Final changes for the $3.5 million Queen Street makeover is locked in, after a Council vote with 12 in favour and 3 against.
Councillors backed changes for a new shared zone between Devon and King streets, despite a push from Gordon Brown, Max Brough and Murray Chong to delay the call until after the local elections. Their motion failed, and theirs were the only votes against the project.
The revamp sits inside the “West End Crossing” workstream of the City Centre Strategy and is funded through the 2024–34 Long-Term Plan. Supporters say it will make the West End a safer, more attractive place to wander, shop and dine.
Plans include kerb extensions with native planting, a raised crossing over Devon Street and a reversal of the one-way flow to support a shared space. Two mobility parks are added, existing spaces are re-positioned, a steep section is eased, and a stone bench by Ngāti Te Whiti is part of the design.
Construction is due to start in November 2025 and run for six to seven months. Expect traffic changes and some disruption while crews are on site.
Backers argue the spend will lift foot traffic and confidence, encouraging private investment to follow. King & Queen Hotel Suites’ Daniel Fleming says the upgrade will add vibrancy and help the precinct perform.
Sceptics see timing and cost as the issue. With bills rising for ratepayers, Brown, Brough and Chong argued now isn’t the moment for another big-ticket capital job, at least not before a new council has a say.
That debate won’t end with the vote. The test will be whether the promises match the price tag once the cones are gone.
What do you think? Smart investment or money better saved right now? Drop your view below and tell us how you expect the changes to affect you and your business.
