The road around the New Plymouth Cenotaph is getting a trial makeover that NPDC says will make the area safer for pedestrians, drivers, and visitors to the war memorial.

Queen Street is becoming one-way between St Aubyn and Young streets, with entry open only to left-turning traffic from St Aubyn Street.

Planters, astroturf and coloured road surfaces define the new pedestrian-only space on the western side of the Cenotaph.

While some of the 20 car parking spaces in the project have been moved in the trial, the project retains the same number of spaces as previously, including a mobility space, and retains vehicle access to neighbouring buildings.

NPDC Senior Infrastructure Project Manager Gaye Batty says “The Cenotaph is a place of reflection and ceremony to remember those who gave their lives in service to the country. We’ve consulted with residents and the RSA (Returned and Services Association) and partnered with Ngāti Te Whiti hapū to create a proposal aimed at enhancing the dignity of the site by creating a pedestrian area between the monument and the Cenotaph Rock Garden on the western corner of Queen and St Aubyn streets.”

“The Cenotaph sits in the centre of a complicated Y-shaped intersection that splits Queen Street traffic into four directions at two junctions with St Aubyn Street. It’s an area with a very high vehicle volume, where sight-lines can be limited, especially during busy times.”

The trial has a budget of $300,000, which is 51% funded by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and will be in place for 12 months before a report to the Mayor and Councillors giving road user data, public feedback and behavioural observations that will inform future decisions on the site.

Fast Facts

- The Cenotaph was unveiled in 1924 and has been a focus for Anzac Day remembrance services ever since.
- Built from locally quarried andesite stone, it stands 10 metres tall and features a symbolically empty casket on top.
- The project is part of the Ngāmotu New Plymouth City Centre Strategy adopted by the Mayor and Councillors in December 2021.
- It includes the West End Crossing, taking in the other end of Queen Street and parts of Devon and King streets, which should be completed within the next month.
- The strategy also includes opening up the Huatoki Stream between Devon and Powderham streets and replacing Devon Street’s ageing alder trees.