Wellington City councillors have voted not to continue with the controversial $139 million Golden Mile project.
By Krystal Gibbens of RNZ
The upgrade of the Golden Mile, which stretches from Lambton Quay to Courtenay Place, sought to remove cars from the latter during the day, widen footpaths, create a cycle lane, and improve lighting.
It would also line the street with anti-slip pavement and new greenery, and replace old water pipes that are sitting under the thoroughfare.
The project was scoped in 2021, with the $139m price tag being funded 49% by council and 51% by the Transport Agency.
The council voted in November to pause and review the project after cost estimates grew from $139m to $220 million.
Today's vote passed 14 to 3, with Laurie Foon, Geordie Rogers and Rebecca Matthews those opposed.
Karl Tiefenbacher, who owns Kaffee Eis, which has a store on Courtenay Place, was excluded from the vote due to a conflict of interest.
Work had already begun at the intersection of Cambridge and Kent Terraces last year, and council officers were recommending $1.5m of council funding be retained for make-safe works.
Council officers were directed to report back on on cheaper targeted Golden Mile transport corridor improvements and Courtenay Place urban regeneration. They would be capped at $20-$40m council investment and seek to optimise NZTA co-funding.
A total of $150,000 from the City Growth Fund was also approved to support the Te Aro Hā business partnership - a group of local businesses and property owners - to make visible improvements in Courtenay Place over the next 12 months such as façade upgrades, painting, lighting, signage and other low-cost works that improve attractiveness and perceptions of the area.
Officers were also to report back with options for establishing a Precinct Accelerator Fund, to further support co-investment initiatives to improve the public realm in the medium term.
The council also voted deep cleaning of Courtenay Place would also increase from monthly to weekly, an additional $91,000 per year.
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