The proposed Wellington City Council Plan for the Civic Square redevelopment has prompted some major concerns.  

It is proposed the City to Sea bridge will be demolished and replaced by a (presumably) traffic light controlled pedestrian crossing. Not only is this a loss of a much-used, safe crossing of Jervois Quay, but it also means traffic will be stopped by lights at approximately 50mtr distances at (1) Michael Fowler Centre, (2) across from Civic Square (new), and (3) at Harris Street. The City to Sea Bridge was designed to get pedestrians safely over Jervois Quay, while leaving the traffic to flow uninterrupted. This bridge, and the adjacent green area, is a much-used, popular, safe and attractive place for a myriad of social uses.

The loss and redevelopment of Jack Illott Green has already been before the Council. They received a resounding petition calling for its retention. The decision was made to respect the community's wishes and retain the Green.  This should not be up for discussion again.  It is a much-used, last green space in the CBD, and replacing it with 3 helicopter landing pad size green pods will be impractical and ineffective (how many people could have lunch on any one pad? or how far could you toss a ball to your child before they fall off the pod?)   

Lambton/Te Aro is now the largest populated suburb in Wellington on the smallest area of land. This thriving community needs the remaining green spaces to be retained. In addition to the community residents, these green spaces are frequented and enjoyed by a great number of CBD workers.  It also allows inner-city grandparents to entertain mokopuna in safe, accessible and attractive areas. 

Every major city has to have green spaces as a foil for the high-density buildings, and as areas where people can go for a break from work to promote their mental well-being.

Wellington does not have room for a Hyde Park (London) or Central Park (New York) but it is of paramount importance that this city retains what green spaces it still has. 

PLEASE help to keep Wellington"s unique green space/CBD balance.

You can make a submission by 16 June to:   Freeport 2199,  Te Ngakau Civic Precinct,  PO Box 2199,  Wellington 6140