Te Ngākau Civic Square Precinct

Te Ngākau Civic Square Precinct The purpose of the Te Ngākau Civic Square Precinct is to provide for civic activities, functions, public use, and areas of open space and redevelopment of the precinct while ensuring that any future development respects the special qualities of the area, including the concentration of listed heritage buildings. The Precinct is Wellington's unique civic place. It is located in the heart of the City Centre and is a destination in itself. It is also an anchor point and gateway that connects the city centre’s entertainment area, the waterfront and the Central Business District. Wellington’s major civic and entertainment venues are located within the precinct, including the Wellington Town Hall, City Gallery Wellington (Te Whare Toi), Wellington City Library (Te Matapihi), Michael Fowler Centre, and Capital E. The long-term vision for the precinct is that Te Ngākau is the beating heart of our capital city: a thriving neighbourhood where creativity, culture, democracy, discovery and arts experiences collide on the edge of Te Whānganui-a-Tara. In particular, the aims of the Te Ngākau Civic Square Precinct are to: Ensure that it is a vibrant and welcoming space which supports a range of uses to locate alongside its core civic function; Provide a distinctive, safe, inclusive, comfortable and green environment for all users; Create a civic space that reflects Wellington’s unique culture, architecture, design, heritage and identity, including reflecting mana whenua values; Ensure that future buildings and public environments are designed to a high quality; are resilient and sustainable; and complement and connect existing buildings and public spaces within the precinct as well as to the wider urban fabric of the City Centre; Enable greater connectivity to surrounding streets and access between the city and waterfront, and to integrate with the wider transport network; and Ensure that it is equipped to respond to significant seismic and climate change resilience challenges. Te Ngākau Civic Square Precinct has long established historical and cultural associations for the mana whenua of Whanganui a Tara (Wellington), Taranaki Whānui and Ngati Toa Rangatira. Consequently, it is important that activities within the precinct recognise mana whenua as kaitiaki, alongside their relationship with the land. Active engagement with mana whenua will assist in ensuring the mouri of this area of significance to mana whenua is not diminished through any potential adverse effects created by activities and development within the precinct. The Land Use Activities Rules for the City Centre Zone apply to the Te Ngākau Civic Square Precinct, with the Building and Structure Activity Rules and Standards for the City Centre Zone also applicable in addition to any precinct specific rules and standards identified in the plan. Where there is any conflict between City Centre Zone and precinct specific provisions, the precinct provisions prevail.