Pedestrians were able to walk freely in front of the railway station as part of a four-day trial run by the Dunedin City Council from January 25 to 28.
Council group manager Richard Saunders said much of the feedback focused on the improved safety, particularly for the elderly and children, in front of the railway station and that it created a more relaxed feel for one of Dunedin’s most well-known landmarks.
People also liked to be able to see and photograph the station without vehicles in front of it.
When feedback on the trial closed at the end of January it was mostly positive, with 142 of the 150 responses supporting the trial or supporting the trial with reservations.
Since it closed, 25 further responses had been received by the council, including from healthcare providers and tour bus operators, which were also largely positive.
There were concerns raised about access for older people and those with mobility issues.
Some comments focused on the inconvenience of the closure for those with mobility issues who liked to park directly in front of the station, he said.
Mobility parks by the ramp at the station were retained during the trail and would remain if the area was permanently closed.
Tenant parking had already been relocated to the south end of the station and new public parks had been added at the north end.
At least one tourism operator has told the Otago Daily Times the permanent closure would affect the way they could drop off and pick up visitors.
But Mr Saunders said monitoring of the temporary parking for buses and small passenger vehicles during the trial showed at no time were there more vehicles than spaces provided.
Organisations such as the NZ Transport Agency, the Otago Farmers Market, and local businesses were asked for their views.
A report on the trial will be presented to councillors later this year for a decision.
