Whangarei District Councillor Cherry Hermon, far right, and project manager Rachael Mannion, second right, lead a group of entertainers, businesspeople and workers gearing up for tomorrow's CBD Laneway opening celebration. Photo / Michael Cunningham
Whangarei District Councillor Cherry Hermon, far right, and project manager Rachael Mannion, second right, lead a group of entertainers, businesspeople and workers gearing up for tomorrow's CBD Laneway opening celebration. Photo / Michael Cunningham
The orange cones and high-viz clad contractors are retreating as the development of Whangarei's first "shared space" nears completion.
The opening of the $2.7 million laneway will be celebrated tomorrow between 4pm and 8pm. Businesses will be open for late night shopping, street food stalls will spring up and liveentertainers will base themselves on the space's new outdoor stage.
Whangarei District Councillor Cherry Hermon said, as well as showcasing the laneway to the public, the street party was a way to thank business owners for enduring disruption caused by the project.
Whangarei's shared space was reminiscent of similar projects in Auckland, that removed the traditional distinction between footpath and road.
Auckland Council's evaluation of the Fort St shared space, off downtown Queen St, showed a 50 per cent increase in foot traffic at peak times and a 400 per cent increase in hospitality spend in the immediate area. Vehicle speed had reduced on average by 25 per cent and there had been no injury accidents in the space. Five per cent of those surveyed felt the space was "confusing or unsafe for pedestrians". The Fort St project has seen traffic volumes reduce. About 4700 cars use the street each day - compared to 6150 before the project.
Back in Whangarei, project manager Rachael Mannion said shared spaces were a new concept, so the council would be watching to see how the space was used. There would be limited unmarked parking and wardens would first focus on education rather than enforcement.
Mayor Sheryl Mai said the proof will be in the pudding.
"It will take people time to adjust, so that will be an interesting time. It will be outweighed by that sense of vibrancy and confidence in our CBD.
"Hopefully it also will encourage property owners to do their own improvements."
The project will be finished in March next year - the expected date for the installation of a 13-metre high semi-transparent canopy which would shade the corner of James and Cameron streets.
The laneway will be closed to traffic between 2pm and 8pm tomorrow.
