Kilbirnie Park Masterplan

Informed by significant engagement throughout the past year with a diverse range of stakeholders, the Kilbirnie Park Masterplan was completed at the end of 2023. This document sets up the framework for future development of the park, subject to funding decisions made through the Council’s Long-term Plan and Annual Plan processes.

Read the Kilbirnie Park Masterplan

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on the concept design options for the masterplan. You can read a summary of the community feedback here.

What is included in the masterplan?

The masterplan provides an aspirational 30+ year vision and framework for the future of Kilbirnie Park.

The short-term priorities outlined in the masterplan to be delivered within existing funding include:

• Delivery of a new destination skatepark
• Renewal of the community play space
• Loop track around the sportsfields, with informal play opportunities
• Working with mana whenua for opportunities to celebrate Ākau Tangi Pā
• Improving the path network, planting, landscaping and consolidating carparking

The long-term vision of the masterplan is to create a cohesive, vibrant, and accessible community and recreation hub that prioritises safety, embraces diversity, and nurtures play. The plan provides one potential future (and concept design) for the park, but it is intended to be adaptable to future trends, opportunities, and funding decisions.

Why did we create a masterplan?

In 2023, Wellington City Council engaged Isthmus Group to prepare a masterplan for Kilbirnie Park as directed by the Suburban Reserves Management Plan. The development of the plan was also informed by a 2021 Councillor decision to allocate $1.5M from the Charles Plimmer Bequest for open space upgrades and a further $5.64M of funding to support development of a destination skatepark.

What next?

The skatepark specialist company CONVIC are on board and ready to work up the design for the skatepark this year, informed by the principles and objectives of the masterplan. CONVIC are specialists in design and construction of skateparks, with 20 years of experience working on skateparks worldwide.   

“Skateparks are much more than just a concrete slab with a few obstacles, it is a community space for hanging out and catching up with friends, it can be an iconic colourful piece of art that represents your culture, community and identity,” explains the team at CONVIC.  

Their mission is to design beyond the skatepark, to ensure it is functional as a key urban greenspace that serves the local area and a unique destination for Wellingtonians and visitors and can account for other initiatives outlined in the masterplan.