‘It’s been impossible’: More businesses to move from Wellington's Thorndon Quay

Thursday, 10 October 2024

Bordeaux Bakery's closure raises concerns for Thorndon Quay businesses. Owners express fears over high rents and reduced access due to ongoing roadworks, signaling tough times ahead for the area.

After nine years on Wellington’s Thorndon Quay, property management company Quinovic are moving out.

Property manager Chrissy Edmunds said the endless roadworks made things ‘impossible’.

It comes as the long standing Bordeaux Bakery closes it’s doors.

After nine years on Wellington’s Thorndon Quay, property management company Quinovic is moving out after continuous roadworks has made working ‘impossible’.

The news comes just days after the owner of Bordeaux Bakery, which has operated for 30 years, would be closing down on Sunday.

Three months ago as the reconstruction of the roads continued, the cones doubled and the parking disappeared a decision was made to relocate.

Quinovic property manager Chrissy Edmonds told Stuff on Thursday, in between shifting offices, that the roadworks made things “impossible”.

“We had clients coming in saying they can’t get a car park, or people who will have others waiting in their cars so they can come in.

“We had trades people that can’t get car parks. Half the time they have to risk it and park illegally” she said.

Thorndon Quay’s Bordeaux Bakery will close this Sunday after over 30 years of service.

A $45.8 million project started along the road in late 2023 and was expected to carry on into mid-2025.

It was designed to make travel easier for buses and cyclists, and reduce carbon emissions from vehicles. Costs are shared between Wellington City Council and the NZ Transport Agency.

The property management company began the move on Thursday morning to Ngauranga, a five minute drive from their former site, and were expected to be all up and running again by the afternoon.

On Wednesday, Bordeaux Bakery owner Tony Bates said the cafe’s closure was a direct result of roadworks and the removal of carparks. Turnover had dropped between 60% and 70%, he said.

Wellington mayor Tory Whanau said the city had been greatly impacted by public job sector cuts, an increased cost of living and remote working.

“We are a city in transition working toward a brighter future, while fast tracking work that has been under-invested in the past.