The Invercargill City Council is asking the community to consider how the new city centre could be integrated through Wachner Pl to the new Distinction hotel on Esk St West.
Finance and Projects Committee chairman Cr Grant Dermody said this was an important part of rejuvenating the CBD while supporting the developers.
"We need to think about how we welcome visitors to our city and connect them to the city centre. Making the entrance through Wachner Pl as engaging as possible is critical."
The council is proposing three options for this redevelopment.
The preferred one was described as "Through Wachner Place — one way for tour buses".
A report highlighted the pros for this option such as space retained for people on the sunny edge of the site, greater priority for pedestrians crossing on Dee St and the relocation of the clock tower which would give more prominence to retained heritage buildings.
The option also listed some cons like buses moving through Wachner Pl could impact trees, amenities and public use of the area and difficulties for construction.
The second one would see pedestrian spaces and easy movement along Esk St prioritised past front doors, and buses and private vehicles limited to the hotel end of Esk St with no vehicles going through Wachner Pl.
A third option involved coaches and private vehicles being limited to the rear of the Distinction hotel and Esk St.
Speaking to the Southland Express this week, Blind Citizens NZ Southland branch representative Carolyn Weston said it was hard to fully understand the proposed changes but personally she thought option two would be better for pedestrians — especially those with disabilities.
"It seems more pedestrian-friendly and safe for people to walk around, not worrying about buses or other vehicles," she said.
"We can hear buses when they are diesel but now they are going to be electric and this may worry me because it seems everything is going to be in the middle of town."
She went to a meeting last week with Invercargill Deputy Mayor Tom Campbell and while she was happy something was being done with the site, it seemed they were trying to "get rid" of Wachner Pl.
"There needs to be some green in town, we seem to be given lots of trees but no grass.
"I remember when I moved down here we had so much grass there, I went with my family to share a meal there ... It is a great place to relax."
McKnight & Brown owner Bernie Brown believed option one was best.
"It is going to be very, very positive linking Esk St West with Invercargill Central and with the new hotel build down there — it needs to be more open.
"The removal of the clock tower and accessway there is just a positive."
He highlighted for retailers, it was paramount to keep the whole of Esk St open for vehicles.
"It’s absolutely vital to be able to have access for particularly our older people and people who are mobility impaired, that need to be able to just go a short distance and utilise those few number of parks that are there, to be able to access the shops along the street, and also for service vehicles."
Wheelchair advocate Tracy Peters and Tuatara owner Nicola McGilvray were also approached for comment but said they needed more time to understand the proposal.
The consultation period closes on October 14.
