Golden Mile transport case no longer stacks up, over-budget review finds

Wellington's ambitious Golden Mile transport project is facing renewed scrutiny following an independent review that highlights potential further budget blowouts and questions the scheme's core transport benefits. City councillors received a briefing on the review's findings, which indicate that the project's costs have already escalated substantially beyond initial projections. The review was commissioned after it was revealed that the project's budget had ballooned from an initial estimate of $139 million, raising concerns among city officials and the public. The latest assessment suggests that these cost overruns are likely to continue, casting a shadow over the project's financial feasibility. Furthermore, the review has cast doubt on the effectiveness of the proposed transport improvements, suggesting that the touted benefits may not materialize as planned. This critical assessment comes at a time when the project is already a subject of controversy, with many questioning its necessity and economic justification. The findings are expected to fuel further debate among councillors and stakeholders regarding the future of the Golden Mile project, potentially leading to significant revisions or even cancellation.