From Brennan and the WCC team:
Wellington City Council have now finished the works (Island Bay village upgrades – Projects – Wellington City Council) in the main shopping area for both the safety improvements to the bike lane, and the public space upgrades. Following the traffic resolution, design workshops, and Love the Bay Objectives, council developed and delivered the project within in the defined programme and budget set in the 2021-2031 Long-term Plan.
The outcomes strengthen the identity and distinctive character of Island Bay village, improve safety and accessibility, provide more attractive and functional spaces for activity, resurface footpaths, improve the lighting, upgrades stormwater infrastructure to accommodate changes in road and footpath levels, increases planting area, completes the north/south separated bike lane (1.6kms), and addresses the turnover of cars with increased restricted parking.
The new pedestrian priority crossings and updated footpath space in most areas allow for a clear and level access path, particularly against the buildings. This also gives more space for businesses to spill out onto the footpath with tables and chairs, as visible with Blue Belle Café, and Floyd’s Café. The clear path gives blind/low-vision and mobility impaired pedestrians unobstructed access to the business entrances and edge detection. Similarly, the raised edge in highly pedestrian areas stops prams, wheelchairs, and canes from entering the planter bed.
This project provided new native street trees, increasing tree canopy coverage for the neighbourhood, and were planted in a way that means roots won’t damage footpaths or roads.
Sprinkled throughout the upgrades, there are small references or stories to Island Bay’s environment, history, and culture. These include two new murals by local artists, awa signage identifying the original location of the Paekawakawa stream, images of boats in the harbour etched into the sides of rubbish bins, original tram tracks donated from the Wellington Tram Museum, literary quotes from local authors or notable people, inclusion of Te Reo Māori, coastal vegetation and rocks, and soon to come– playful characterised native fauna near the library and images for the bus shelter.
There will be a small blessing for the interpretation work, with an invite to relevant stakeholders. To celebrate the close of the major works, Council has been advised that the business owner for White Room Gallery will be leading a business run event in the coming weeks.
Council would like to thank the working group and community for the feedback provided at meetings, who advised on project priorities, objectives, and targeted changes to the public space. Council also wishes to thank you for your patience and for supporting your suburb.
Ngā mihi,
Brennan Baxley
Island Bay Village Upgrades & Safety Improvements
Public Space Design and Delivery Team
islandbay.org 