The region’s CBD and sub-regional centres are major ‘engine rooms’ of economic development. They are the hub for transport movements and civic and community investment. Their health, their resilience in the face of economic and social change, and the efficiency of transport and housing infrastructure investment around them is a key aspect of any successful sustainable economic development strategy.
Resilience and adaptability is enhanced by having a wider range of high value/ skilled employment activities focused around all centres, linked to effective transportation networks. Effective viable centres should relieve pressure on the transport system.
The Wellington region is characterised by a symbiotic relationship between the CBD and the sub-regional centres. External investment and skilled people come into the region via the CBD, with other activities gradually moving out into the sub-regional centres. A clearly articulated vision for the CBD and each centre will speed up this process of private investment.
Wellington City Council is leading this project.
The purpose of this workstream is:
• To provide clear guidance on how centres should be developed and managed in the future.
• To better understand the multiple functions of centres and develop an integrated planning approach.
• To address the current issues in the region’s centres and assist them to develop and mature.
• To develop consistent management approaches to controlling the location of large-format retail.
• To provide guidance for the Intensification Action Areas on the location of future residential growth.
• To develop a framework for centre planning.
This project is being facilitated through an information-sharing forum in which council participants will exchange information around the work they are currently doing in this space, linkages to Wellington Regional Strategy principles and those in the Wellington Regional Policy Statement, and discuss best practice examples across the region. A stocktake report will be prepared and reviewed on an annual basis. |
