Skip to main content

Owen Street Park redevelopment

The former Newtown Workingmen’s Bowling Club pavilion had reached its end of useful life and has been demolished. We're now building a neighbourhood park for community use and the ability to host small events.

Project update: September 2025

We’re excited to announce that the new park at the former Workingmen’s Bowling Club site in Newtown is now open for the community to enjoy!

Most of the grass and planting is well established, and the fences have now come down, opening the space up for everyone. A few small areas will remain fenced while the ground continues to firm up, and some artwork and murals are still to come.

Naming the park

We’ve paused progressing the previously proposed names (Te Tini o Kahukura and Paekahukura) to allow for further engagement with our mana whenua partners, Taranaki Whānui and Ngāti Toa, before confirming a name for the park.

We recognise and appreciate the thoughtful feedback many of you shared during consultation, and we’ll be back in touch with updates once a name is confirmed.

Official opening

An official opening celebration will be held once the park’s name is confirmed. We’ll share the date here and through our usual channels.

Progress photos

See the photos below showing features of the new park:

About the project

Work began on-site on 12 March 2025.

The park redevelopment features:

  • a stage for performances and events
  • a large green open space
  • a loop track for walking/riding bikes
  • a natural play area
  • barbeque and seating area
  • increased visibility and connections to the Town Belt
  • skate-friendly features.
Final design concept for Owen Street park redevelopment
Final design concept for Owen Street park redevelopment

Background

In August 2021 the ground lease between the Workingmen’s Bowling Club (the Club) and Wellington City Council was cancelled by mutual agreement following the closure of the Club.

The building had reached the end of its useful life and was deemed irreparable.

In 2022 the Council resolved to allocate $1.5 million towards the removal, upgrade, or development of the building and grounds of the former Newtown Workingmen’s Bowling Club site for community use, dependent on the results of community engagement.

Consultation and engagement on this project have been completed. We worked closely with several community groups, including the Newtown Residents Association and the Newtown Festival Trust.

Summary of community engagement (462KB PDF)

Contact us

For more information, email David Halliday, Project Manager Open Spaces: david.halliday@wcc.govt.nz.