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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: July 2025

We’re making good progress on the redevelopment of the former Workingmen’s Bowling Club site in Newtown. Construction is now complete, and the new park space is taking shape.

Although the physical work is finished, the grass is still establishing and the site remains too wet underfoot for safe public access. We're aiming to open the park in Spring 2025, once the ground is dry and firm enough to welcome the community.

Proposed Park Name: Te Tini o Kahukura

We’ve been working closely with our mana whenua partners Taranaki Whānui, who have guided us on a name for the new park.

The proposed name is Te Tini o Kahukura, with a secondary option of Paekahukura.

Te Tini o Kahukura means "the many or multitudes of Kahukura”. This name reflects both the red admiral butterflies (kahukura) now featured in the park’s public art, and the many different people who will use and enjoy this space — from tamariki and whānau to performers, skaters, and the wider community.

Paekahukura draws inspiration from names like Paekākā (Botanic Garden) and Paekākāriki, referring to a gathering place of butterflies. It places the butterfly at the centre of the story in a uniquely Aotearoa way.

We’re currently inviting feedback on these proposed names. If you'd like to share your thoughts, email workingmensclub@wcc.govt.nz by Sunday 4 August 2025.

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.