Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com
Wellington movie lovers have reason to get excited — the long‑silent Reading Cinema complex is officially on its way back, with major redevelopment works now cleared to move ahead. After years of waiting, the iconic Courtenay Place site is being transformed into The Court, a modern entertainment precinct set to bring premium cinemas, new hospitality, retail, and fresh energy back to the heart of the city. With resource consent now approved, the project has hit a major milestone — and the countdown to a revived movie‑going experience has truly begun.
Primeproperty Group has received the green light from Wellington City Council to begin the next phase of redevelopment, including a striking new exterior façade and a redesigned public entrance on Wakefield Street. The upgrade is being led by acclaimed architecture firm Buchan, whose vision reimagines the site as an open, welcoming destination that reconnects Courtenay Place with Tākina, Te Papa, and the waterfront. The goal: turn a once‑closed‑off building into a lively, walkable hub that feels stitched back into the city’s cultural fabric .
A major commercial boost has also landed, with CityFitness confirmed as a ground‑floor anchor tenant. Their presence will bring steady foot traffic throughout the week, supporting the wider vision of The Court as a mixed‑use precinct where people come not just for movies, but for everyday activity, dining, and leisure.
For cinema fans, the biggest news is the return of Reading Cinemas as operator. The upgraded complex will feature full recliner seating, in‑seat food and beverage service, and premium large‑format auditoriums with advanced projection, oversized screens, and immersive sound — a major step up from the old setup and a welcome addition to Wellington’s film scene .
Seismic strengthening is already well underway, bringing the building up to 70% NBS for an Importance Level 3 structure — equivalent to 100% NBS for standard commercial buildings. With more than 4.6 million annual visitors before its closure, The Court is perfectly positioned to become a bustling entertainment anchor once again.
For Wellingtonians, this redevelopment isn’t just a facelift — it’s the revival of a beloved cultural landmark and the promise of a vibrant, modern cinema experience returning to the capital.
