We're keeping it central. We're keeping it Saturday. We're keeping it whole.
One of Lower Hutt’s most iconic weekend events since 2005, the Riverbank Market, is set to relocate to the Dowse Square and Civic Precinct area in 2026.
The market needs to move to make way for improved stopbanks as part of the $1.5 billion Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi (formerly RiverLink) project to improve the resilience of Lower Hutt, strengthen transport connections and turn the city to face the river.
After detailed planning and engagement, Dowse Square and the surrounding Civic Precinct has been selected as the site that ticks all the boxes for a new location - it's close to the current Riverbank site, well-connected to transport options, and brings new life to the heart of our city.
Could You Run Lower Hutt's Saturday Market?
We are seeking an experienced supplier to manage and deliver the Saturday market for an initial four-month period at its current Riverbank location, followed by its relocation to the Dowse Square and Civic Precinct in early 2027.
From stallholder coordination and site operations through to customer experience and compliance, this is an opportunity to help shape one of Lower Hutt's regular destination events.
The Request for Proposal is open until 5pm, Tuesday 30 June.
Apply now at gets.govt.nz
If you have any questions about the opportunity, please use the GETS notice to get in touch. If you need technical support, contact the GETS Helpdesk. To ensure everyone has access to the same information, we can only respond to questions about this opportunity through GETS.
Why Dowse Square and Civic Precinct?
The Dowse Square and Civic Precinct area offers a vibrant, accessible location just a short walk from the Riverbank site - making it easy to keep your Saturday morning routine.
The new site also provides easy access to High Street shopping, Riddiford Garden and playground, The Dowse Art Museum, Queensgate and the War Memorial Library.
As Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi construction progresses, the new market location will bring life and energy into the heart of our city, supporting businesses and the community during a time of transformation.
Dowse Square and Civic Precinct area:
Key principles for finding a new spot
A reference group was set up to understand what was most important about the current Riverbank Market.
What we heard from this reference group developed the key principles for selecting a new site:
- Keep it Central: to retain foot traffic and make it easy for people to keep accessing the market as they normally do
- Keep it Large: to ensure space for existing vendors and retain the market’s vibrancy
- Keep it Whole: to maintain a unified market space that supports the network of vendors and customers in one location
- Keep it Saturday: to let vendors and customers keep their current weekend schedules
Dowse Square and the Civic Precinct was identified as the only location met all the requirements for a new site.
We’ve actively engaged with the Market Owner and nearby city centre businesses during the planning process for the Dowse Square and Civic Precinct location. Their feedback has directly informed decisions, such as layout adjustments, to ensure the market continues to support both vendors and our city centre businesses when it moves.
What’s happening now?
Work is underway on a resource consent application for the market moving to Dowse Square.
Before the big move to Dowse Square, the Riverbank Market made a slight shift south from Saturday 11 January 2026 due to the permanent closure of the northern section of the Riverbank Car Park for Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi.
Be aware of changes to the area for Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi when visiting the market. Access will be via the southern entrance off Daly Street only (the north entrance off Rutherford Street is now closed), with parking available at the south end of the car park.
Please take extra care when travelling through the area and allow a bit more time as everyone gets used to the changes.
We’ll provide a further update once a relocation date for the move to Dowse Square is confirmed and we’ll continue working with stakeholders and the community to prepare for a smooth transition
FAQs
The number of vendors changes seasonally. Existing vendors can be accommodated at the new location.
There are no plans to change market hours.
The closure of the Riverbank Car Park for Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi works will impact all city centre parking. We’re currently investigating parking solutions for market attendees near the new location, including both public and private options.
We’re looking at key walking routes through the city centre and investigating options to improve pedestrian safety in these areas.
A reference group was set up to develop key principles, exclusions and sites analysis. These have informed the final decision to move the market to Dowse Square.
We’ve actively engaged with the market owner and nearby city centre businesses during the planning process. Their feedback has directly informed decisions, such as layout adjustments, to ensure the market supports both vendors and our city centre businesses.
The market at Dowse Square is expected to increase foot traffic in the area, benefiting nearby retailers including those within and around Queensgate, as market attendees move into the city centre. The market will boost visibility and vibrancy in the city centre, encouraging people to explore what’s on offer and stay longer.
