Counting down
2027 is going to be the completion year!
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We counted down to the opening of
Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui (Central Library) on 14 March 2026.We counted down to the opening of the City Gallery
on 10 October 2026.Now we’re looking forward to the opening of the Town Hall
on 20 February 2027!
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Restoring Pōneke’s cultural heart - Te Ngākau Civic Square
The precinct is made up of:
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The Wellington Town Hall
Opening in February 2027
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The Reading Cinema Building in Courtenay Place
Opening in 2027
Owner Eyal Aharoni, Prime Properties, says “…his company saw immense potential in the site, and had plans to transform it into a mixed-use cinema and retail destination.” There will be 10 theatres, four with reclining chairs and a food service alongside six others. The numbers the theatres can hold in total is reducing but it’s to provide a better experience. Aharoni said it would be the only one like it in Wellington.
He had previously revealed plans to position entrances on Courtenay Place, Tory St and Wakefield St. By doing this, he hoped the cinema would act as a thoroughfare from St James Theatre to Reading Cinemas to Tākina Convention Centre and then Te Papa.
And Reading International’s Ellen Marie Cotter said earlier in the week that the fit out would start once the building work had finished and the cinemas would be upgraded to recliner seating. he said the target for opening was late 2026 or early 2027. (update: now 2027)
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Oriental Bay Band Rotunda
Opening in mid-2027
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The new Archives New Zealand building
Opened to the public on 26 March 2026!
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Te Ara Tupua (Ngauranga to Petone pathway)
Opened on 16 May 2026!
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The City Gallery
Opened to the public on 10 October 2026!
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The big picture
The reopening event reflects the City Council’s partnership with mana whenua and the creative community, drawing Wellingtonians from all walks of life into the new building with music, art, performances and interactive experiences.
Precinct Properties and the Council are negotiating a deal to activate the former CAB/MOB site while Precinct Properties completes all the necessary design and planning work for a new building. The activation space will be brought to life with art, retail, and hospitality offerings. The site will be activated for up to five years, while Precinct does its due diligence on the new building.
City Council Chief Operating Officer James Roberts says it’s essential to activate the area in a creative way until construction begins.
"We’ll use this opportunity during the planning phase to create a vibrant and exciting new space right in the heart of our city."
He says the intent for the new development on the site remains the same – a five-star green building that includes retail, hospitality, co-working, and office space, alongside civic and cultural spaces. The agreement with Precinct Properties will be considered by the Council’s Environment and Infrastructure Committee in August.
Te Whare Whakarauika Town Hall continues to make good progress, with the refurbishment of the Town Hall itself, plus the construction of the new annex building, due to be completed by July 2026.
The design of the annex has evolved following engagement with groups including NZSO, NZSM, WellingtonNZ, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and Council regulatory teams. It will provide the main entrance to the Town Hall and feature front-of-house facilities including three bars, toilets, and offices. The Town Hall will re-open in early 2027.
Other key parts of the precinct are also due to be completed in time for the March 2026 reopening of Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui, including City Gallery maintenance and strengthening work, civic basement strengthening, and Te Ngākau Civic Square landscaping and redevelopment.
The City Council head office moved to 68 Jervois Quay in early 2026, bringing the Council back to the Te Ngākau neighbourhood to play a key role in the area’s revitalisation.
The Te Ngākau Precinct Development Plan is currently being refined with input from the Wellington architecture community via a new urban design panel. The development plan will provide the blueprint for completing the precinct in future years, as the Council’s funding and priorities permit. The plan is due to be finalised in July 2025.