News briefs – February
A home for retired priests is to be built on Kent Terrace.
The current building at 23 Kent Terrace is to be demolished and replaced with a six-storey residential block.
The Society of Mary (known as the Marists) bought the building in early 2025, leading to the closure of the popular Myrtle Bakery, to the dismay of locals.
According to resource consent documents, the new residence is to centralise and accommodate retiring priests in a central city location.
The building will contain 16 one-bedroom apartments and one commercial unit. The top floor will be a communal space.
The property will provide for shared parking facilities on site with space for mobility scooters.
It is not yet known whether a bakery could be accommodated on the ground floor commercial space.
Matairangi tracks investigation
Decisions around walking-only tracks on Mt Victoria will be made in coming months.
The Wellington City Council is organising a workshop for mountain bikers, pedestrian representatives and other users of the Matairangi town belt in early 2026 (delayed from its original schedule of December).
This follows initial investigations last year that included an independent audit of the tracks, a workshop in June about pain points, and on-site interviews with walkers.
Following the workshop, recommendations will go to councillors for decision-making.
Thousands give feedback on state highway 1 project
Over 2,400 people and organisations responded to the survey on a proposed design for the State Highway 1 Wellington Improvements.
NZTA/Waka Kotahi held a four-week community engagement period on the proposed design at the end of 2025. The project includes a second tunnel through Mount Victoria.
According to a spokesperson, just over 2,400 responses were submitted to the survey, and around 840 people attended six community information (drop-in) days.
“This is a significant number, and we thank everyone who took the time to take part and share their feedback and insights on the proposed design.”
“We are now reviewing the feedback received and will publish an initial summary of key themes we heard from the community in February.”
NZTA is also engaging with mana whenua partners, councils, landowners, and other stakeholders.
Kerb renewal
A crumbling kerb on the corner of Brougham Street and Pirie Street has needed to be fixed.
Hundreds of buses a week hurtle around the corner every week, with many hitting the kerb in the process.
The renewal has required a lane to close, meaning temporary traffic lights in place and the pedestrians forced to use the other side of the road.
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