ulton Hogan Canterbury Regional Manager Paul O’Meara, Selwyn Mayor Lydia Gliddon and Te Taumutu Rūnanga representative Puamiria Parata-Goodall laughing together with the crowd at the opening of the new Lincoln Town Centre Stage One

A significant milestone has been reached in the transformation of Lincoln's town centre, with Stage One of the Lincoln Town Centre Project now complete.

The occasion was formally marked this morning with a karakia whakawātea (blessing ceremony) led by Mana Whenua Council Representative Puamiria Parata-Goodall from Te Taumutu Rūnanga in Lincoln's new plaza space on Gerald Street. The ceremony acknowledged the completion of stage one of the project and the many people who contributed to bringing the long-term vision for Lincoln's town centre to life.

Selwyn District Council Executive Director of Infrastructure and Property Tim Mason says the completion of Stage One is an important achievement for both the Lincoln community and the wider Selwyn district.

"Today's blessing is an opportunity to reflect on how far we've come and to celebrate a project that has helped shape a safer, greener and more welcoming town centre for Lincoln.

"This project has required patience from residents, businesses and road users throughout construction, and I want to sincerely thank everyone for their support. The result is a town centre that is designed to better serve our growing community for many years to come."

The Council also acknowledged the contribution of project partners AECOM, who led the project's design, and Fulton Hogan, who delivered the construction works.

Stage One has delivered a range of improvements across the heart of Lincoln, including:

  • A new public plaza on Gerald Street creating a gathering place for the community
  • A 40km/h town centre speed environment
  • New pedestrian crossings to make it easier and safer to move around the town centre
  • New cycling facilities
  • More than 50 new trees and extensive landscaping
  • Upgrades to roads, drainage, lighting and underground infrastructure
  • New rain gardens to help restore and protect the mauri of the Liffey Stream by naturally treating stormwater before it is returned to the waterway.
  • Cultural design elements which include split boulders, hīnaki-inspired basket       features and tuna (eel) elements that celebrate the area's cultural narratives while also serving practical purposes within the plaza.
  • Additional town centre parking, including the two new public car parks completed ahead of construction works.

a crowd of people watching Mayor Lydia Gliddon speaking at the Lincoln Town Centre stage one opening

The project forms part of the long-term Lincoln Town Centre Plan, which was first adopted in 2016 and aims to support Lincoln's growth while maintaining its unique character as a connected and vibrant town centre.

Throughout the project, the team has worked closely with businesses, residents and stakeholders to minimise disruption where possible while delivering the upgrade.

Mayor Lydia Gliddon said the completed works are already helping create a more people-focused town centre.

"The new plaza, pedestrian spaces and landscaping are helping create places where people can stop, connect and spend time, while also improving safety and accessibility for everyone using the town centre."

The Mayor also acknowledged the impact this work has had on local businesses.

“Thank you for your patience and for continuing to welcome customers through the disruption. Lincoln is open for business, and we encourage everyone to come and enjoy the new town centre."

While Stage One is now complete, construction on the next stages of the Lincoln Town Centre Project is due to start at the end of October 2026.

Find out more about the Lincoln Town Centre

Last modified: 12 Oct 2026 1:07pm