Almost 300 businesses voice opposition to removing vehicles and car parks from capital's Golden Mile
Thursday, 17 September 2020
The Wellington Chamber of Commerce has joined the voices opposing the capital’s Golden Mile plans, with almost 300 of its members against the changes.
The Chamber surveyed 330 businesses in and around the Golden Mile as part of its submission against the plans, with 90 per cent opposing all three proposed options.
“None of the options have contemplated impacts on access and traffic flow,” the submission said.
“Removing loading zone availability will debilitate businesses' operations. Nearby car parks are critical for patronage.
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“The message is clear - businesses feel that decision-makers are making business worse in the city, not better.”
Two of the three options propose removing all general traffic from the central city thoroughfare, while a third would retain limited access.
However, access to many side streets would be closed off, while loading zones and taxi stands would also be moved to side streets.
Taxis and delivery and maintenance vehicles could be allowed access at certain times of the day.
“Wellington has suffered without any real developments for over a decade,” the Chamber said.
“Wellington must progress, we're not here to stand in the way of that, but it must be in the right, not wrong, direction.”
The Chamber called on the Let’s Get Wellington Moving (LGWM) group, which developed the proposals, to provide evidence the changes would benefit Golden Mile businesses.
“We believe that the nearly $80 million proposed could be much better spent on fixing other parts of the [transport] network that have a greater ROI (return on investment) and need.
“The proposed Golden Mile cost is near the $90m [cost] of the original Basin Reserve fix [the failed Basin Reserve flyover], to widen footpaths and remove vehicles.
“It doesn't make any sound fiscal sense when funds are limited.”
The criticism comes alongside a submission from 45 businesses in the Courtenay Place precinct also opposing the changes.
Golden Mile businesses were not consulted for the development of the three options, which would remove up to 200 car parks.
The Golden Mile runs from Wellington Railway Station along Lambton Quay, Willis St, Manners St, and Courtenay Place.
LGWM programme director Andrew Body said in a statement on Wednesday public consultation was extended by two weeks following requests for more time and “more flexible ways” to make submissions.
The initial feedback period attracted 1571 website submissions, 200 emails, and 371 Facebook comments.
“The Let’s Get Wellington Moving team visited every retailer and business along the Golden Mile offering one-on-one meetings to answer any further questions they may have.”
Public feedback on the plans has not yet been released.