Suburban Centres Review

Newtown, Wellington

Wellington City Council is reviewing the planning rules that affect land zoned ‘suburban centre’.

Suburban centres include local shops, town centres, industrial areas, office parks and big retail stores outside the central city - the places where people shop, work, socialise and access services.

The review includes:

• how suburban centre zones are performing
• whether current planning is working
• current issues
• managing future suburban centre development and activities.

Suburban Centres Map

Review Background

This project is part of Wellington City Council’s 10-year rolling review of the Wellington District Plan, the city’s planning rule book.

This zone was introduced 10 years ago under a flexible approach that allows any activity to locate anywhere. One result has been residential activities developing in traditional industrial areas, such as Greta Point.

Flexibility lets market trends develop, and has allowed some areas to evolve into more vibrant places. However several important issues have emerged and need to be addressed.

Current Issues

• Industrial Land Loss
  Residential and retail activities establishing in traditional industrial areas make it difficult for smaller businesses to find space in the city. This may impact on longer-term economic growth.
• Retailing Spread
  'Big-box' retail and trade outlets situated away from established town and local centres challenge the centres' viability. Mixing activities to help keep centres viable may require more controls.
• Accommodating Growth
  Growing population and economic activity must be accommodated. This will intensify pressure in zoned areas, and may require rezoning or changes allowing intensification.
• Urban Design Quality
  Few controls on urban design can result in inconsistencies in quality and appearance of buildings. Better controls may be required.
• Environmental Matters
  Issues such as noise, shading and impacts on natural features contribute to the quality of where we live and work. The environment has to be managed.

• Parking
  Town and local centres with centralised parking operate and perform better than those without, but lack of land available for parking is a limiting factor. Parking has to be facilitated.
• Out of Zone Activities
  Many well used commercial services, workshops and retail activities operate on land zoned for residential or other purposes. A more appropriate zoning may be required.

Consultation

In 2007 Wellington City Council consulted with people with a specific interest in suburban centre zones, including property and business owners, residents, community associations and other organisations.

• Suburban Centres Brochure (396Kb PDF)
• Key Outcomes - December 2007 Consultation (65Kb PDF)

The Council has identified some proposals in a draft Centres Policy for the future development and management of the city’s centres. A consultation on the draft policy is currently underway.

• Draft Centres Policy (865Kb PDF)
• Draft Centres Policy consultation

Related Projects

The Suburban Centres Review links with other Council projects currently underway. The Northern Growth Management Framework and the Urban Development Strategy (including the 'growth spine') are also providing policy guidance.

More Information

Stefania Chrzanowska
Policy Advisor, Planning Policy

Related Links

• Adelaide Road Concept Plan Study
• Draft Centres Policy (865Kb PDF)
• Draft Centres Policy consultation
• Infill Housing Review
• Johnsonville Town Centre Plan
• Newlands Shopping Centre
• Ngauranga to Airport Transportation study
• Northern Growth Management Framework
• Transport Strategy (167Kb PDF)
• Urban Development Strategy (198Kb PDF)

Department Details:
Planning & Urban Design