5 March 2015

First stages of city centre revitalisation given go ahead

City centre workers and visitors will soon have a new green space to sit and enjoy lunch.

The creation of a new public space in Cobham Court, including new public toilets and kiosk facility, was given the go ahead by Te Komiti today.

The budgets and approval to tender the work were agreed at today’s meeting and Te Komiti has recommended its adoption by the Council later this month.

“Attracting more quality retailers into the city centre relies on a suite of initiatives. I’m confident these projects approved today, plus other activities such as pop up shops and exhibitions in vacant shops, will attract more people, generate more business and lead to revitalisation,” said Te Komiti Chairman Euon Murrell.

The first stage of work will focus on the Cobham Court area with the extension of the central median strip in the carpark to connect with the new village green to create a wider pedestrian space that will have grassed areas and seating.

The project will also involve resurfacing other paved areas in the carpark to achieve a consistent final look, and it will require the removal of some carparks. The estimated cost for the project is $960,000 and the aim is to begin construction in May.

The next stage will see the construction of a new building to accommodate public toilets and a kiosk in Cobham Court adjacent to the i-Site. A tenant for the kiosk is currently being sought. The estimated cost for the project is $500,000 and the aim is to begin construction in June.

Cr Murrell says Te Komiti also approved a programme of longer-term improvements for the city centre to be carried out over the next few years, including:

• Reconfiguration of Serlby Place to create a shared vehicle/pedestrian space with pedestrian priority;
• Improvements to Cobham Court and Hartham Place North if the Council decides not to replace the canopies either in part or in full;
• Investigation into changing roading layouts to improve pedestrian access;
• Improvement to the access from the Railway Station to Cobham Court through Ferry Lane;
• Development of a wayfinding strategy, including better signage;
• New shelters from the bus stops to Station Rd bridge and new handrails on the bridge (in association with Greater Wellington Regional Council).
• Approved in principal the demolition of the i-Site building at 8 Cobham Court to allow the construction of a new building on the site, should an appropriate partner be found;

A decision on whether to replace the canopies is being considered as part of the draft Long Term Plan which goes out for consultation next month.

Cr Murrell said it was clear that simply reinstating them would not in itself revitalise the area and there had been an overwhelmingly positive response to their removal.

“I’m hearing a lot of great feedback about the removal of the canopies and I love the new open space, however we need to hear what residents want and we have a number of options to consider; full replacement, part replacement or no replacement.”

A final decision will be made by the Council in June when the Long Term Plan is finalised.

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