Wellington’s Courtenay Precinct has historically been one of New Zealand’s most iconic inner-city precincts — home to a rich cultural history which has evolved to make it the central location of many of the city’s theatres, cinemas, major events, hospitality institutions, live music venues and a wide cross-section of iconic Wellington businesses. Yet in recent years, the area has lost momentum and clarity of purpose.
THE VISION
TO Breath new life into Te Aro Courtenay
A key part of the Te Aro Hā - Courtenay plan is to define a clear neighbourhood and celebrate the differences within it to transform it into a living 18-hour precinct which welcomes everyone from early morning through to the late evening.
THE four quarters
The Te Aro Courtenay neighbourhood can be described as four distinct quarters - The Court, Blair & Allen Streets, St James and Courtenay East. The quarters sit along the central spine of Courtenay Place, each with its own distinctive character.
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This is set to be a vibrant multi-generational entertainment and retail quarter anchored by The Court (previously known as Courtenay Central), which is currently being redeveloped by Prime Property and is due to reopen in late 2027 with new cinemas and retail offerings, plus better Wakefield Street connections to connect to the visitor flow from Te Papa and Tākina.
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These two great historic streets are the beating heart of the district, where creative shops, galleries and studios sit alongside great cafés and restaurants, with people living and working above. There are opportunities to explore activations like street and indoor markets, and revealing the hidden connections (like the pedestrian through-way via The Exchange) to make these streets come alive day and evening, seven days a week.
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Anchored by the St James Theatre this quarter provides a variety of office, hotel, medical, and residential uses. Re-activating the ground floor of the St James during the day would help re-energise this currently under-utilised part of the precinct.
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Anchored by the new Hyde Lane residential development, this quarter is characterised by its network of lanes, alleys and courtyards that complement the wide variety of vibrant small format restaurants and bars that front the East Quarter of the Courtenay Precinct.
ACTIVATING
Te Aro - Courtenay
as a CREATIVE HUB
In addition to defining the neighbourhood and refreshing building frontages (see how we’re working with property owners to brighten up buildings), Te Aro Hā - Courtenay is seeking to bring more vibrancy and joy to the area through activated shopfronts, art, and public space enhancements.
We’re delighted to have activation specialists Urban Dream Brokerage as members of the Te Aro Hā team. Key strategies for activating the area include:
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This is one of UDB’s core strengths. It specialises in activating empty retail, commercial and shared spaces with public art, performance and creative workshops. The Brokerage bridges the gap between property owners and artists and acts as the custodian for the space whilst it is activated.
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We want to find creative ways to signpost the many places and items of cultural importance in the Te Aro Courtenay Precinct.
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Promote the great events that are now centred in Te Aro Courtenay which include the NZ Fringe Festival, Wellington Pride Parade and Courtenay Carnival.
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Wellington is a city of sculpture and art, and we are keen to see whether the precinct can house some more thought-provoking and joyful permanent murals and sculptures, as well as light and digital installations.
We are also partnering with other activation groups including Light + Digital Arts Wellington, and Vitalise Wellington who are delivering exciting new events and hospitality activations in the area.
CELEBRATE COURTENAY’S CREATIVE FABRIC
The Te Aro Courtenay district is home to the majority of Wellington’s theatres, cinemas and independent venues. In recent years the precinct has also become home to a number of art and design galleries and retailers.
Click here to see our other interactive maps that celebrate positive progress and all the great businesses and institutions that make up the Te Aro Courtenay neighbourhood.
Theatres & Institutions
Festivals
Independent Galleries
Independent Venues
Public Art & Cultural Markers
Enhance wayfinding and connections from Te Aro Courtenay to the waterfront.
Explore options for enhancing mana whenua narratives and early Wellington stories from within the precinct.
Establish Te Aro Courtenay as a vibrant 18-hour neighbourhood within Wellington.
Maximise the public investment in the St James Theatre with further activation of the building.