New paving outside the Tutukiwi Living Gallery is set to improve the area's connection with the soon to be completed Civic Square and the Hutt Arts Society.

The paved area outside the front of the gallery will also open up the area to make it a more attractive space to visit.

Work has started on the paving which radiates from an impressive Nikau Palm and is styled to complement the design of the Square and vision of Hutt City Rotary who championed the restoration of Tutukiwi.

Council's horticultural asset manager Judy Robb says the new paved area will also increase use of Tutukiwi as an exhibition site.

"During the upcoming Banks Shoes Shapeshifter event the new paved area will be used to display large scale contemporary art and inside the gallery we'll house smaller works.

"I'm confident the new paving will make the gallery a more flexible space and there will be further opportunity for exciting exhibitions."

The paving will be completed mid to late February, depending on weather conditions, and is part of Council's Making Places project.