Public backing for Promenade remains solid

Hutt City Council says it is reassured by the continuing public support for its plans to redevelop and reinvigorate the CBD along and around the Hutt River.

A recent survey of 438 Lower Hutt residents found 300 respondents are in favour of the Promenade – the creation of a river waterfront precinct in Lower Hutt’s CBD.

In recent submissions to Hutt City Council’s proposed annual plan, more than 61% of submitters supported the project.

One submission described Hutt River as a “jewel waiting to be polished”.

Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace describes the Promenade as a once in a generation opportunity to refashion the cityscape into a dynamic and attractive environment for new and existing residents. “Our residents understand and appreciate this and it’s reassuring to have this level of interest in an initiative which will have a positive impact across the whole city,” he says.

The Promenade will be a new urban environment shifting the city’s focus towards Hutt River. Central to the project will be walkways,integrated into the new stop banks, and landscaping along the river bank.

Quality mixed-use, multi-storey buildings accommodating apartments, restaurants, cafes and other businesses will front the promenade.

A new pedestrian and cycle bridge will span the river, connecting the CBD to bus and train services.

Greatly improved cycle and walking networks throughout the city will connect to the highway and Western Hills.

Council estimates the project could add 2700 people to the CBD’s workforce and 1300 new apartments could accommodate around 2600 new residents. An economic impact assessment estimated the project will directly and indirectly inject $2.5 billion into the local

economy.