Proposed Changes for Jetty Street

Dunedin (Tuesday, 9 June 2015) – The closure of sections of Jetty Street is proposed as part of ongoing work to revitalise Dunedin’s warehouse precinct.

People have until 30 June to provide feedback to the Dunedin City Council on the proposal, which would see both one-way sections of Jetty Street between Cumberland Street and Crawford Street closed to vehicles.

DCC Team Leader Urban Design Dr Glen Hazelton says the proposed change would fit within the Warehouse Precinct Revitalisation Plan, which was developed in collaboration with local businesses, building owners, residents and the broader community.

“A key component of the Plan involves upgrading public space and improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists in the area.

“Enhancing this area recognises its changing use and seeks to encourage further building re-use and restoration, and attract new businesses, residents and visitors.”

Service vehicle access to the three buildings in the section between Vogel Street and Crawford Street will remain. The section of Vogel Street between the two closures will remain open to traffic in both directions, although measures may be taken to slow down vehicles to accommodate a likely rise in pedestrian numbers.

Dr Hazelton says closing those sections of Jetty Street would make it possible to create more interesting spaces in front of the buildings and reduce the feeling of them being “hemmed in” by the road and the traffic.

Another advantage would be reducing the risk of accidents from traffic merging on to Jetty Street and turning on to Crawford Street illegally.

Disadvantages of the proposal include reducing the number of access routes for cars in and out of the warehouse precinct. Under the proposal, the informal car parking under the Cumberland Street overbridge would be removed, although that would be partly offset by more car parks created in Cumberland Street.

For more details or to make a submission, visit www.dunedin.govt.nz/jetty-st-closure.

ENDS

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