Multifunctional space planned for Lorne Street

An exciting new design proposed for the second stage of the Lorne Street upgrade is set to transform the busy area into a creative, high quality environment.

The draft design, which covers sections of Lorne Street outside the City Central Library and outside Senior College, as well as Rutland Street, is out for public consultation from 18 January to 8 February 2010.

Located in the heart of the Aotea Quarter, the city’s cultural hub, the design sees the area transformed into a people-centred, vibrant public place.

Cr Greg Moyle, chairperson of the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee says, “The Lorne Street upgrade area is in a prime location in the CBD and we want to see it really come to life as a place people can enjoy spending time in.”

The design proposes shared space in the section of Lorne Street outside the library. With the removal of kerbing and introduction of paving across the full width of the street, shared space will make the area more pedestrian friendly and provide opportunities and space for outdoor dining, and a variety of other outdoor events and activities, whilst still maintaining vehicle access.

“By creating a flexible-use space, the area will be able to be enjoyed by the public both day and night and will be a great location for the creative community to showcase their talent,” says Cr Moyle.

The area will feature a number of light boxes, which will exhibit works of art as part of a citywide outdoor public art gallery.

The design also proposes projecting images onto the back wall of the St James Theatre, opposite the library. The creative use of this space could include open-air cinema, poetry, text and artwork projection.

When complete, the upgrade will provide a more attractive and sustainable urban environment with high quality paving, modern street furniture and new outdoor seating, vegetation, lighting and artwork.

The project follows on from stage one of the Lorne Street upgrade, covering the section of Lorne Street between Victoria and Wellesley streets which was completed in 2007.

The cost of the Lorne Street stage two upgrade will be approximately $10.9 million and is funded by the CBD targeted rate. The project is part of a 10-year programme to transform a number of streets and open spaces in the CBD to create an urban centre that will attract a lively mix of business, residential and cultural activity.

To find out more about the draft design and to provide feedback visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/cbd or phone 09 379 2020 to request a brochure. Alternatively, visit our Lorne Street information stand on Tuesday, 19 January from 10am to noon or Thursday, 21 January from noon to 2pm.

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