Stage One
Stage One of the Lincoln Town Centre upgrade is underway.
Stage One is focused on:
- 124 new car parks (69 in the Northern carpark, and 47 in the Southern carpark), completed in August 2025 – read more here.
- Slow speed zone, safer for traffic, pedestrians and cyclists
- Adding cycle lanes
- New Gerald Street plaza to bring community together, more accessible for pedestrians
- Multiple pedestrian crossings.
For more information on all four stages, click here.
Stage One updates
25 March - Update on underground drainage works, extension to the Lyttelton Street Road closure, and the upcoming Lincoln Market event.
We are finishing the underground drainage works in the Lincoln Town Centre, which marks a significant milestone in the project and means we are moving into the next, more visible phase of construction. Above-ground works will now accelerate, including kerbs, paving and preparation for roading improvements.
The temporary road closure on Lyttelton Street at the Gerald Street intersection has been extended until Thursday 24 April 2026. This extension allows milling and asphalt paving to be completed together, reducing the need for future closures. Vehicle access will remain closed, with detours in place, while footpaths and access to businesses stay open.
The project team will be at the Lincoln Market on Saturday 28 March from 9.30am to 12.30pm. They’ll share a progress update, outline what’s coming up next, and answer questions. You’ll find the team on Gerald Street next to the Library.
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18 March 2026 - Temporary one-day change, new start date for nights works, rates relief applications for businesses
On Wednesday 18 March, the entrance to the Gerald Street / Maurice Street car park, from Gerald Street will be temporarily closed. The car park will open, with vehicles still able to enter and exit via the Maurice Street entrance. Pedestrian access to the car park will also remain available.
The night works will now be taking place on Sunday 22 March, crews will begin installing new streetlights along Gerald Street between Kildare Terrace and West Belt as part of ongoing improvements in the town centre. Work will run between 7pm and 7am for about a week, with no work on Friday or Saturday nights.
The Selwyn District Council has approved a targeted rates relief for businesses financially affected by stage one of the Lincoln Town Centre construction. This support recognises the short-term disruption some businesses have experienced and is aimed at helping those most impacted. Eligibility and application details, including how property owners can apply on behalf of tenant businesses, are outlined in the Rates section of the Lincoln Town Centre FAQs, along with the online application form. Apply here.
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4 March 2026 - Updated timelines for Stage One
We’ve updated the Stage One timeline to allow for the extra stormwater work and to account for expected winter weather delays. The majority of construction will now be finished by the end of September 2026 with final landscaping planned for spring.
Our goal is to do this once and do it right. Doing this stormwater work now means we don’t have to come back and redo it later.
Some landscaping will be completed in October and November to ensure planting occurs in the appropriate planting season
This project is supporting Lincoln's growth from a rural township to a thriving town centre for the future.
The project team will continue to work directly with affected businesses to maintain clear customer access and to respond quickly to any concerns.
We’re also encouraging you to keep supporting local shops and services during this period.
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26 February 2026 - Updated timelines for Stage One
Work is steadily progressing on the Lincoln Town Centre project, with the team continuing to focus on safety and doing everything they can to reduce disruption for residents, businesses, and people travelling through the area.
Crews are currently working at depths of up to four metres to install essential underground infrastructure. This requires careful excavation and sequencing to ensure the work is completed safely and to a high standard. Throughout this phase, two lanes of traffic are being maintained on either side of the work zone to support smooth travel through the town centre.
Here are some stats as of February 2026:
- 670m of 840m total of stormwater upgrades completed (the stormwater scope has increased by 244m from the original scope)
- 288m of 750m total of kerb and channel installed
30 January 2026 - Progress to date and next steps
Work continues on site, with the team making steady progress while prioritising safety and doing their best to minimise disruption to residents and road users, and local businesses.
The construction works are being undertaken at depths of up to 4 metres underground, requiring careful excavations and installation due to the depth involved. Whilst maintaining two lanes of traffic either side of the work.
Here are some stats as of January 2026:
- 342m of 560m total stormwater upgrades completed
- 246m of 750m total kerb and channel installed
- 190m of 190m of watermain installed with only connections still to be completed.
We are aiming for work on stage one of this project, to be completed by the end of July 2026. This is subject to weather conditions.
5 December 2025 - Electric car chargers
Meridian’s new electric vehicle fast chargers are now up and running at the new northern and southern car parks on Maurice and William Streets.
To use these chargers, download the Zero app from your mobile app store. The app makes charging easy and gives you access to helpful features, including:
- Start and stop charging your vehicle
- Find nearby chargers using an interactive map
- Save your favourite locations for quick access
- Track your charging history and habits
- Make secure payments for the electricity you use
These chargers are powered by 100% renewable energy, so it’s a great way to keep your EV topped up while supporting a cleaner future.
Visit the Meridian website to find out more www.meridianenergy.co.nz/for-home/zero
11 November 2025 - Fulton Hogan Site Office
If you’d like to speak directly with the Fulton Hogan team about the Lincoln Town Centre works, they’ll be opening their site office to the community starting Tuesday 18 November 2025.
Where: 6/14 Gerald Street (next door to the Property Brokers)
When: Drop in anytime between 11am - 2pm on a Tuesday or Thursday.
This is a great opportunity to ask questions, share feedback or just learn more about what is happening in your town centre.
If you can’t make it during those times, you’re still very welcome to call or email the Fulton Hogan team to ask questions or arrange a time that suits you better.
Call: 0800 ROAD FH (Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm)
Email: cant.info@fultonhogan.com
16 October 2025 - Works are starting
Before construction begins at the end of October, crews will be setting up the site and removing some existing street features, including traffic islands, streetlights and five trees. These early works will help prepare the area for underground service upgrades and future layout changes. All tree removals will be carried out under the supervision of an arborist, and more than 50 new trees will be planted as part of the final design.
A temporary 30km/h speed limit and other traffic management measures will be in place. Two lanes will remain open for most of the works, and pedestrian refuges will be maintained to ensure safe access. Please allow extra time when travelling through the area and follow all signage.
25 September 2025 - Fulton Hogan to construct Stage One works
The contract for Stage One has officially been awarded to Fulton Hogan, marking the beginning of a new chapter for our growing township.
Construction for stage one works is set to begin with some preliminary works in mid-October 2025 and be completed by the end of July 2026. This upgrade will transform Gerald Street into a safer, greener and more vibrant town centre that reflects Lincoln’s rapid growth and evolving needs.
19 August 2025 - New car parks open
A total of 124 new parking spaces will soon be open across two new car parks in Lincoln, making it easier for residents and visitors to access local shops and services in the township.
As part of Council’s Lincoln Town Centre upgrade project, the north car park opened on Friday (15 August), while the south car park is expected to open this week. The new parking spaces support the town’s growth and accessibility.
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The town centre is getting greener
As part of Stage One, we are planting 51 trees and a mix of groundcover plants to bring more greenery into the heart of town.
More than 80% of the groundcover will be native species that support local wildlife and grow well in the conditions. Most of the trees are colourful, non-native varieties chosen to add shade and beauty throughout the seasons.
Read more here.
6 August 2025 - Colouring competition winners
Congratulations to our winners of the Lincoln Town Centre colouring competition, Annaliese, Saanchi and Sayul!
There were so many great entries, so choosing the winners was tough.
Thank you to everyone who entered. If you would like to see some of the awesome entries, they will on display at Lincoln Library and Service Centre.
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3 July - Tender, new options for parking, and colour in your town!
Stage One out for tender
Lincoln Town Centre Stage One is currently out to tender, and we are looking to award the contract later this year.
Once the tender is awarded, we will provide more information and an update on this.
New options for parking in Lincoln
Two new car parks are set to open in Lincoln, just a short distance from local stores and services.
The north car park will open in July, and the south car park will open in August. Together the car parks provide an additional 124 spaces for the community to use.
Colour in your town!
These school holidays colour in this design of the Lincoln Town Centre upgrade and go in the draw to win a colouring prize pack and a family pass to the Selwyn Aquatic Centre.
There are three ways to enter this competition. Competition closes on the 12 July.
2 July 2025 - Technology for pipe relining saves costs
Council is upgrading Lincoln’s ageing wastewater network to make sure it is fit for purpose for the rapidly growing township.
Contracted by the Council, CORDE is renewing the wastewater pipes in Lincoln, which includes about 2.8 kilometres of sewer mains and about 150 property laterals (pipes connecting a property to the main sewer line), with most of the work taking place around Gerald Street.
Read more here.
19 May 2025 - More than 50 new trees to be planted
As part of the Lincoln Town Centre upgrade, the Council is planting more than 50 new trees to increase the town’s tree canopy, creating a vibrant green space for residents and visitors to the main street. To maintain key underground infrastructure and accommodate the new design, five existing trees will be removed.
Read more here.
A closer look at Gerald Street around the William and Robert Streets intersection:
Overview of Stage One
Stay in the Lincoln loop
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Social media: facebook.com/SelwynDistrictCouncil
Email: lincolntcplan@selwyn.govt.nz
Call: 0800 SELWYN (735 996)
Drop-in sessions: The Fulton Hogan team hold drop-in sessions between 11am and 2pm on a Tuesday or Thursday, at 6/14 Gerald Street (next door to Property Brokers).