CBD needs to 'look back to go forward' for rejig

IMPROVING: Harm Zuidmeer says it's time to take a closer look at how large amounts of open space in the CBD are used. PHOTO/FILE

Rotorua spatial designer Harm Zuidmeer wants people to think differently about how space can be better used in the central city. Mr Zuidmeer is an avid cyclist and a member of Rotorua Cycle Action, but that does not mean he wants to see cars gone from the central city, on the contrary, he says there's a place for everything.

"Eighty per cent of our street space is for traffic, the remaining 10 per cent either side is for everyone else - mobility scooters, pedestrians and cyclists who are relegated to the side of the road.

"Years ago, the horse and cart dominated, then there were trams, but those public spaces were used by everyone to sell their goods, meet and do business."

He said Rotorua could only move forward by looking back.

"When cars became more popular people were relegated to footpaths. I'm asking 'how do we reclaim that space?' to meet, do business and feel comfortable out in the open.

"You can look at any old European town, the CBD is a large plaza with markets, shops, coffee houses, they are shared spaces with no cars.

"Now we can look at places like Napier and Nelson, they are so far ahead of us and I want to know why can't we do that sort of thing here?"

Mr Zuidmeer said it was a good idea to focus on Tutanekai St first, "start small and get it right".

"People won't like to hear this but the [Rotorua Central] mall got it right - it's dominated completely by foot traffic and the space is well used.

"So why is the CBD dying? In my opinion it's due to too much traffic and no lingering space. Foot traffic is the answer to a dying retail sector, not more cars.

"It's about getting people thinking about using the multi-functional side of public space.

"With the City Focus, we have an opportunity to slow traffic down to walking speed.

"So imagine if all the intersections along Tutanekai St were shared spaces like the City Focus with pedestrianised CBD intersections.

"These raised intersections would slow traffic down and allow others to use that space more effectively.

"It's almost pointless to reopen roads to traffic and not change anything else.

"This was the reason they built the City Focus in the first place.

"If retailers think their businesses will be saved by having more traffic driving past their shops then they are wrong."

The Rotorua Lakes Council wants to know what you think of its plans for the future as part of its Long-term Plan.

- To find out what the Rotorua Lakes Council has planned for the CBD visit www.rdc.govt.nz and click on the Long-term Plan Consultation Document tab. Make your submission before June 2.