Last precinct work may lead to lane project

A $1.25 million plan to "substantially complete" improvements in Dunedin’s warehouse precinct will also pave the way for progress on a  lane development off Bond St,  the Dunedin City Council says.

The proposal, which would result in the  final two stages of streetscape work being wrapped into one, will be presented to Dunedin city councillors for signing off at next week’s planning and environment committee meeting.

The plans, which had already been the subject of public consultation, included converting Bond and Water Sts, near the Exchange, into a "safe, slow-speed environment", a report by council urban design team leader Crystal Filep said.

The shared space would provide more car parks and green space in the area, as well as other improvements, and would offer a more "flexible" space  for public events, her report said.

The final two stages of work were previously to be completed back-to-back but had been "bundled together" to save money in the tendering process, and would be completed by June next year, she said.

"Given the size and importance of these works, it is hoped that a large tender package will attract competitive quotes that come in under this figure," she said.

The work, once finished, would complement ongoing private investment in the area but was also a chance to test "the viability and reception" of a shared-space environment, she said.

It would also be shaped by feedback from parties with an interest in the Bond St lane,  which runs through into Police St.

The council and a group of business and building owners hope to see it developed into a vibrant hub.

A concept image for the project  was included in documents to be considered at next week’s council committee meeting, although Ms Filep stressed it was only a concept and was not necessarily the final plan.

"Since February, we’ve continued discussions about the concept, both internally and with external parties, and plans are progressing," she said.

The report would be considered on Tuesday.

chris.morris@odt.co.nz