Empty spaces, endless possibilities.
Creating opportunities for ideas, creativity and community to thrive.
Turning empty spaces into places people want to be.
Pop Up Hutt is all about bringing fresh ideas into vacant spaces across Lower Hutt.
From pop-up shops and workshops to creative projects, exhibitions and community experiences, we're helping transform empty shopfronts into places that spark curiosity, create connections and give people a reason to stop and explore.
Whether you're looking to test an idea, share what you do or activate a vacant space, Pop Up Hutt is here to help make it happen.
What is pop up hutt?
Pop Up Hutt connects people with ideas to available spaces across the city centre.
We're creating opportunities for makers, artists, businesses, community groups and creatives to bring something new to life, while helping activate vacant shopfronts and add energy to the city centre.
Some activations might run for a weekend. Others might stay a little longer. Every space, idea and activation will be different.
That's part of the fun!
Why It Matters
When more things are happening,more people have reasons to visit.
Pop Up Hutt helps create activity in the city centre, encourages people to discover something new and provides opportunities for local businesses, creatives and community groups to connect with new audiences.
got an idea?
Have you always wanted to run a small shop, host a workshop, showcase your work or test a business idea? Pop Up Hutt provides an opportunity to try something new without the commitment of a long-term lease.
That could be:
Pop-up retail
Workshops and classes
Art and creative installations
Cultural experiences
Community activations
Family friendly activities
New business concepts
Something completely unexpected
It doesn't need to be perfect.
It just needs to be worth trying.
We're looking for ideas that create interest, encourage people to explore and add something unique to the city centre.
We’ll take care of the boring bits
We'll work alongside you to:
Connect you with a suitable space
Coordinate with property owners
Help navigate the practical details
Support promotion through the wider programme
We’ll help ideas and provide tips to promote your business
You bring the idea. We'll help open the door.
Have a space?
Vacant spaces have potential.
Pop Up Hutt works with property owners and landlords to temporarily activate empty shopfronts with creative, community and business-led experiences.
It's a chance to showcase a space in a different way, create interest in the area and contribute to a city centre that feels active, welcoming and full of possibility.
We'll work with you to find activations that suit your space and ensure everything is managed appropriately.
have an idea looking for a space?
or a space looking for an idea?
we'd love to hear from you.
For Space Users: If you’ve got an idea, a project, a product, or just the urge to try something, this is your chance.
For Space Providers: If you’ve got a vacant shopfront, let’s turn it into something people notice.
Expressions of Interest
We’re looking for creative ideas, passionate people and exciting activations to bring life to Lower Hutt.