Here are the nominees for Best Public Space

Wellington is for the people. These spaces don’t require you to spend any money to enjoy them, and they’re yours to enjoy however you may choose to – as long as you’re not drinking, of course. We salute those who made these areas available to us.

Kumutoto (Kumutoto Wharf)
“Eek!” the anti-waterfront development people cried. “A building by the waterfront!” But the Kumutoto development has shown how a good waterfront building is done. The Meridian building is a fine piece of architecture with a transparent lower level; the public spaces outside are frequently used and enjoyed; the reemergence of the Kumutoto stream brings back some history and landscape to the area; Mojo brings coffee, pizza and booze to you in the plaza; and the ground-floor Wagamama provides a perfect place to slurp noodles and admire our spectacular harbour.

Waitangi Park
Since it was created a couple of years ago, Waitangi Park has helped revitalise the waterfront area, adding a human element in the shadow of the monolithic Te Papa. On any given weekend you’ll find it full of people skating, picnicking, playing social sports, walking the dog, enjoying coffee, having a wee rest, and even visiting the Sunday morning produce market.

Courtenay Place Park (Courtenay Pl by Taranaki St)
An odd island of land with an abandoned public toilet was turned into a little public space with the closure of a slip road and the addition of stylish metal seats, while the addition of light boxes along the Courtenay Place edge has helped showcase works from Wellington photographers. Come summer, it’ll be a great spot to enjoy your food from nearby Burger Fuel.

The Left Bank (Cuba Mall)
Sure, it gets grotty down the back, but there’s an increasingly good collection of cheap eats, interesting shops, and it’s a lively and intimate little pedestrian space. With everything from anarchist bookshops and freaky clothes to toasted sandwiches and coffee, is the Left Bank now more Cuba Street than Cuba Street itself?

Manners Mall
Our mayor calls Manners Mall a “failed space” and the council are eagerly drawing up plans to let the buses go back through, but has anyone spared a thought for the goths and emos of Manners Mall? The mall is a popular teen hang-out spot, with video arcades, fast food joints, a movie theatre and clothing shops providing a bit of everything for the underaged. Maybe it’s not as hip as Cuba Mall, but Manners Mall reminds us of the fun times we had as a teen, just hanging out in town with our friends.