A render of the Huetepara Park area which is planned for Lyall Bay in Wellington. Photo: Supplied
Wellington Airport is planning to buy four pieces of beachfront property with the aim of upgrading community facilities and driving up foot traffic to Lyall Bay.
The airport had a property portfolio outside of its terminal and runways which included its retail park and Lyall Bay junction which houses the popular bakery Puku Pies.
Wellington City Council has announced plans to sell four pieces of land along Lyall Bay Parade to Wellington Airport.
In return the airport will build a new community park named Huetepara Park and a surf hub which will include public toilets, changing rooms, showers, a boardwalk, nature play areas, accessible ramps, picnic tables and a raised viewing platform.
A map showing the area of the planned Huetepara Park development. Photo: Supplied
Wellington Airport commercial general manager Richard Dalby told RNZ that there were areas of the bay, particularly at its eastern end, which needed investment.
Dalby said the commercial benefits to the airport of the changes would be giving people more reasons to come to Lyall Bay.
"We think that that's going to help drive some economic activity in the area and you know obviously our investments will benefit from that as well as the local community and other businesses."
He hoped that the work would be done in a year's time dependent on their consent process.
The Huetepara Park area will be architecturally designed and have capacity for hospitality, recreational and retail offerings.
Eastern ward city councillors Teri O'Neill, Tim Brown and Sarah Free have thrown their support behind the project.
A render of the surfer's hub at Huetepara Park which is planned for Lyall Bay in Wellington. Photo: Supplied
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