Redevelopment work on Wellington’s Golden Mile officially began on Sunday 4 May, on Courtenay Place, signalling the start of a transformation upgrade for the city’s iconic retail and commercial precinct.

We were brought into the Golden Mile project in an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) capacity in 2022. Given the project’s complexity, ECI enables Wellington City Council and its designers to access early constructability advice, identify and mitigate risks, and review construction budgets. This approach helps provide the Council with greater certainty around programme timelines and costs.

The project will enable the end-to-end replacement and modernisation of ageing underground utilities, including critical three waters infrastructure – essential for ensuring the city’s long-term resilience and service reliability. By leveraging the footprint of these essential works, the project also provides an opportunity to reimagine the surface environment and transport operations, into a more accessible, people-centred public realm that supports the vibrancy of key urban areas such as Courtenay Place.

“It presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver comprehensive improvements to both underground services and the surface-level streetscape through a single, integrated programme of work.” Sam Lockie – General Manager of Urban Infrastructure, JFC

Key transport and public realm enhancements include the introduction of dedicated bus lanes to improve public transport reliability, increased facilities, new cycleways to support active travel, and redesigned public spaces that prioritise pedestrians.

“Our teams are working closely with the Council, local businesses, and mana whenua to deliver a space that reflects the capital’s unique character and future aspirations.” Sam Scown – Project Director, JFC

JFC is proud to be part of a project that provides a significant investment in the capital’s future, focused on creating a safer, more accessible and welcoming city centre.