All new design briefs and draft plans undergo a rigorous approval process, which includes many opportunities for the public to make submissions. 

The Wellington Waterfront Framework identifies five distinct waterfront areas, and the key attributes of each area. Areas are maintained and developed according to the principles, values and objectives of the Framework.

There are four main steps all new proposals generally go through, to ensure they achieve the aims laid out in the Framework, and have the support of the Wellington public.

1.     Creating a design brief

Design briefs are prepared by the Technical Advisory Group (TAG), which includes some of Wellington’s leading architectural, landscape and urban designers. All design briefs are prepared to support the principles of the Framework.

2.     Consultation

Draft design briefs are presented to the Waterfront Development Subcommittee (WDSC) of the Wellington City Council, which approves them for consultation. Design proposals are then publicised, and submissions sought.

Interested parties are encouraged to make a submission in writing or in person.

If, considering all submissions, the WDSC approves the design brief it is handed to Wellington Waterfront Ltd for development of concept proposals.

3.     Concept proposals

Design concepts are developed in many different ways. In the case of the Kumutoto precinct we developed a high level master plan and did a series of environmental tests. This meant we had a very good understanding of wind patterns, sun exposure, and pedestrian and vehicular traffic flows, before starting detailed designs of the buildings and public space.

For building sites in Waitangi Park, we held a design competition and for the Overseas Passenger Terminal and Clyde Quay Wharf we sought interest from property developers.

Once a design concept is selected, it again goes to public consultation via the WDSC. If it fails to get approval, it’s back to the drawing board.

If the WDSC gives the design the go head, the next step is to apply for resource consent.

4.     Resource consent

Before any waterfront feature is built or changed it must get resource consent from Wellington City Council, and in some cases Greater Wellington Regional Council.

Under the resource consent process, all interested parties are invited to have their say on the designs.

When the submission period closes, Wellington Waterfront Ltd (WWL) presents its application to a board of independent commissioners (usually town planning and resource consent experts). There is often input from Council officers, technical experts and members of the public.

The commissioners weigh up all the evidence. If they give the go ahead, the project can proceed. Sometimes the application is turned down or granted conditional consent.

If WWL or a submitter disagrees with the judgment they can appeal through the Environment Court.

Related Links:

Wellington Waterfront Framework
Environment Court website