V8 is late

Staff are recommending that Council cease this consultative process without making a decision on the substantive proposalitself because the long term viability of the race cannot be assured.

Celia Wade-Brown says "It's extraordinary to put everyone through this process and then start over. The two reasons given against the race track's viability were obvious from the beginning. We didn't need experts to tell us that a boulevard and a race track just don't mix or that you can't put a building on a pit stop!"

"People for the race would have said it was worth missing out on Jervois Quay and Kumutoto while for opponents they would be two reasons in a list of many but nobody could see the race as compatible with improved urban design."

Cr Wade-Brown has raised questions about the race's impact on pedestrian improvements, driving effects from cop-cat racers and symbolic value in an era of climate change and limited oil supplies.

She was on Council when the Mobil 500 stopped - which allowed a huge improvement to people's access to the waterfront and urban design improvements such as the Taranaki bridge to be enjoyed all year long.

ENDS

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