Levin Town Centre Strategy

Levin and Horowhenua are in an exciting period of significant growth. Already off the back of roading improvements to the south of the district, more and more people are recognising that Horowhenua is a great place to live, work, play and do business. This growth presents an opportunity to strengthen Levin as the district’s key commercial and civic centre while supporting local businesses and attracting new investment.

With the anticipated opening of the new Ō2NL expressway in late 2029, and ongoing improvements to passenger rail connections between Levin, Wellington and Palmerston North, the way people travel to and from the district is set to significantly change. These changes support Council’s priority of Going for Growth by improving access to Horowhenua and strengthening Levin’s role as a connected regional centre.

They also present an opportunity to ensure the town centre continues to evolve to meet the needs of a growing community.

Identified as one of Council’s top priorities, the Levin Town Centre Strategy was refreshed in 2023 and an implementation plan adopted by Council to commence the delivery phase. The implementation plan focuses on addressing the Big Six considerations: Town Centre Activity, Town Centre Identity, Spatial Orientation, Earthquake-prone Buildings, Transport Options and SH1 Bypass.

The refreshed strategy and implementation plan identify key areas for improvement within the town centre, prioritise actions that will strengthen economic activity and community spaces, and provide a clear and responsible approach to investment that balances long-term benefits with financial sustainability.

What is the Levin Town Centre Transformation trying to achieve?

The Levin Town Centre Strategy sets out the community’s vision for the future of our town and contains guiding principles that will be used to inform the details of future development as the town centre evolves.

The vision for the Levin Town Centre Transformation is:

“To create an attractive and vibrant urban town centre environment that supports economic growth, fosters community engagement and promotes sustainable development, ultimately enriching the quality of life for residents and visitors in Levin.”

The main objectives of the Levin Town Centre Transformation are:

  • Become a destination that does not rely on state highway traffic for success
  • Consolidate the Levin Town Centre and enable development on the eastern and western sides of Oxford Street
  • Provide a variety of activities, including quality retail and hospitality-based activities
  • Improve the commercial offering and overall experience of Oxford Street
  • Respond to the challenges and opportunities associated with earthquake-prone buildings
  • Support and encourage a range of transport options that serve the community’s needs
  • Respond to new opportunities that will achieve the vision of the Levin Town Centre Transformation

In December 2023, Council approved the implementation plan for the Levin Town Centre Transformation, endorsing the shift to the delivery phase.

Whether you are a Horowhenua resident, considering moving here, or have a business in mind that will contribute to the transformation of our town centre, read on to learn more about the great things planned for the Levin Town Centre.

Levin Town Centre Strategy.(PDF, 14MB)

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