Citywide footpath decision deferred

A decision on the council’s footpath policy was deferred, with councillors seeking additional information.

A joint meeting of the council’s Arts, Culture and Recreation, and Transport and Urban Linkages committees discussed the officers’ recommendation that black chip concrete should be used for all footpaths across the city, apart from those in:
• the CBD and town centres
• commercial and retail centres
• business zones 2 and 3
• premier and district parks.

“Auckland City’s footpath policy aims to achieve a consistent ‘look and feel’ across the city, as part of this council’s increased focus on urban design,” says Councillor Penny Sefuiva, chairperson of the joint committee.

“It is clear we need a uniform standard across the city, to ensure we can provide high quality footpaths with continuity for pedestrians,” says Ms Sefuiva.

The joint committee deferred its decision on the policy to:
• clarify the research methodology and the information presented to focus groups
• obtain further urban design advice
• develop criteria around the use of treatments other than the standard.
“While we are seeking a consistent standard, we need to be clear on how the exceptions to the policy would work,” says Ms Sefuiva.

“We would also like further urban design advice before making our decision. Any policy change needs to ensure a standard surface that is suited to the environment while being safe and accessible.”

The joint committee with reconvene at a date to be confirmed.
Ends

© Scoop Media