6 December 2006

Post-consultation City Mall plan unveiled to Councillors

Christchurch City Councillors were today presented an updated plan proposal for the design of a City Mall upgrade following extensive consultation with the public. The updates to the plans are the result of the issues identified in the consultation process.

“We have listened to the public and we have made changes to the former design proposal,” Christchurch Mayor Garry Moore said.

“The public’s feedback on this project was vast and varied but staff and consultants have done an excellent job of incorporating the wishes of the public into this updated concept design,” Mr Moore said.

The changes presented by Garth Falconer of The Isthmus Group included:

- A redesign of the amphitheatre at the intersection of Cashel and High streets (‘The Hack Circle’),
- More plantings and the retention of many of the trees and grassed areas,
- The removal of general traffic from Cashel Street; and
- The inclusion of a one-way slow road travelling north along High Street.

The single biggest issue identified in the consultation process was the reintroduction of traffic to High and Cashel streets. After considering the feedback from the public, the proposal is to now retain Cashel Mall as pedestrian, however a service lane could be incorporated to allow access for service and emergency vehicles. Cycle access is also proposed in this area.

Under the proposal High Street could become a one-way slow road, heading north, open to all traffic and with short term parallel parking.

This proposed road would have go through a special consultative procedure before it could be implemented.

ENDS

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