Landfill Road, Ōwhiro Bay
Greater Wellington is investigating options to support future depot requirements for north-south bus services in Wellington.
As part of this work, land at Landfill Road in Ōwhiro Bay was acquired to preserve a potential opportunity while further investigations and business case assessments are undertaken. The site is currently being assessed to determine whether it is suitable for future depot use.
Background
In June 2024, Greater Wellington (GW) adopted the Strategic Asset Control Strategy(external link). The Strategy aims to improve long-term network planning, investment and resilience by securing greater control of critical public transport assets, particularly in areas where suitable land is limited.
The Strategy also aims to reduce barriers to operator participation, support more competitive procurement and improve value for money through appropriate public control of depots, fleet and charging infrastructure.
GW has identified a strategic need to investigate long-term depot arrangements capable of supporting future north-south bus services in Wellington city.
To support future public transport service requirements, GW undertook a search for properties that may be suitable for future depot use.
Following that search, GW acquired the property at 2-20 Landfill Road, Ōwhiro Bay to preserve a potentially strategic opportunity while further investigations were undertaken. Any future development of the site remains subject to technical investigations, business case assessments and future Council decisions.
GW is currently assessing the suitability of the site as a potential option for meeting future depot requirements.
Consideration for Development
Metlink is assessing whether this site is suitable for use as a bus depot.
Technical investigations represent one input into a broader decision-making process. Alongside the findings of these investigations, GW is also considering alternative options for meeting future depot requirements, procurement outcomes, strategic objectives, costs, risks and stakeholder feedback before determining whether further investment should proceed.
A copy of these independent reports is available by contacting info@metlink.org.nz and specifying which report you would like.
Traffic Impact Assessment
This assessment considers the traffic impacts of the proposed depot, including effects of increased bus movements, suitability of the transport network to accommodate buses safely and management of parking. It also outlines measures to manage any impacts.
Noise Prediction Assessment
This assessment predicts the noise which will be created by the depot at varying times of the day. It assesses whether District Plan noise levels are achieved and proposes mitigation measures where they are exceeded. It does not assess the noise impacts of buses travelling to or from the site.
Air Quality Impact Assessment
This assessment predicts any changes to air quality caused by an increase in buses in the surrounding area, including Ōwhiro Bay School, Ōwhiro Bay Parade, Happy Valley Road and Ohiro Road.
Spatial Planning
Layout plans for the proposed depot have been developed to assess whether the site is suitable for its proposed use. This includes vehicle tracking, safe access/egress routes and consideration of operational matters.
Civil Infrastructure Report
This report will provide an assessment of infrastructure servicing and any effects associated with the development, specifically Earthworks and Erosion Sediment Control, and Three Waters Infrastructure.
Geotechnical investigations
These investigations will involve test pits and analysis to determine whether the soil type is suitable for a bus depot and identify any soil contaminants.
Council decision
No decision has been made to develop a depot at Landfill Road. Council will first consider whether further investigation through a Detailed Business Case is justified. This is on the agenda for the council meeting on 1 October 2026.
Site clearance
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In mid-2026, for health & safety reasons, Greater Wellington cleared the site and demolished the former industrial buildings.
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Clearance of the site does not mean that a bus depot will be developed there.
Frequently asked questions
Metlink is developing a depot in Miramar by the airport. Can this depot support north-south bus routes?
The bus depot under construction in Miramar is intended to replace the current Kilbirnie Bus Barns from 2030, which are earthquake prone and owned by a private developer. The bus depot on Kauri Street will support east-west services and does not have the capacity to also support north-south services.
Can the Kilbirnie Bus Barns be repurposed and used for north-south buses?
The Kilbirnie Bus Barns currently support bus depot capacity in southern Wellington, but their long-term availability and suitability are uncertain. The site is privately owned, subject to seismic strengthening requirements, and identified in Wellington City Council’s planning framework as having potential for future mixed-use redevelopment if depot use changes. Its location within the Kilbirnie town centre, in a highly urbanised residential and commercial area, may also constrain its ability to support future depot operations.
Where are the buses currently located that may use the proposed depot?
Buses which operate on north-south routes are currently based at a depot in Rongotai. That depot is privately owned and will not be available for Metlink buses from 2028.
Did Metlink look at any other sites?
Yes, a number of sites were investigated as part of a broader assessment process. The Landfill Road site was identified as one of the most viable opportunities available for further investigation based on factors such as site availability, location, scale and operational suitability. Further assessment is required before any decision is made regarding its future use.
Why did GW buy this site?
Greater Wellington identified a potential need for a long-term southern depot solution to support future north-south bus services in Wellington city. Because suitable sites in southern Wellington are scarce, the Landfill Road property was acquired to preserve a potentially strategic opportunity while further investigations and business case assessments were undertaken. Acquisition of the site did not constitute a decision to develop a depot.
How big is the site?
The site is around 1 hectare.
When will Council make a decision on whether to build a depot on the site?
We anticipate that a final Council decision will be made in June 2027.