Urban revitalisation

He Whakarauora Tāone

Creating a river city

Te Awa Kairangi project will help us to build an innovative, prosperous and attractive city.

It will turn Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai - Lower Hutt to face Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River, connecting the river and city, creating a distinctive character and more vibrant central city.

As well as improving flood protection, Te Awa Kairangi project will develop better transport connections in central Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai - Lower Hutt and create a new riverside area. Plans include improved walking, cycling, and public transport options which will bring development without increasing congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.

Future-focused

Te Awa Kairangi project aims to transform Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai - Lower Hutt, improving its resilience and connectivity. It will enable growth and address the ecological and wellbeing issues facing the city.

Historically, as commercial development centred on High Street and Queens Drive, the mainly north-south orientation of those streets and the existing stopbanks cut off the river from the city’s urban centre.

Te Awa Kairangi project is investing in new roads, a pedestrian bridge over the river, and a development site that connects with the new river edge. Te Awa Kairangi project embraces and celebrates the spirit of our taonga (treasure), Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River. The project aims to build the foundations of a modern, energetic city that looks to the future.

Urban revitalisation

Turning Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai - Lower Hutt into a true ‘river city’ aims to stimulate redevelopment and identify new opportunities for recreational, social and cultural activities. Beyond flood protection and transport upgrades, Te Awa Kairangi project aims to encourage urban growth.

There will be a range of street-level improvements, for example creating pedestrians pathways and outdoor dining areas, improved lighting and street-based markets.