Wellington businesses unite to condemn council’s Golden Mile roadworks project

Monday, 14 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.

A group of business associations have called on Wellington Council to reconsider its Golden Mile project, blaming it for the closure of a raft of retailers.

Mayor Tory Whanau earlier today said the project was one of the councils non-negotiable’s.

Three Wellington business associations have united to ask the Council to reconsider its redevelopment of the ‘Golden Mile’ - which has already been blamed for the closure of several retail stores.

The Golden Mile, which includes the Thorndon Quay project, started in late 2023 and is expected to carry on into mid-2025. It is designed to make travel easier for buses and cyclists, and reduce carbon emissions from vehicles.

Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau told Newstalk ZB early on Monday that there was a list of non-negotiable projects, which included the Golden Mile.

Bordeaux Bakery is the latest in a number of closures in the area.

In early October, Bordeaux Bakery was the latest in a line of closures that blamed the project for its decline in business.

Retail NZ, Hospitality NZ and the Bus & Coach Association have banded together to ask the council to review its redevelopment of the Golden Mile “especially in view of the disastrous impacts the Thorndon Quay project is having on local businesses.”

Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young said as well as Bordeaux Bakery, they’d heard from other businesses in the area who said they had been severely affected by the roadworks.

“We expect more will face closure, or need to move out of the area.”

The prospect of work on Courtenay Place starting in 2025 meant businesses in the area were already fearing the impacts it would have after a tough year of trading, Hospitality NZ CEO Steve Armitage said.

“We want to see the council engage in a thorough consultation on the planned works, listening to businesses to understand their needs. Thorndon Quay has caused major disruptions – let’s use this opportunity to do it right and consult properly.”

Speed calming measures being put out across the major transport routes had been criticised by public transport operators, Bus & Coach Association CEO Delaney Myers said.

“The traffic calming measures on Thorndon Quay are inappropriate for buses, trucks and emergency vehicles, and will lead to increased vehicle emissions and damage, as well as slower emergency response. Wellingtonians deserve better planned projects.”

Bordeaux Bakery owner Tony Bates told Stuff the closure was a direct result of roadworks and the removal of carparks. Turnover had dropped between 60% and 70%, he said.

Forty jobs will go with the Bordeaux Bakery closure.

The business had gone from being profitable in February to “near bankruptcy”, Bates said.