First façade REFRESH UNDERWAY
27 July 2026
The transformation of Te Aro – Courtenay has reached an exciting milestone, with work now underway on the first building improvement project at 46 Courtenay Place.
Home to Winner Winner, the heritage building is the first in a coordinated programme of façade upgrades that will help restore confidence in the precinct and demonstrate how targeted improvements can create a more welcoming, vibrant city centre.
The project has been made possible through a partnership between the building owner, Te Aro Hā – Courtenay and Wellington City Council, with partial funding provided through the Heritage Resilience and Regeneration Fund. The project forms part of a wider programme to conserve and enhance heritage buildings while supporting the long-term revitalisation of the Courtenay precinct.
Works include cleaning, repairing and repainting the building façade and canopy, installing new architectural and under-canopy lighting, and improving signage to create a stronger and more cohesive streetscape.
The project reflects Te Aro Hā – Courtenay's broader vision to revitalise the precinct through practical, high-impact improvements that encourage further private investment and strengthen the area's identity as Wellington's creative district. By focusing on building presentation, lighting and the public realm, the initiative aims to create visible momentum while contributing to a safer, more attractive and more vibrant 18-hour neighbourhood.
The improvement at 46 Courtenay Place is the first of several projects now progressing. Te Aro Hā – Courtenay is also working with the owners of the Victory Building at 72 Courtenay Place and the Dakota/PowWow building at 74 Courtenay Place, with similar façade and lighting upgrades planned as part of the next phase of works. Together with the redevelopment of The Court, these projects will transform a significant section of Courtenay Place over the coming year.
The project also demonstrates the power of coordinated action. As outlined in Te Aro Hā – Courtenay's Heritage Resilience and Regeneration Fund application, targeted façade conservation and lighting improvements can significantly lift the perception, safety and vitality of the precinct, while acting as a catalyst for further investment by neighbouring property owners.
This is the first visible step in bringing new life to Te Aro – Courtenay, and an important milestone in delivering the precinct's long-term vision as one of Wellington's most distinctive creative and entertainment destinations.