgeted for $3.5 million in the 2024-34 Long-term Plan, but will cost about $3 million.
• The strategy also includes opening up the Huatoki Stream between Devon and Powderham streets and replacing Devon Street’s ageing alder trees.

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