Last updated May 2026
Kilbirnie Skatepark is the subject of one of Wellington’s most significant skate infrastructure investments — a $5.6 million destination skatepark being built as part of the broader Kilbirnie Park redevelopment. Designed by Australian skatepark specialists CONVIC, the new facility is under construction as of early 2026 and is intended to become a flagship skate destination for eastern Wellington and the wider region. When complete, it will replace the existing skate facilities at Kilbirnie Park with a world-class facility designed to support riders from beginners through to elite competition level.
Practical Information
| Location | Kilbirnie Park, Kilbirnie, Wellington |
|---|---|
| Status | Under construction (as of early 2026) — check WCC website for opening date |
| Cost (when open) | Expected to be free public access |
| Designer | CONVIC (skatepark specialists) |
| Project cost | $5.6 million |
| Cultural design | Developed in collaboration with Taranaki Whānui |
About the Project
Wellington City Council confirmed CONVIC as the designer for the Kilbirnie destination skatepark in December 2023. CONVIC — a specialist skatepark design and construction company — have described the Kilbirnie project as one of the largest in their 25-year history. The company is acting as head contractor across all site-wide civil works, including car parks, public lighting, hard and soft landscaping, playground areas, and the skatepark itself.
The project has been developed with cultural input from Taranaki Whānui, who appointed a cultural designer to create a cultural overlay for the park working alongside the Convic design team. This reflects a commitment to embedding local identity into the park’s design rather than producing a generic facility.
The skatepark is intended to support Olympic and elite-level pathways for wheeled sports, providing a facility that can host competitive events and training at the highest levels while remaining accessible for everyday community use. Construction began in January 2026 following inclusion in the Council’s 2024–34 Long-Term Plan.
Why Kilbirnie
Kilbirnie sits at the eastern edge of Wellington’s inner city, well-connected by bus and close to the airport corridor. The suburb has historically lacked the quality of skate infrastructure available on the waterfront. The new destination skatepark addresses that gap, anchoring a broader open space upgrade to Kilbirnie Park that includes playground improvements, landscaping and lighting across the whole precinct.
Where to Learn More
Kilbirnie Destination Skate Park — Wellington City Council — official project page with status updates and design details.
Kilbirnie Skate & Youth Park — CONVIC — project overview from the design and construction team.
Designers Get On Board for New Skatepark — Wellington City Council — December 2023 announcement confirming CONVIC as designers.
FAQ
Is Kilbirnie Skatepark open?
As of early 2026, the new $5.6 million skatepark was under construction. Check the Wellington City Council project page for the current status and expected opening date.
Who is building the new Kilbirnie Skatepark?
CONVIC, a specialist skatepark design and construction company, is the designer and head contractor for the project.
How much does the project cost?
The Kilbirnie destination skatepark is a $5.6 million project funded through Wellington City Council’s 2024–34 Long-Term Plan.
What level of skating is it designed for?
The skatepark is designed to support riders from community and beginner level through to Olympic and elite competition pathways.
Was there an existing skatepark at Kilbirnie?
Yes — the project redevelops and replaces the existing facilities at Kilbirnie Park as part of a broader open space upgrade for the precinct.
Kilbirnie Skatepark is part of the wider Skate Parks in Wellington guide. While the new facility is under construction, Waitangi Park Skatepark on the waterfront is Wellington’s current flagship concrete bowl destination.
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