Councillors vote against continuing Wellington's Golden Mile project

Wellington City councillors have voted not to continue with the controversial $139 million Golden Mile project.

The upgrade of the Golden Mile, which stretches from the Lambton Quay to Courtenay Place, sought to remove cars from the latter during the day, widen foot paths, create a cycle lane, and improve lighting.

It would also line the street with anti-slip pavement and new greenery, and replace old water pipes that are sitting under the throughfare.

The project was scoped in 2021, with the $139m price tag being funded 49 percent by council and 51 percent by the Transport Agency.

The council voted in November to pause and review the project after cost estimates grew from $139m to $220 million.

Today's vote passed 14 to 3, with Laurie Foon, Geordie Rogers and Rebecca Matthews those opposed.

Karl Tiefenbacher, who owns Kaffee Eis which has a store on Courtenay Place, was excluded from the vote due to a conflict of interest.

Work had already begun at the intersection of Cambridge and Kent Terraces last year and council officers were recommending $1.5m of council funding be retained for make-safe works.

More to come...