We’re at an important point in shaping the future of our city centre. Building on work completed to date and guided by our established principles, the Action and Investment Plan outlines a range of options to revitalise the heart of Tairāwhiti, support community life, encourage local business and investment and strengthen connections to the rivers and whenua.

We’re seeking your feedback on 3 progressive options - Options 1, 2 and 3. They represent different levels of investment and transformation in public spaces, from targeted activations and events through to larger-scale, long-term change.

Each option builds on the previous one, allowing us to test ideas, build confidence and invest in ways that deliver the greatest long-term benefit.

Aligned with the broader city centre vision, the options focus on Lowe Street, Gladstone Road, Peel Street and Reads Quay in the northeast part of the city centre closest to the rivers.

In a time of financial constraints, we believe focused improvements in this area provide the best opportunity to improve the city centre, encourage private investment, minimise disruption to businesses, and deliver wider community benefits.

Check out each option then tell us:

• How far should we go? Which options strikes the right balance between practicality and vision for the next 10 years?
• Are there things we've missed? Share your ideas or initiatives that you think should be included in the plan.
• What should we be mindful of? Share any concerns we should keep in mind as changes are made.
• With these options in mind, what would success look like for you in 5-10 years?

Years 1 and 2 (July 2027 - July 2029)

Option 1 focuses on low-cost, high-impact activation while utility upgrades are underway within key streets.

Events, street furniture and temporary activations will help bring energy and life to Peel Street, Lowe Street and Reads Quay during this period.

Priorities include:

• events and markets
• pop-up spaces
• seating
• food and beverage activity

Year 3 (2030)

A larger targeted investment would transform the section of Lowe Street closest to Reads Quay into a pedestrian-focused shared space. This space would reinforce north Lowe Street as a place for the community to gather and enjoy, while supporting adjacent development, retail, hospitality and increased foot traffic in the city centre.

The street transformation would include:

• new planting and stormwater treatment
• significant accessibility improvements
• upgraded street lighting
• opportunities for Tairāwhiti’s cultural identity to be strongly expressed.

Option 1 represents an investment of approximately $3.5–4.5 million over the first three years of the 10-year AIP period.

Option 2 includes all elements of Option 1 and builds on them by adding more permanent, targeted and phased streetscape improvements in key locations across the city centre.

Key focus areas for Option 2 include:

• Lowe Street and Gladstone Road intersection
• Peel Street and Gladstone Road intersection
• Gladstone Road section between Lowe and Peel streets
• Peel Street north end.

In addition to ongoing activation, this option introduces improvements such as upgraded pavements, new planting and street furniture, improved pedestrian crossings and enhanced intersections. These changes will shift the balance toward more people-friendly streets, improving accessibility, comfort and identity while maintaining much of the existing street layout and parking.

The improvements aim to stimulate additional private sector investment and enhance the city centre environment in line with the guiding principles of the AIP. This option represents a moderate level of investment over time, delivering visible physical transformation while still allowing flexibility and staged delivery.

Option 2 represents an investment of approximately $7–9 million over the first 8 years of the 10-year AIP period.

Option 3 represents a more comprehensive, long-term transformation of the city centre into a highly walkable, people-focused and destination-led environment.

In addition to the investments outlined in Options 1 and 2, it includes:

• major upgrades to Reads Quay, including a shift to one-way traffic
• increased public space
• opportunities for family destinations and play
• greater capacity to host events
• an enhanced riverfront promenade.

These improvements would deliver the strongest outcomes in terms of connection to the awa, cultural expression, environmental enhancement and overall vibrancy.

Building on the earlier phases, this approach would help create an integrated, resilient and future-ready city centre heart for Tairāwhiti. It also represents the highest level of investment and would require a longer delivery timeframe.

The estimated investment is approximately $23 - 25 million over the full 10-year AIP period.

Funding for Reads Quay improvements is not currently available within Council's budget and external funding sources would need to be identified.

This option is intended to provide a more visionary long-term plan for the city to work toward.

Cost ranges are initial and indicative only. They are based on comparable projects and will be refined as projects are further developed. Values are provided in 2025 dollars.

Help shape the future of the city centre. Feedback closes Friday 10 July.