Major Wellington infrastructure project scrapped

Major Wellington infrastructure project Let's Get Wellington Moving (LGWM) has been scrapped.

This morning the Government, Wellington City Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council announced they had agreed in principle to dissolve the project.

Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau said local, regional and central government were in agreement about the way forward for the city.

"It is important to me that we work constructively with the new government to deliver the infrastructure that Wellington desperately needs," she said.

"It is good to have a clear sense of direction from the Government and commitment to investing in the infrastructure for our growing population."

Tory Whanau in 2023 (file image). (Source: 1News)

National's 100-day plan had promised to withdraw central government support for the project. ACT was also keen to scrap it.

It comes after Government declined more funding for the Interislander project amid a cost blowout.

This morning's joint statement said delivering a second Mt Victoria tunnel together with an upgrade to the Basin Reserve is a key commitment of the Government. Infrastructure and Housing Minister Chris Bishop said the plan is for central government to fully fund the new tunnel.

"Under the old Let's Get Wellington Moving deal, Wellington City Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council would have been responsible for 40 per cent of the programme investment, which includes the Basin upgrade and new tunnel's construction costs," the statement read.

Bishop said the tunnel would "create exciting opportunities for more urban development and housing, and the government will work with Wellington City Council to explore these opportunities".

A rendering of what the Golden Mile upgrades could look like (file image). (Source: Let's Get Wellington Moving)

Although Whanau expressed she did not support a second Mt Victoria car tunnel, she welcomed the Government's commitment to funding 100 per cent of the costs.

"I am also glad to have found areas of collaboration where we can look to develop a housing and urban growth precinct with the acquisition of land for this development," she said.

"We've agreed that Wellington City Council will take over delivery of the Golden Mile revitalisation project. I believe that by bringing this important project in-house we can ensure it is delivered as cost effectively as possible and we can better engage with local businesses."

Transport Minister Simeon Brown said with the Golden Mile project "we need to ensure efficiencies are made and that the design meets everyone's needs such as better bus routes and access for pedestrians".

Greater Wellington Regional Council chairperson Daran Ponter said: "It is important that we supercharge bus priority routes on our core transport spines and open up a new public transport spine on the Harbour Quays."

Chris Bishop (file image). (Source: 1News)