Lambton Quay is one area of Wellington's CBD that could be revitalised by Wellington City Council mayoral candidates.

Wellington CBD could be set for a revamp that could see streets closed to traffic, more parks and markets, if the mayoral candidates keep their promises.

Wellington Deputy Mayor Justin Lester,​ Labour's candidate for the mayoralty in this year's election, said he had a vision to reinvigorate and transform the CBD.

"My priority as mayor will be creating more space for socialising for leisure, business or retail Interests."

ROSS GIBLIN/FAIRFAX NZ With new retailers in the city, Mayor Celia Wade-Brown believed there should be a focus on pedestrians on Lambton Quay and more parks in the CBD.

He wanted to see a greener CBD, to prioritise pedestrian flow — providing more green space on Lambton Quay, similar to Woodward St and Bond St.

He envisaged Midland Park being extended by turning Taylor and Johnson Streets into cul de sacs, creating green pedestrian area from Stout St to Brandon St.

His plan would prioritise pedestrian links between Woodward Lane and Midland Park to bring people to and from the Terrace and the Golden Mile.

Private vehicles would be removed from Lambton Quay, but public transport and service vehicles would remain, he said.

He would retain the public transport corridor for future development.

Lester wanted to enhance the retail experience by closing Lambton Quay to traffic from Stewart Dawson's Corner to Woodward Lane for the December weekends leading up to Christmas.

He believed Christmas markets, food and performances would encourage people into the CBD and boost retail.

"This Christmas market experience could not be replicated in any other part of New Zealand as no other city has the density and compactness of Wellington's CBD. It could become an attraction for shoppers from all over the country."

Councillor Nicola Young said councillors should not cherry pick what they wanted to do.

"We need to set the priorities then get the experts to do the detail. Otherwise we'll have more fiascos like the Island Bay cycleway, which wasn't in the cycling master plan but was cherry picked by some councillors."

She wanted to "sort out the roads" and flow of traffic.

There were a high number of one-way streets, which needed to be reviewed, she said.

There had been enormous population growth in Te Aro and there needed to be more focus on the quality of life for residents and enhance the walkability of the city.

"Council needs to show more leadership and put in more parks, " she said.

A greener CBD was also on the agenda for Mayor Celia Wade-Brown, who wanted to see parks near Kent and Cambridge Terrace.

With new retailers in the city, she believed there should be a focus on pedestrians on Lambton Quay, particularity the North end.

The issue of more accommodation in the CBD also needed to be addressed, she said.

Laneways such as Leeds and Eva Streets had been rejuvenated and she believed more should be used in the city.

She wanted to expand CBD events that started during her term, such as the LUX, the free public light festival, CubaDupa and Devali.

Wellington Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Milford said the chamber supported the idea of making the CBD more pedestrian-friendly during special events and at times such as Christmas.

"We should maximise opportunities to bring more people into the city at these times. If we're going to have discounted public transport at Christmas then we need something to keep them here, and closing off main streets has worked elsewhere."