There are not yet any firm indications about when such work might happen, but the council is to start looking into potential options and get an idea of the rough cost.
Progress on a revamp of neighbouring George St prompted an impromptu discussion yesterday about when an upgrade might happen in the Octagon, described by some councillors as run down and tired.
Work on the Octagon is signalled in a central city plan, but there is no budget for it.
Councillors decided to at least get the wheels in motion to enable the possibility of a project starting before 2027.
A majority of the council’s infrastructure services committee voted to ask staff to develop costed options for the Octagon component of the central city plan in time for the information to be considered when the council weighs up priorities for its 10-year budget, the 2024-34 long-term plan.
Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich and three councillors voted against the move, but the resolution was carried 11-4.
Committee chairman Cr Jim O’Malley, who instigated the motion, observed the long-term plan was considered in three-year cycles and said starting work on high-level Octagon costings would enable the council to consider next year when an upgrade might best happen.
Cr Carmen Houlahan was alarmed such a significant matter was raised on the fly.
"This has come from nowhere," she said.
It came up when the council received an update about an upgrade of the retail area, focused on George St.
It is intended the council will upgrade Princes St and lower Stuart St, and there was some concern about the Octagon languishing.
Deputy mayor Sophie Barker said the Octagon looked "run down and sad".
Cr Christine Garey said the motion would simply result in councillors receiving information to assist decision-making.
Mr Radich expected a report would be rushed and said that was not a good basis to potentially lead on to large and expensive decisions.
Cr Steve Walker felt the Octagon risked looking like a missing link, right next to "the funkiest high street in Aotearoa New Zealand".
Cr Mandy Mayhem was enthusiastic about the possibility of work in the Octagon.
Cr Bill Acklin agreed a makeover was desirable, but voted against pressing forward to get costings just yet.
Cr Cherry Lucas was the other councillor to vote against.
Cr Brent Weatherall voted for, but said the council would have to be careful when it weighed up budgeting decisions next year.
"Quite honestly, other projects will have to be put on the backburner, unfortunately, if that proceeds."
