24 August 2012

Have your say on the future of O’Connell Street

Aucklanders are invited to have their say on the first proposed street upgrade since the launch of the City Centre Masterplan.

Draft designs for O’Connell Street, in Auckland’s Central Business District, are now available for viewing and feedback.

The upgrade of O’Connell Street aims to create a high quality sustainable streetscape which gives pedestrians priority and supports businesses and residents by providing more space for outdoor activities. You can view the proposed draft designs and give feedback until Friday September 14.

“People are the economic powerhouse of successful, vibrant and liveable cities,” says Ludo Campbell-Reid, Auckland Council’s design champion. “Our street upgrades therefore aim to transform streets into people-friendly destinations where you can sit, relax, dine and spend time in the city. They are an integral part of our vision to make Auckland the world’s most liveable city.”

As a very narrow street, one of the key aspects of the proposed upgrade will be to widen footpaths by getting rid of all but four on-street car parking spaces.

In May 2012 a detailed survey was conducted by an external consultant to clearly understand the potential impact of the proposed upgrade and how the current on-street car parking spaces are being used. The survey found that more than 80 per cent of people using the car parks on O’Connell Street were not visiting businesses on O’Connell Street and more than 80 per cent of people visiting these local businesses did not use on-street car parks on the street.*

The proposed upgrade of O’Connell Street is part of the 10-year CBD upgrade programme that begun in 2004 and is paid for by the CBD targeted rate.
Anyone wishing to see the proposed concept designs and give their feedback can do so by visiting www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/projects or calling 09 301 0101 and asking for an O’Connell Street feedback form.

*The survey period included four interviewing shifts on different days and at different times over the week of 21-28 May. This is based on 191 parking observations, 80 intercept surveys and includes feedback from 15 businesses and 183 of their customers.

ENDS

© Scoop Media