Wellington Chamber of Commerce
Media Statement
Friday 20th May 2016
Hutt Rd cycleway decision victory for common sense, says Chamber

Wellington City councillors are to be applauded for acting on the concerns of business ratepayers over the Hutt Road cycleway, says Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive John Milford.

“The decision to proceed with stage 1 of the cycleway without touching the off-road parking that is so vital to businesses along that route is a victory for common sense.

“The proposal to remove one third of the car parks was flawed from the very start, and I’m delighted that submissions by affected businesses and the Chamber have been listened to.

“We urged the council to recognise the commercial impact of the reduction in parks, particularly on the value of leasing arrangements, and to take into account the fact that access to parking is often a key factor dictating the location and value of a commercial lease.

“At least one business said it would have been forced to close and others would have been greatly disrupted had the proposal proceeded.

“Councillors have taken into account the survival concerns of business and made the right decision.”

ends

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