PHOTO: Wellington Airport owns two corner sites in Lyall Bay junction, where new hospitality businesses will be up and running next year. WELLINGTON AIRPORT / SUPPLIED
A park, an upgraded promenade, a plane-spotting area and new hospitality businesses will soon transform the eastern end of Lyall Bay. There is no shortage of plans for the blocks closest to the airport, which just a few decades ago were a buffer zone from the noise and mainly occupied by derelict warehouses.
Aviation enthusiasts will be able to watch planes from a new public space, as part of the airport’s plan for its new emergency services centre. WELLINGTON AIRPORT / SUPPLIED
Wellington Airport has put its hand up to pay for a waterfront promenade on Lyall Parade, to improve access from the Leonie Gill pathway to the dining and beach precinct. Plans for the promenade along with seating areas and amenities would be released next year, said chief executive Matt Clarke. It would be a “major upgrade” and a “major investment” from the airport into the local community. “We’re proud to be helping drive the revitalisation of this area … This work is going to make it even more of a jewel in Wellington’s crown.” The airport was passionate about enhancing the neighbourhood, Clarke said. It had also bought two corner sites in the new Lyall Bay Junction business precinct, where two new hospitality businesses would open early next year. Also on the waterfront parade, Huetepara Park, planned by the local community, will turn a patch of grass behind Briscoes into an accessible viewing platform, boardwalk and public toilet. The airport is on board as a sponsor along with the council and several local businesses.
The site for the new Airport Emergency Services Centre on Coutts St. BRUCE MACKAY / THE POST
On top of all that, Sir Peter Jackson is now the confirmed purchaser of the E tū Union building, meaning he owns an entire block of land on Lyall Parade — rumoured to be a site for his long-awaited film museum. Motukairangi ward councillors agreed that the area had been neglected and overlooked in the past. Sarah Free said she would like to see the area continue improving. “It’s been looking a bit tatty and run down for a while, it would be nice to see it loved,” she said.
The area was one of Wellington’s premier beaches and a significant surfing area, so deserved to be upgraded, Free said.
SOURCE: THE POST