This paper discusses Wellington as a city whose centre is a hub of vitality. Evidence shows that the fast growing inner city residential population is the catalyst for this. Recent data reveals the profile, habits and expectations of the new urban class who have taken to walking the city streets, for work as well as for shopping, recreation, social, cultural and entertainment purposes. Many urbanites live in burgeoning city apartments in and on top of converted buildings. Many are members of the special 'creative-class' that abounds in Wellington. They are motivated by high creative opportunity having made discretionary life-style choices to live and work in a place of great natural attraction and of strong social and cultural interest. Growing numbers of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, food outlets, convenience shops, art galleries, theatres and places of entertainment as well as small businesses have opened in the centre to assist the new city residents. The increased activity and services in the centre is the catalyst for visits from suburbanites and out-of-town trippers who seek to partake of attractions and participate in the emerging urbanity. The quality and function of public places and spaces in the centre is variable but city authorities are conscious of the need to improve. Several milestone initiatives are illustrated and discussed in terms of fixed, semi-fixed and un-fixed elements as well as in terms of their symbolism, functioning and contribution to the city's vitality. Wellington's experience provides transferable ideas for creative and cultural city development.