Councillor's Comment
Nelson’s waterfront is gearing up to come alive again as our city reconnects with the sea.
There’s something very special about being by the waterfront – the fresh sea air, the views, the sound of boats in the harbour, and the sense that this place is a treasured part of our community.
This quality or aspect is central to plans to reconnect Nelson more closely with its waterfront through a redevelopment that is now taking shape.
Two key milestones have recently advanced the project, marking significant progress. Nelson City Council’s purchase of the historic Customhouse building was the first step in planning the waterfront precinct.
This momentum has continued with a land exchange between Council and Port Nelson, announced in November – an agreement set to improve access to the Haven, enhance safety, and create new public opportunities along the waterfront.
As part of the exchange, Port Nelson itself will have greater efficiency and safety by straightening boundaries and installing a two-way road along the new perimeter while expanding container-handling space.
Meanwhile, the remaining Council-owned land will become a car park (providing around 23 additional spaces) and a landscaped area, creating a more direct connection to Haven Road and Wakefield Quay.
Work is already underway at the former Reliance Engineering site, where deconstruction should finish in February, with the neighbouring Four Seasons building next to go.
Another feature of the agreement is Council’s purchase of 305 Akersten Street, a Port-owned property designated for future redevelopment as a sea sport facility. This investment aims to support Nelson’s growing sea-related active and recreational community.
Looking ahead, the next step is developing a detailed master plan for the waterfront/Haven area. It will provide a clear, co-ordinated vision to guide redevelopment in partnership with iwi, local businesses, investors, and the wider community. Just as Port Nelson, Nelson Airport, and Nelson Marina have done, this plan will shape the area’s development and ensure progress is safe, sustainable, and environmentally responsible.
Community engagement will be vital. Everyone will have the opportunity to participate, sharing ideas and feedback as the master plan evolves. Council has allocated funding in the 2025/26 Annual Plan for the project, with proceeds from the land sale to the Port Company helping to finance site development and landscaping.
Together, these steps lay the foundation for a connected, accessible, and exciting waterfront that honours Nelson’s heritage while opening new opportunities for future generations.
