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A report from Transport advised that the combined
hospitality businesses had applied to close the lower Octagon on the weekend
of the All Blacks vs Wales Rugby Test. The proposed closure was from 6.00
am on Friday 24 June 2016 until 11.00 am on Sunday 26 June 2016.
The report sought a recommendation on the proposed
temporary closure from the Road Stopping Subcommittee. The proposed
closure was publicly notified. Five submissions were received with four
in support and one objecting to the proposal. The New Zealand Police
were consulted and were in support of the proposal in the interests of public
safety. Following a review of all submissions, staff recommended
closing the road in accordance with the application
The following submitters were in attendance to speak
either in support or opposing:
·
Claire Grenfell (on behalf of The Craic)
·
Richard Newcombe (on behalf of Stuart Street Mac's Brew Bar and
Di Lusso Bar)
·
Sarah Anderson (on behalf of the Regent Theatre)
Presentation of the Officer's Report
The Transport Network Team Leader (Michael Tannock) spoke
to his report and advised that five submissions had been received with one
objection to the proposed temporary road closure and four submissions in
support. He commented that the New Zealand Police had been consulted
and were in support of the proposal in the interests of public safety.
Mr Tannock advised that it was staff's recommendation that the temporary road
closure be approved as per the application.
Submitters
The Craic (Claire Grenfell)
Ms Grenfell reported that all the hospitality businesses had
worked together to put processes in place to make the weekend safe and
successful. She advised that they wanted a road closure in place so
that both the City and businesses would benefit and to provide a safe
environment for thousands of visitors. She noted that the test was made
public in July 2015 and there may be a need to work on communication. A
professional plan was being put in place for closure and the group was looking
to run a successful event.
Ms Grenfell responded to questions from the Subcommittee
on security, the area the premises extended to and the takings for events
such as this.
Stuart Street Mac's Brew Bar and Di Lusso Bar (Richard
Newcombe)
Mr Newcombe expressed support for the points made by Ms
Grenfell and tabled a submission supporting the proposed temporary road
closure. He considered that it was important for the hospitality sector
and for the city. A lot of people would come in to the city for the test.
The local hospitality businesses did a good job each time and feedback was
good. He commented on security measures in place.
In answer to a question Mr Newcombe noted that there was
generally less trouble on test nights because an older crowd was attracted.
The Regent Theatre (Sarah Anderson and Alison
Cunningham)
Ms Anderson advised that in the past when there had been
international events other sites had been used eg Tent City. She noted
that regardless of whether the Regent knew about the test, it was providing
an alternative entertainment for people who did not want to go to the test.
Alison Cunningham, Chair, Regent Theatre Trust of Otago had
no objection what the businesses were proposing but noted that there was no
process to follow to have the necessary discussions before the road closure
process was underway.
Ms Anderson commented that the Regent did not want to be
fighting or competing with its neighbours and the objection was about how
events were managed and communication. She suggested prior discussions
with stakeholders and Police to sit down and jointly identify issues.
New Zealand Police (Acting Sergeant Chris Lemon)
Acting Sergeant Lemon advised that Police were supportive
of the proposed road closure, which he considered was essential to help
maintain public order as it would be a busy night. Safety issues had
been addressed by the proposal. If the road was not closed measures would
have to be put in place to deal with large numbers of people.
In answer to questions he advised that there was generally
a better feel to events such as this compared to other Saturday nights and
with road closures in place and extra staff, it should be safer.
The Group Manager Parks and Recreation suggested
discussions at Council level regarding how to approach major events, as a conflict
of traffic and pedestrians in the Octagon was not palatable to anyone
Consideration of Temporary Road Closure Application
The Subcommittee gave consideration to the Transport
Network Team Leader's recommendation and to the points raised by the
submitters.
There was discussion on matters
to be considered and it was noted that the application met the criteria of the
legislation ie it was an event and did not impede traffic unreasonably.
The Transport Network Team Leader provided an explanation of where drop-off
areas and mobility parks would be relocated.
There was further discussion on
inconvenience, the defining of and fencing off of licensed premises, and
areas available for pedestrians. It was considered that closing the
road would provide the safest environment for both Regent Theatre users and
the general public and safety would be improved by the road closure. It
was also noted that the Regent Theatre opposed the process rather than the
closure itself.
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