Proposed Lyall Bay Bus Depot Development
Background
The Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) has secured a long-term sub-lease of a block of land in Lyall Bay on Tirangi Road and Kingsford Smith Street.
We are currently investigating the development of an electric bus depot at this site to help us stay on track to having an emissions free bus fleet by 2030. This site represents GWRC’s commitment to our objective of having a largely electric bus fleet by 2030. Securing prime land such as this is key to ensuring sustainability and reliability of key public transport infrastructure in the future.
Benefits
Greater Wellington is proposing to develop the site in stages, as our electric fleet grows.
Initially, we are proposing to create a parking and charging layover for 68 electric buses. We are aiming to start building the first stage of the development by the end of 2024 and have it up and running by the end of 2025.
We have also proposed to improve environmental outcomes, including a new sophisticated storm water system that cleans water before it enters the Cook Strait.
The development of the remainder of the site will depend on how fast we are able to roll out our electric bus fleet. No decisions have been made at this time.
Impact
If a bus depot is developed on this site there will be some changes to the local vicinity and potential impacts on those who reside, work, and use the area. We will be working with local residents and businesses to explore positive opportunities and negate any potential negative impacts.
Greater Wellington is proposing to provide on-site parking for staff and therefore does not anticipate any reduction in on-street parking.
The majority of bus movements will occur between 5:30am to 7:00am and 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Greater Wellington has undertaken an independent traffic impact assessment for the proposed stage 1 development which includes parking for 68 buses. This assessment concluded insignificant effects on the existing transport network and vulnerable road users.
No decisions have been made on the route buses will use get to and from the proposed new depot. Greater Wellington will consider community feedback when making this decision.
We have identified 3 potential routes:
Route A: Via Onepu Road and Lyall Bay Parade
Route B: Via Coutts Street and Tirangi Road
Route C: Via Rongotai Road, Ross Street and Tirangi Road
We would like to hear from you around potential challenges and positive points for each of these options. We are also open to any other suggestions for routes we have not considered.
Proposed access routes to depot
A noise assessment on the impact of the stage 1 development has determined that any noise impact will be minimal.
Construction noise will be managed in accordance with Wellington City Council noise restrictions(external link).
Community Engagement
GWRC are committed to continued community engagement on this work, this page will always contain relevant FAQs, and updated information so you can stay up to date on any new developments or progress at this site.
In April, we will be hosting two information drop-in sessions that we welcome and encourage residents of the Eastern Suburbs to attend.
At these sessions, we will update you on the progress demolishing the derelict buildings, provide an overview of the proposed bus depot, and we will answer any questions you may have.
We are keen to hear the communities' thoughts on external design aspects, such as landscaping and fencing designs to ensure any subsequent development represents the local community. We would also like to hear your thoughts on potential routes buses could take to access the site.
The format of these sessions will be drop-in, so feel free to come from any time during the two-hour period.
Session one
6pm to 8pm, Thursday 11 April at Ākau Tangi Sports Centre
Session two
11am to 1pm, Saturday 13 April at Bus Stop 6346 (across from the demolition site, next to the Air Traffic Control Tower). The wet weather location is the Ākau Tangi Sports Centre.
Image Gallery
Updates
We are part-way through demolishing the vacant, derelict buildings on Tirangi road. The demolition progress is going well and has already made a big difference to improving the aesthetics of an area that is undergoing a broader transformation.
Throughout this phase of demolition, we are ensuring that any impact to the community and surrounding businesses is minimised. Businesses that operate on the block will remain open and operational as normal.
While this work continues, we are recycling as much of the building materials as possible, including concrete, timber, and steel.
Demolition is expected to finish by the end of May 2024.
We are planning to demolish the vacant, derelict buildings on Tirangi Road. This demolition is planned to commence in January 2024 and be completed by March 2024.
During the demolition phase, all the businesses that operate on the block will remain open and operational as normal.
We will ensure that any impact to the community and surrounding businesses of the demolition works is minimised. We expect some increased noise associated with the demolition activities and there will be increased traffic for short periods relating to the removal of debris. The chosen demolition contractor will communicate all traffic management changes.
The demolition of these derelict buildings is the first step to address health and safety risks and will significantly improve the aesthetics of an area that is undergoing a broader transformation.
Is this about the demolitions that have already happened on Lyall Bay parade?
No, the demolition that has recently been undertaken on Lyall Bay parade is not related to the Greater Wellington site.
Will this affect any businesses in the local area?
No, the demolition works will not affect the operation of any local businesses.
How long will the demolition take?
It is anticipated that demolition will take approximately 4 months and will commence with safe removal of asbestos.
The roofs of the building look like they are asbestos, is there a risk to neighbours that asbestos will be released into the air when the buildings are demolished?
There is asbestos present in the buildings. This will be removed by certified asbestos removal company before demolition is undertaken. Appropriate measures will be undertaken to ensure asbestos is removed safely.
Should we anticipate a lot of noise during demolition?
There will be noise associated with demolishing the buildings. This will be managed in line with Wellington City Council’s noise control regulations(external link).
Why are you demolishing the buildings now?
The existing buildings are earthquake prone and at risk of collapse in a major seismic event. We have therefore decided to demolish them now to remove the risk of collapse.
Will this affect the surrounding streets?
Throughout the demolition, there may be traffic management in place (such as pavement closures). This will be clearly communicated to residents and businesses around the area, and it will also be clearly signposted.
Will all the bus stops change?
During the demolition process we may need to temporarily relocate bus stops. This will be communicated and have clear signage to direct travellers.
Will there still be on-street parking around the block?
Yes, however some parking will need to be temporarily removed during demolition to ensure public safety.
Will this affect the Airport Retail Park?
No, we don’t anticipate that the demolition will affect the Airport Retail Park in any way.
Will we still be able to drive around the street during construction?
There may be traffic management in place, though through roads will remain open to the public and any closures will be clearly communicated and signposted.