Central City Revitalisation

Creating a fresh new feeling to attract people back into Whangārei’s central retail area is the plan behind an experimental Tactical Urbanism project funded by Government.

Council has received $111,000 from Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency’s innovating Streets for People fund, to improve the connection from the bus hub on Rose Street to Quality Street, which runs between Vine Street and Cameron Street.

Shelley Wharton, Council's Manager of Infrastructure Planning and Capital Works, said Council has a master plan for the Central City that aims to develop critical connections between active areas.

Half of John St will become one way with cars able to enter from Dent St but unable to exit from John St onto Dent St.

The John St pedestrian crossing across Dent St will be improved, becoming a safer, wider, one-stage crossing to make it easier for pedestrians to get to the waterfront from the central city and vice versa.

“Currently pedestrians have to cross the road in two stages which involves them waiting out in the middle of the road,´ says Northland Transport Alliance Project Manager, Pete Watts.

“We want to avoid this, especially with the increased numbers of people expected once the Hundertwasser Arts Centre opens."

Making part of John Street one-way will also stop drivers from cutting through it at peak times, causing congestion on that section of Dent St.

“We are planning to start works shortly for this with completion in late June 2021 before the new Town Basin park and the Hundertwasser Arts Centre open in late 2021.”

Drivers can expect intermittent minor disruptions along John and Dent St while this work is carried out.

An experimental Tactical Urbanism project organised by Council with $111,000 from Waka Kotahi, New Zealand Transport Agency’s innovating Streets for People fund.

A new courtesy-crossing on Vine Street, that connects with Quality Street, will make it safer for pedestrians to cross.

“Over the past few months we have engaged with local businesses, youth organisations and bus hub users to determine the design which will include the pavement mural, new planters and seats."

The project will see local artist Melinda Butt paint the pavement mural on Vine Street that will connect with both the bus hub and the Vine Street crossing.

“The mural will form a strong visual link between transport and shopping areas and, with the new planters and seating, will inject some colour and vibrancy to the area,” said Council's Matatau - Landscape Architect Tracey Moore.