Car-free Cuba Street if council plan goes ahead

Thursday, 27 February 2025

The council wants to do a whole master plan for Cuba St, which would include possible pedestrianisation.

Should Cuba St be pedestrian only? Join the conversation.

The Wellington City Council is looking to extend the pedestrian-only strip of Cuba St to the entire road.

The idea was floated last year in the long-term plan, which is now being amended. The project would cost $3.8 million and would include widening the footpaths and banning vehicles from the street.

The possibility was discussed on Wednesday at a Bus Priority and Central City Upgrades briefing for both the city council and the Greater Wellington Regional Council.

Councillor Geordie Rogers said he had heard people wanted the “vibe” of the pedestrianised section of Cuba St to continue throughout the entire street.

It is part of the City Streets project, which included the secondary bus corridor on the quays, and a Dixon St upgrade.

City design manager Vida Christeller said the council wanted to go back and do a whole master plan for Cuba St, which would include possible pedestrianisation.

The council would work closely with local businesses in an approach similar to the Courtenay Place Precinct Plan, Christeller said.

Sensors would be installed to give information about foot traffic, and there would be public surveys to ask people how they experienced the street.

Fringe on the Street last Sunday was a pop-up with teasers of shows appearing at NZ Fringe Festival.

Several events where Cuba St was shut off to vehicles were scheduled in the lead-up to CubaDupa such as Fringe on the Street, PARK(ing) day and CubaDupa Pre-Party. The council would be using these events as pedestrianisation trials.

While the project was expected to be funded in year two of the long-term plan, Christeller said it was unlikely to have recommendations until year three or beyond.

Libby Dearnley, who co-owns the nine Welly Collectives across Wellington including one on the pedestrianised strip of Cuba St, said the store’s foot traffic was up compared with their other stores.

She was in support of the move and said it was great for business, especially in the evenings when restaurants brought their dining outside.

Libby Dearnley co-owns Welly Collective Boutique, which has an outlet on the pedestrian-only part of Cuba Street.

“In terms of people’s enjoyment and how it affects retail, having those spaces open and utilised is fantastic.”

Councillor Geordie Rogers said he had heard in conversations that people wanted the “vibe” of that pedestrianised section of Cuba St to continue throughout the entire street.

He was excited to hear from businesses and people who lived on the street about what the space could be.

Councillor Nicola Young said the move was not one that reflected what Wellingtonians wanted.

“Businesses are really struggling in Wellington and this is another nail in the coffin.”

Councillor Iona Pannett said Cuba St was the city’s best street, was for the people and needed wider footpaths.

From the Pōneke Promise budget, intended to combat sexual violence, $2.5m is being used to renovate Te Aro Park and improve general safety issues such as slips and lighting. Last year, $2.25m was used from the Pōneke Promise budget on a toilet block.

It was also found that $6m would be needed for road improvements after the bendy bus trial.

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