Three business associations say Wellington City Council
must ensure it carries out thorough consultation with Golden
Mile businesses, following the decision to proceed with the
$139m upgrade of the area.
Retail NZ, Hospitality NZ
and the Bus & Coach Association, supported by Wellington
Chamber of Commerce, had called for the council to review
its plans to redevelop the Golden Mile, especially in view
of the disastrous impacts the Thorndon Quay project has had
on local businesses.
“We agree that improvements are
needed but we want to see the council engage in a thorough
consultation on the planned works, listening to businesses
to understand their needs. Thorndon Quay has caused major
disruptions – let’s use this opportunity to do it right
and consult properly,” Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn
Young says.
Hospitality NZ Chief Executive Steve
Armitage says that with the prospect of work on Courtenay
Place starting in the new year, businesses in that area are
already fearing the impacts after a tough year of trading in
2024.
“No business can withstand three
years of constant disruptions, especially in today’s tough
economic climate. These interruptions make it even harder
for businesses to thrive,” he says. “We want to work
with the council to find better ways to manage this project
– ways that minimise disruption, keep businesses operating
and support the local economy throughout the
process.”
Bus & Coach Association
Chief Executive Delaney Myers says the Association supports
the intended outcomes of the project, but the devil is in
the detail.
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“We all want a vibrant and thriving
Wellington, and to achieve that Council must genuinely
listen to the affected business representatives around the
detailed design and implementation of the project.We want
to make this work,” she says.
A Wellington Chamber
of Commerce spokesperson says: “Plans to redevelop the
Golden Mile will come to nothing without vibrant businesses
for Wellingtonians to enjoy. The council needs to consider
its impact on business and provide real support if
construction goes ahead. We ask the council to listen to
businesses and ratepayers before it confirms its Long-Term
Plan.”
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