Greater Wellington Regional Council has purchased a site in Landfill Road, Happy Valley for the development of a new bus depot, following strong public support for the regional council’s Public Transport Asset Control Strategy.
The new depot is expected to be up and running by 2028 and will play a vital role in supporting the expansion of Wellington City north–south bus services.
It will ensure Metlink can continue delivering high-quality public transport at the scale our growing city needs.
Metlink is also progressing with the development of another depot near the airport, which will support east–west services.
Together, these two new depots will gradually replace the earthquake-prone historic Kilbirnie bus barn and the Rongotai depot, which is constrained by limited space.
The site for the new depot was purchased in June 2025, with Council ownership beginning in May 2026. This allows current tenants time to relocate with care.
Metlink understands the site has previously been used for industrial purposes and sits near the Ōwhiro Stream.
Metlink will be taking proactive steps to ensure future stormwater run-off is managed carefully, to protect this important natural feature.
You can find more information and answers to common questions on their website.
If you have any questions or would like to chat further, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Jaime Hayden (she/her/ia)
Manager Community Engagement
Metlink
islandbay.org 