Porirua’s city centre has taken another step in its transformation into a vibrant commercial and social hub.

A colourful new playground is set to open in Cobham Court at the end of next month, alongside new paving, seating, planting and lighting. The stingray shelter – a large covered stage for use at events and night markets – will be the centrepiece.

Mayor Mike Tana says the recent focus has been on revamping the spaces in Cobham Court, Hartham Place North and Ferry Place, with the improvements creating new shared spaces for events and community activities.

“We worked with Ngāti Toa Rangatira to develop a playground for our tamariki that acknowledges the activities that took place here before the area was reclaimed. The playground has bespoke pieces, such as large sea shells and pipis, that reference the original use of this area and tell the story of Ngāti Toa for future generations,” said Mayor Tana.

The work is part of a 10-year plan to attract people and businesses to our city centre and improve the connections between the city centre and our harbour.

“We’ve been working with building owners and developers to make things happen in Porirua’s city centre.

The space has really changed, with new businesses starting up and existing businesses relocating here. Tuk Tuk Thai, One Sushi and Laughalots Playland are just three of the businesses opening soon.”

The City Hub pop-up space has been a real success, hosting more than 40 businesses in the past year, with the versatile space being used by retailers, PopUp Business School graduates and community groups.

As well as new CCTV cameras and better lighting, there’s also ongoing work to upgrade signage and shop fronts of existing businesses, with seven completed so far and five more in the pipeline.

The next stage of the plan will be upgrading the paving in Serlby Place, installing new seating, planting trees and creating more outdoor spaces that people, cafēs and businesses can use.

“With the new residential apartments also set to open in the former New Zealand Post building this year, the way we use and live in our city centre is changing. It’s exciting stuff,” said Mayor Tana.

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