Basin Reserve Locals Engage in Informed Discussion with Decision-makers

Wellington Civic Trust has strong public interest in a public forum it is holding on the five proposals for redevelopment near the Basin Reserve this Saturday 8 August.

Trust transport committee chair Chris Watson said today that the proposals for develop-ments along Adelaide Road, a new war memorial, a new supermarket, and two new roads could have big implications for Wellingtonians, especially local residents, and a proper discussion of the issues was needed to achieve the common good.

"We're bringing together the experts in the field to discuss with the politicians and people who live in the area how to get the best for Wellington out of the proposals."

Forum chair is Dr Morgan Williams, the retired Parliamentary Commissioner for the Envi-ronment. He will talk about the importance of establishing Wellingtonians’ values in choosing directions for decisions and introduce architect Dr Duncan Joiner, who will ana-lyse how the Basin area works and relates to the rest of Wellington. Andy Foster of Wel-lington City Council and Deb Hume, NZTA, will then describe the projects proposed.

After morning coffee, locals will report the effects of those proposals on people who live, work or pass through the area, and what impact could be expected on future generations. Speakers represent schools, residents, cricket and future generations and comment will be invited from the public.

After lunch a panel will be invited to say how they would support Wellington values with a budget of the three quarters of a billion dollars – the total amount of public money proposed to be spent on the area. The panel will include business representatives and supporters of the light-rail proposal and a transport expert.

Finally, Clive Anstey, Stephen Franks, Fran Wilde and Diana Shand will examine practical and social steps that should be taken to move forward in a way that supports the city values and the environment. Morgan Williams will summarise the ideas, views and solutions that are discussed.

Concerns have been expressed that the proposals could affect the playing and enjoyment of cricket at the Basin Reserve, access to and the running of schools in the area. Residents have raised questions about the various impacts a flyover might have on the Basin and the surrounding area.

The forum is being held at St Joseph’s Church (beside the Mt Victoria Tunnel from 10-5 on Saturday 08 August and registrations are almost sold out.

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Background on Wellington Civic Trust

Wellington Civic Trust works to improve the city townscape by holding informed public discussions and documenting public opinion, making submissions on proposals. Further information is at: www.wellingtoncivictrust.org

The Trust has run public forums every year or two since 1981, Mr Watson said. "On that occasion we drew attention to the proposed developments for Wellington's waterfront and we drew attention to the importance of retaining Wellington’s waterfront as a public space, and we ran a design competition to show how the waterfront could enhance the city. That experience told us, and this has been ratified since, that there is appetite in Wellington to participate in debates of this nature. Our role as an organisation is to facilitate that ex-change."

"We see our role in the city's planning processes as constructive, and from time to time, that may include challenging thinking. Our goal to help make Wellington the best place in the world in which to work and live."

In 2007 the Trust successfully appealed the proposed Hilton hotel at Queens Wharf. "We were not against a hotel as such, but we believed that the proposal ignored public interests and the Environment Court agreed with us."

"Naturally, our ability to continue to play this sort of role in Wellington depends on our membership, and these public forums are also an opportunity for interested people to see what we do and perhaps get involved."

"The Trust's board is a very active group, and has included architects and engineers in its make-up. Former Te Papa CEO Seddon Bennington (who passed away recently) was a member of the board and until recently was the chair."

The Trust board follows all of the various planning processes underway in Welling-ton, prepares and presents submissions as appropriate. People who agree with our approach to the city's development and who are too busy to pursue their concerns individually can benefit from the Trust's activities - that's partly what the trust offers to its membership."

ENDS

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