Bell Park has been enhanced by Hutt City Council to create an appealing community space that can accommodate a growing and changing population.
The main focus of the development was pathways connecting the three accessways to Bell Park, making it accessible in all weathers and a much more appealing space. The intention is to retain as much green space as possible to enable other recreational activities. The intention is to ensure the improvements are low-cost in terms of ongoing maintenance and upkeep, in line with our current approach to managing assets.
Council Mana Whenua representatives were engaged with and contributed a cultural narrative to the project. Council officers also talked with other interested stakeholders including Ignite Sport who are also based at Bell Park.
After the completion of a successful tender process, PCL Contracting was appointed to deliver the works.
The concrete access paths from Douglass Street and Riverside Drive incorporate beautifully etched artwork by Mana Whenua artists Mareikura Richard Te Ahuru and Whareahuru Gilbert. The design of the pathway reflects culturally significant bodies of water, drawing on themes of manaakitanga (hospitality and generosity) and kai.
Represented by toi Māori motifs depicting kai awa (food from the river), the artwork signifies how Te Awamutu & Waiwhetu rivers have sustained Mana Whenua through generations. Pedestrians will be able to meander through a reimagined river which acts as a glimpse into the ways in which the awa (river) has cared for its people.
What's the latest?
The redevelopment of Bell Park is now complete. A reopening blessing was held in August 2024 to celebrate.
A Karakia and Whakatau was performed followed by a walk through of the redevelopment and shared kai and light refreshments afterward.
