Korikori Green, a road in Rototuna North connecting North City Road and Kimbrae Drive, could soon be closed to through
traffic.
Hamilton City Council constructed Korikori Green alongside Korikori Park, which opened in February 2020, providing
access and parking to the park. It also provides a link between the Rototuna high schools, the surrounds to the
north-east of the village and the soon to be built Rototuna Village.
Hamiltonians can now have their say on whether a section of Korikori Green is declared a pedestrian mall. A pedestrian
mall is a street for people, meaning you can still walk, cycle, scooter or park on Korikori Green, but through vehicle
access would be restricted, except when events are taking place in the park and surrounding areas.
“When constructed it was anticipated that Korikori Green would be a ‘park lane’ to service the park and not expected to
operate as a key link, or become a rat run, in the road network,” says Robyn Denton, City Transportation Operations Team
Leader.
“To restrict through traffic, we need to declare a section of Korikori Green a pedestrian mall under the Local
Government Act 1974. This closure will allow the community to safely access the recreational and social opportunities of
Korikori Park, along with walking and biking facilities in the area,” says Denton.
A raised pedestrian platform with electronic bollards midway along Korikori Green provides a link between two
cul-de-sacs. The bollards have remained down since the road was constructed. To close Korikori Green, the bollards will
be kept raised. They can be lowered when vehicles need access to the park, such as when there are large sports events.
A 30km/h speed limit was introduced in early November 2020 to slow traffic and support the high numbers of pedestrians
and cyclists that move through this area already.
“It’s expected these numbers will grow as the Rototuna Village develops, so this proposed change aligns with the village
developments and supports the overall vision of developing an attractive and sustainable community in Rototuna,” says
Denton.
Other examples of pedestrian malls in Hamilton include Garden Place, which is closed to through traffic 24/7, and
Commerce Street in Frankton, which is closed to through traffic when markets are taking place.
Feedback on this proposed change is open until Sunday 28 February.