Wellingtonians are urged to have a say on the future of their city as part of a project to develop a 30-year framework that will provide a vision for the central city.
Wellington 2040: the future of our central city will be developed by Wellington City Council to guide how the central city changes and grows. A month-long engagement process begins today and the Council is keen to hear from the people and organisations who live, work and play in the city about what sort of central city they want.
Wellington’s central city is home to 12,000 people and a further 9000 people are expected to live there by 2030. The challenge is working out how to plan for that growth while at the same time making sure the central city remains a great place to live and do business and continues to be a thriving centre for jobs, shopping, culture, entertainment, tourism and major events.
The Council’s Urban Development Portfolio Leader, Councillor Andy Foster, says it’s important to find out what people like or don’t like about the central city and how they’d like to see it improved over the long term, and also how they view the central city’s purpose and role in the global economy. “This is the first stage of the consultation process and we are looking for ideas. How do people think we should handle transport, development, the waterfront, arts, culture and events, and climate change? Knowing the issues facing the central city is an important first step in developing the framework for the city’s future. We need to look at how we manage its infrastructure and development and how we can continue to celebrate its capital city status.”
You can discuss your ideas at drop-in sessions with Council staff at the Council offices in Wakefield Street on Tuesday 15 September, 1-3pm (Committee Room 1), Thursday 17 September 5-7pm (Committee Room 2) and Wednesday 23 September 12noon-2pm (Committee Room 1).
Alternatively you can have your say online in the ‘Have Your Say/Public Input’ section at www.Wellington.govt.nz or join our Facebook group by typing in ‘Wellington 2040’ at www.facebook.com
Public feedback is needed by Friday 9 October 2009 and will be used to develop a draft Wellington 2040 framework that will be put out for public consultation in early 2011.
Existing urban development and transport-related projects will fit into the final framework.
For further information, please contact:
Councillor Andy Foster, phone 021 227 8537
Michelle Brooker, Council Communications, phone 801 3281 or 021 227 8170.