Project updates
November 2024
The upgrade to Island Bay village is complete.
The updates were designed to make the area safer, more accessible, and to support the local businesses and community spaces we all love.
New kōwhai trees and native plants are now dotted around the shopping area, providing shade and greenery. This not only creates a more inviting space but also encourages tūī and other native birds to visit.
Wider, smoother footpaths now make it easier to get around, whether you’re pushing a pram, using a wheelchair, or simply out for a stroll. This also designates more space for businesses to spill out onto the footpath in the furniture area, as visible with Blue Belle Café, and further towards Floyd’s Café, while ensuring a clear, safe pathway for all pedestrians.
New murals and historic references have also been tied into the upgrades. Created with help from local artists, working groups, historical society and schools, they include scenes of boats in the harbour, historic tram tracks, Paekwakawa awa signage, pavers with quotes and kōrero about the area’s history, bringing culture and colour to Island Bay. A couple more small items soon to come.
The north/south bike lane is now complete, keeping cyclists and pedestrians separate to make moving through the area safer for everyone.
We’ve converted some long-term parking into P60 spaces to boost visitor access for local businesses. Previously, many of these spaces could be taken up by all-day parking, meaning fewer spaces for people coming into shop, eat, or visit. With these changes, we’re making sure parking is available when you need it and supporting a healthy turnover for local shops.
About the project
The aim of the village upgrade is to improve access, increase safety, and strengthen the suburb's special identity. Funding for the project was approved in our Long-Term Plan 2021-2031.
The village upgrade project covers the main shopping area in conjunction with the Parade Safety Improvements project that looks at creating a separate cycle lane and road markings. These two projects will be delivered together.
Working with people who live and run businesses in the area, we developed a concept design that will:
- prioritise pedestrians
- strengthen the identity and special character of Island Bay village
- improve safety and accessibility
- provide more attractive and functional spaces for community activity
- resurface footpaths and improve the lighting
- upgrade stormwater infrastructure to accommodate changes in road and footpath levels.