NEWS RELEASE
18 January 2008

Courtenay Place to be traffic-free for Sevens

Courtenay Place, between Tory Street and Cambridge Terrace, will be closed to traffic on the evening of Saturday 2 February so International Rugby Sevens fans can have more room to enjoy themselves.

City Council Events Manager John Dawson says the section of Courtenay Place will be closed to through traffic – including buses and taxis – from 6pm and will reopen at 5am on Sunday 3 February.

“With yet another full house expected at the Stadium, we’re expecting Courtenay Place to be packed with fans later on.

“The experience of Police and our Walkwise staff in previous years is that Courtenay Place gets too crowded when everyone’s expected to stay on the footpaths – so the removal of the traffic will give everyone more room to move and express themselves – as we know Sevens fans are wont to do.”

Council staff are talking to bus company Go Wellington and taxi firms about alternative arrangements. Finalised details about alternative taxi stands and bus routes will be announced closer to the Sevens weekend.

A big screen will be installed in Courtenay Place so rugby fans can watch the live televised Sevens action, and a music stage will also be operating. Bar and restaurant owners on Courtenay Place will also have the opportunity to extend their outdoor seating areas.

The liquor ban that covers public places in the CBD on weekend evenings will stay in force over the Sevens weekend.

ENDS

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