Agenda of Planning and Environment Committee

Part A Reports

Planning and Environment Non-Financial Activity Report for the Quarter Ended 30 June 2017

Department: Customer and Regulatory Services and Community and Planning

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 This report updates the Committee on activities including city development, resource consents, building services, alcohol licensing, environmental health, animal control and parking enforcement.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a) Notes the Planning and Environment Non-Financial Activity Report for the Quarter Ended 30 June 2017.

BACKGROUND

2 The Community and Planning group of activities works with other agencies to set the direction for managing Dunedin’s built and natural environment, and is responsible for promoting the sustainable management of the natural and physical resources through its administration of the functions of the Council under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA).

3 Regulatory Services contributes directly to the Safe and Health City outcome which is a part of the Social Wellbeing Strategy and enhances personal safety in relation to building services, animal services, health licensing, the sale and supply of alcohol and parking enforcement.

DISCUSSION

Service and Satisfaction

4 The Residents’ Opinion Survey (ROS) is the principal mechanism by which the Council measures resident satisfaction with a wide range of its activities.

5 From July 2016 the ROS has been conducted on a continuous monthly basis, aiming to obtain around 100 responses each month, to replicate the average annual sample size of around 1,200 obtained in previous years. The quarterly results in the graphs below generally reflect the response of around 300 residents. A sample of 300 has an expected 95% confidence interval (margin error) of +/- 5.7%, whereas the annual result for 2015/16 had a margin of error of +/- 2.5%. Aggregate results for the year will continue to be published in the annual ROS report. Notable results are listed in the balances of this report.

Satisfaction with look and feel of the city

6 A 3% decrease in satisfaction with ‘overall look and feel of the city’ was reported in the quarter ended June 2017 when compared to the previous quarter.

Satisfaction with Regulatory Services

7 A 3% increase in satisfaction was reported in the quarter ended June 2017 when compared to the last quarter.

Value and Efficiency

Resource Consents

8 During the quarter applications were processed within the statutory deadline for two of the three months, while in the third month one of ninety nine decisions did not go out on time. The number processed for each month was 57, 91 and 63. The graph shows on a monthly basis resource consent processing over the last five years up to June 2017. The blue line shows the percentage meeting the statutory deadline; ranges from 97 to 100. The red line shows the number of resource consents granted each month; average is 70. The fluctuation is normal. The low points are normally the December to January period when many staff take a holiday.

Building Consents

9 The number of building consent applications for the six months through to 30 June 2017 continue to track at record levels. Three new consent processors commenced work in June with a comprehensive training programme initiated. It is anticipated the new team members will start to be productive in the next couple of months.

10 Overall consents values for the quarter remain in line with previous figures at $59.3M. Live consent numbers as at the end of the quarter were 141 having dropped from a recent peak at 160. Until the productivity of the new processing staff starts to increase there will be continued pressure to maintain the 100% turnaround within the regulatory 20 working days. At the end of September 2017, the plan is to be in a position to review the number of applications being outsourced for processing.

Alcohol Licensing

11 The format of the alcohol licensing data is being reviewed and has been omitted from this report until the content and format is completed. This will be completed and available on the non-financial report for the quarter ending 30 September 2017.

Environmental Health

12 The new Food Act 2014 came into force on 1 March 2016 requiring food operators to use a new risk management system. Environmental Health staff work closely with food operators to ensure they have a good understanding of the new systems and assist them to maintain food standards at a very high level. New food businesses are not graded immediately and therefore it will be very difficult to achieve a higher proportion of ‘A’ grade premises.

Environmental Health - Noise

13 As expected noise complaint numbers have dropped somewhat after the busy last quarter. Winter is usually quieter although a slight increase is expected over July with the return of students to the city and Re-Orientation week. Proactive work with the University Proctor and Student Landlords is on-going.

Animal Services

14 Animal Services customer requests are stable and remain in line with the previous months. The number of requests is less those for the same quarter last year.

Parking Services

15 The quarter ending June shows a decrease in infringements issued, particularly in April, when there was a focus on proactive patrolling in suburban areas. May and June enforcement was also affected by a high incidence of unplanned leave.

16 Parking Services customer requests for June remained relatively consistent without any noticeable trends being shown.

Major Initiatives

17 The following section is not confined to the April to June 2017 quarter and also provides updates on the current status of the initiatives.

18 Te Ao Tūroa - Delivery on the ambitions of Te Ao Tūroa – The Natural World (Dunedin’s Environment Strategy) is progressing. A call has gone out for ideas through Urban Dream Brokerage Dunedin with a specific focus on art installations that address the themes of the strategy. A set of indicators focused on biodiversity health is being developed.

19 Compact of Mayors - Establishing targets for emissions reduction is the current focus of the Compact of Mayors work being taken forward by the Policy team. Meetings are being held with a range of stakeholders to explore their thinking on targets and seek their input in terms of how the targets, when they are set, might be met.

20 Proposed Second Generation Dunedin City District Plan (2GP) – Hearings on the 2GP commenced in May 2016, and in the January to March 2017 quarter the Public Health and Safety, Transportation, Rural and Urban Land Supply (Part 1) hearings were held. Only the Wrap Up/Plan Overview hearing is left of a total 2GP hearing programme of 27 hearings. Decisions are expected to be released near the end of this year.

21 Environmental Health – The Environmental Health team is progressing with the proposed introduction of mobility units (tablets) before the end of the year. The new system will allow the direct integration with other systems which will automate reporting requirements. Reporting requirements to the Ministry for Primary Industries have increased significantly with introduction of the Food Act 2014 and our intention is to use this system to help manage these changes.

22 Enviroschools – A second Enviroschools Facilitator was employed in May, and completed his induction in June.

23 Taskforce Green – During the three months between April and June 2017, the Taskforce Green volunteers and staff undertook 6,830 hours of work for the Council and community. This included graffiti removal.

24 Keep Dunedin Beautiful – The Keep Dunedin Beautiful Awards were held on 24 May 2017. The Taylor Pride Award was won by the West Harbour Beautification Trust.

25 Trees for Babies – The Trees for Babies event, which provided an opportunity for tree planning, was held along the Cycleway on May 14, 2017, with 26 tree plants.

Capital Projects

26 Central City Plan (CCP) – Construction of Jetty Street upgrades have been underway since 29 May 2017, with works to be finalised 16 weeks after this start date (as per tendering conditions). Resource consent has been granted for these works, as well as all remaining (Stage III) Warehouse Precinct Works. These works are currently under consultation (community stakeholders and KTKO), with tendering due to begin in August 2017 and works to be contracted out and built before 30 June 2018.

27 Following a presentation and feedback session with Councillors on 29 May 2017, Transport and City Development teams are mapping a strategic way forward for CCP work in 2017-19, setting out a preliminary project structure for the delivery phase, and seeking feedback on draft options for the CCP palette of materials and street furniture. A full report will be provided to the Planning and Environment Committee at the August meeting.

28 As well as providing a strategic framework to advance the Central City Plan, Boffa Miskell has also been engaged to produce a document: Strategic Guidance document for Dunedin’s Streets and Spaces based on a Christchurch model.

29 Octagon Pavers – Recently there have been more instances of people slipping on the pavers outside of the Civic Centre and elsewhere in the Octagon. Staff have prepared a plan for the trial of new pavers in the northwest quadrant of the Octagon in coming months. The public will be encouraged to view, use and comment, and staff will assess how the pavers respond to different maintenance treatments. This feedback will inform the final Central City Plan palette.

OPTIONS

30 As this is an update report there are no options.

NEXT STEPS

31 A further update report will be provided after the conclusion of the next quarter. The priorities for the next quarter are the LTP planning and consultation, refining the program for the Central City Plan and completing the hearings on the 2GP while maintaining base activities at the high service levels achieved in this quarter.

32 Alcohol reporting will be available for the non-financial activity report for the quarter ending 30 September 2017.

Signatories

Author:

Adrian Blair - Group Manager Customer and Regulatory Services

Nicola Pinfold - Group Manager Community and Planning

Authoriser:

Simon Pickford - General Manager Community Services

Sue Bidrose - Chief Executive Officer

Sandy Graham - General Manager Strategy and Governance

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report. SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This report relates to providing a public service and it is considered good-quality and cost-effective.

Fit with strategic framework

	Contributes	Detracts	Not applicable
Social Wellbeing Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Economic Development Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Environment Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Arts and Culture Strategy	☒	☐	☐
3 Waters Strategy	☐	☐	☒
Spatial Plan	☒	☐	☐
Integrated Transport Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Parks and Recreation Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Other strategic projects/policies/plans	☒	☐	☐

The Planning and Environment portfolio of activities support the outcomes of a number of strategies.

Māori Impact Statement

There are no known impacts for tangata whenua.

Sustainability

As an update report, there are no specific implications for sustainability.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

As an update report, there are no implications for the LTP, although some measures are level of service performance measures annually reported as part of the LTP.

Financial considerations

The updates reported are within existing operating and capital budgets.

Significance

This decision is considered of low significant under the Significance and Engagement Policy.

Engagement – external

As an update report, no external engagement has been undertaken.

Engagement - internal

As an update report, no internal engagement has been undertaken. Input to the major initiatives and project updates has been provided by teams within Regulatory Services and Community and Planning Groups, with the Group Manager Transport also providing input regarding the Central City Plan.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

There are no identified risks.

Conflict of Interest

There are no known conflicts on interest.

Community Boards

There are no specific implications for Community Boards.

Submission on the Department of Conservation's draft Threatened Species Strategy

Department: Corporate Policy

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 This cover report attaches the Dunedin City Council (DCC) submission to the Department of Conservation (DOC) on the draft NZ Threatened Species Strategy.

2 As per the DCC Committee Structure and Delegations manual, the Planning and Environment Committee is delegated the responsibility:

“To make submissions to agencies on issues which fall within the scope of activity of the Committee. Where timing constraints apply, the Chairperson (or in the case of an absence, the Deputy Chairperson) has the authority to lodge submissions and seek retrospective approval of the Committee.”

3 Retrospective approval is now sought, as the timeframe for the consultation fell outside the Committee cycle.

4 The draft NZ Threatened Species Strategy sets out central Government’s plan to: halt the decline in threatened species while restoring populations and preventing other species from becoming threatened.

5 The draft NZ Threatened Species Strategy has four goals: manage 500 species for protection by 2025 and 600 species for protection by 2030; enhance the populations of 150 prioritised threatened and at risk species by 2025; integrate Te Ao Māori (the Māori world view) and mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) into species recovery programmes by 2025; support research, particularly through the National Science Challenges, that helps understanding data on deficient species.

6 The DCC submission was submitted to DOC by the deadline of the 31 July 2017 following informal engagement with elected members and the Te Ao Tūroa Partnership.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a) Approves, retrospectively the DCC submission to the Department of Conservation on the draft NZ Threatened Species Strategy at Attachment A.

Signatories

Author:	Junichi Sugishita - Policy Anlayst
Authoriser:	Maria Ioannou - Corporate Policy Manager

Attachments

	Title	Page
a	DCC submission to DOC on draft NZ Threatened Species Strategy	27

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This report enables democratic local decision making and action by, and on behalf of communities.

Fit with strategic framework

	Contributes	Detracts	Not applicable
Social Wellbeing Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Economic Development Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Environment Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Arts and Culture Strategy	☐	☐	☒
3 Waters Strategy	☐	☐	☒
Spatial Plan	☐	☐	☒
Integrated Transport Strategy	☐	☐	☒
Parks and Recreation Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Other strategic projects/policies/plans	☒	☐	☐

The draft strategy relates most closely to delivering on the goals of Te Ao Tūroa in terms of pest management and biodiversity and ecosystem health, as well as to the approach of doing these things through partnership.

Māori Impact Statement

There are no known impacts for tangata whenua from the DCC making this submission.

Sustainability

The submission supports a sustainable approach to managing the natural environment.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

There are no known implications.

Financial considerations

There are no known financial implications.

Significance

This decision is considered to be of low significance in terms of the Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy.

Engagement – external

The strategy and submission were discussed with the Te Ao Tūroa Partnership.

Engagement - internal

Parks and Recreation staff were consulted in the drafting of this submission.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

There are no known risks.

Conflict of Interest

There are no known conflict of interest.

Community Boards

There are no implications for Community Boards.

Planning and Environment Committee

15 August 2017

Warehouse Precinct update - Stage III/IV upgrades

Department: Planning

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 This report provides an update on design development and community engagement on the Warehouse Precinct Revitalisation Plan, and proposes a design for Stage III/IV upgrades for the Committee to consider.

2 The Warehouse Precinct Revitalisation Plan is a long-term vision document that includes a Concept Plan. In 2013, the Committee approved this Concept Plan and endorsed a move to detailed design and implementation phases.

3 Subsequently, design development and implementation have commenced. Stage I upgrades were focused on the northern end of Vogel Street and have been finalised. Stage II upgrades are focused on the pedestrianisation of Jetty Street (between Crawford and Cumberland Streets) and are currently under construction (due to be completed by October 2017). This report discusses recent community engagement and design development, as well as a plan for packaging together Stages III and IV to finalise implementation of the bulk of the remaining Warehouse Precinct upgrades in 2017/18.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a) Approves the proposed Warehouse Precinct Stage III/IV design

b) Notes the potential benefits to be gained by allocating additional budget for Warehouse Precinct upgrades for further consideration in the Long Term Plan.

BACKGROUND

4 The Warehouse Precinct Revitalisation Plan was formally adopted by Council in 2013. Extensive community engagement and feedback have continued to inform design development and implementation of the document’s Concept Plan since its adoption:

· Proposed on-street car parking changes (March 2014)

· Warehouse Precinct Revitalisation Plan update meeting (28 May 2015)

· Stage II (Jetty St) and Stage III/IV (Bond St, etc.) workshop (21-22 March 2017)

· Proposed on-street car parking changes (March 2017)

· Water/Bond Streets proposed shared space and amenity upgrades (July 2017)

5 Implementation of the Warehouse Precinct Revitalisation Plan is essentially the first stage of Central City Plan works, with the following budgets allocated (across 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19):

· Stage II (Jetty St): $550,000

· Stage III/IV (Bond St, etc.): $1.25 million.

DISCUSSION

Warehouse Precinct Stage II

6 Stage II of Warehouse Precinct revitalisation (the pedestrianisation of Jetty Street) is currently underway. Construction began on 29 May 2017 and is expected to be complete by October 2017.

Warehouse Precinct Stage III/IV

7 It is proposed that Stages III and IV of Warehouse Precinct revitalisation work are bundled together as one tender package to complete the bulk of planned upgrades in the area in 2017/18.

8 Based on community feedback to date (Attachment A) and goals outlined in the Warehouse Precinct Revitalisation Plan, preliminary designs were developed by City Development team Urban Designers for Stages III and IV. These designs were presented to Warehouse Precinct stakeholders and the wider community at public workshops on 21-22 March 2017. Feedback from the workshops confirmed many aspects of these designs, and also encouraged further design development.

9 Feedback from the workshops in relation to proposed upgrades at the historic Vogel Street abutment and in the Laneway between Bond and Princes Streets were generally positive, confirming the proposed design approach in both of these areas.

10 Feedback from the workshops encouraged a more ambitious design on Bond Street that could help achieve the following:

· Encourage feeling of vitality and authenticity / vibrancy of getting around and using spaces

· Encourage walking routes / safe walkways / people-friendly space / outdoor public space / less car-dominated space

· Incorporate more greenery / plants / street trees

· Incorporate / embed more meaning into public realm [storytelling (including manawhenua / kaitiakitanga), paving designs, historic connections, intellectual spaces, art, information plaques, etc.] – a ‘real’ reason for people to visit the area

· Connect to waterfront (even if symbolically)

· Provide temporary event space / encourage flexible use of space

· Retention of car parking as much as possible

11 These points echo feedback from earlier Princes Street / Exchange Square stakeholder engagement (August 2014), in which there was strong support for the following:

· Introducing more greenery / plants / street trees

· Creating better, safer pedestrian-friendly environments

· Creating family-friendly areas

· Incorporating artwork / artistry

· Encouraging feeling of vibrancy / gap-fillers / pop-up events / multiple uses of public space.

12 This feedback helped create an ambitious design for the blocks of Bond and Water Street that wraps around the Exchange with flexible, people-friendly outdoor space and a strong sense of history. Jetty Street is a first step toward pedestrianising space, and this design proposes a trial shared space for pedestrians, cars and bicycles. The design is part of Stage III/IV Warehouse Precinct upgrades and will tie in with planned Central City Plan upgrades, particularly the redevelopment of Exchange Square. It depicts a vibrant shared space that features:

· a safe, slow-speed environment

· grass pavers marking alternating car park spaces

· a greener streetscape that is flexible and can be used for events

· symbolic connections to the waterfront and the site’s history.

· stories of the city’s diverse people, landscape and history could increasingly be embedded in urban design

i) weaving patterns are the conceptual anchor of the project

ii) similar to use of the Māori tāniko technique as a decorative border, the design features a zig-zag pattern to border the shared space

iii) bold paving lines are interwoven in the space’s centre to suggest an interweaving of cultures in Dunedin (dating back to the area’s historic use as a landing and trading space – Toitū Tauraka Waka)

iv) indigenous plants used for weaving and to provide food for native birds are incorporated as a reminder of our shared landscape and natural resources.

13 Further feedback on the developed design for Stage III/IV upgrades on Bond and Water Streets was sought from local stakeholders, the wider community, and local runaka (via KTKO and the Maori Participation Working Party) in June and July 2017. This feedback has been used to finalise the Stage III/IV concept design (particularly in the featured sections of Bond and Water Streets). Feedback is summarised as follows:

· Online feedback is overwhelmingly supportive of the proposed design, with only 1 formal submission (of 28 total) objecting to the proposal. All other submissions support the proposal, with the following points commonly raised:

o Parking (some want more parking, some want less)

o Seating (ample seating needs to be provided)

o Safety (the area needs to be safe for all users, including people with disabilities)

o Street furniture / amenity (consider additional cycle stands, drinking fountains, public toilets, etc.)

o History (enthusiasm for area’s history, and anticipation of upgrades in Exchange Sq)

o Plantings (enthusiasm for ‘greening up’ the area with native species)

· Feedback is generally supportive of shared space being introduced in Dunedin.

· Feedback is generally supportive of the look and feel of the design.

· Runaka and whanau have limited comment on the current design, apart from concerns about parking pressures and possible reverse sensitivity issues due to on-going development of the Warehouse Precinct area.

· Part of the Exchange area is a registered Wahi Tupuna site as recognised under the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014; Runaka and whanau urge the DCC to note this significance as designs develop for the Central City Plan, and to ensure close and timely discussions and input by Otakou runaka (see Attachment D).

14 The proposed design for Stage III/IV Warehouse Precinct upgrades is included here (Attachment B) for the Committee’s consideration and approval.

15 Final detailing of certain elements within the design will be informed by the following:

· Targeted feedback from Laneway stakeholders (building owners, businesses and residents along Bond and Princes Streets, between Police and Jetty Streets)

· Public feedback on proposed parking changes and loading / delivery access

· Feedback from the Blind Foundation and other groups representing people with disabilities (VICTA, etc.) on shared space detailing

· Results from an independent safety audit to ensure a safe design for all users.

16 The following actions will also be taken to ensure all feedback is addressed:

· Signage that explains the design and reveals some history of the site (as provided by KTKO) – and includes appropriate community messaging (e.g. smokefree areas) – will be developed with Council Communications & Marketing.

· A Warehouse Precinct progress update will be sent to all stakeholders, informing them of the approved concept design, an indicative timeline of tendering and construction works, and what to expect in terms of Central City Plan upgrades in coming years (including Exchange Square).

· Drinking fountains and public toilets will be considered in the future (e.g., in Exchange Square), where budgets and site conditions allow.

17 An archaeological assessment was commissioned for the Vogel Street abutment area, given that this area features the 1887 Vogel Street stone overbridge abutment, a significant archaeological feature in terms of the history of Victorian infrastructure in Dunedin. From this assessment, the DCC was advised to apply for an Archaeological Authority under Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014. On 20 June 2017, an Archaeological Authority (no. 2017/833:144/348, Stone abutment, 123-125 Vogel Street, Dunedin) was granted for the proposed design in this area.

18 Resource Consent has also been granted for the proposed design.

OPTIONS

Option One – Recommended Option – Approve the proposed design

19 In this option the Committee would approve the proposed design for Warehouse Precinct Stage III/IV upgrades, subject to any amendments it would like to make. This design would then be tendered for detailed design and construction from August 2017, with the bulk of Stage III/IV works to be completed by end of June 2018. No further feedback apart from that listed above would be sought on the design before construction, although there is a possibility of collecting feedback once construction is complete, to further inform design development in other Central City Plan (CCP) ‘urban quarters’ (Retail, Creative, Cultural and Entertainment).

20 The proposed design is achievable within the allocated budget of $1.25 million. Given the size and importance of these works, it is hoped that a large tender package will attract competitive quotes that come in under this figure.

Advantages

· With the design approved, tendering can begin immediately and construction largely complete by end of June 2018. The built design can then be monitored and further community feedback sought to inform CCP design development in other ‘urban quarters’.

· The Warehouse Precinct Revitalisation Plan’s physical upgrades will be substantially complete, and focus can shift to other CCP upgrades, in line with community expectations.

· The proposed design responds to and complements recent and on-going private investment in the area (e.g., Distinction Dunedin Hotel at 6 Liverpool St, Precinct Food at 125 Vogel St, and Steamer Basin Brewing in 389 Princes St opening up to the Laneway).

· The proposed design offers an opportunity to test the viability and reception of a shared space environment in the Dunedin context.

· The shared space concept is a step toward creating more meaningful streetscape environments, and can help build momentum and support for CCP upgrades, particularly in Exchange Square.

Disadvantages

· The protracted timeframe and manner in which engagement has occurred may be unsatisfactory to some members of the community.

· No opportunity to achieve additional funding (being sought through LTP 2019-2029) to ensure an enduring design through upgraded materials (resin and asphalt to pavers), streetscape activation and storytelling techniques (heritage window displays), improved pedestrian safety (more crossings and kerb build-outs), and improved amenity (benches, bins, etc.).

Option Two – Status Quo – Seek further feedback

21 In this option the Committee would seek further public engagement and feedback on the proposed design for Stage III/IV Warehouse Precinct upgrades.

Advantages

· There will be another opportunity for the wider community and stakeholders to comment on the design and influence design development.

Disadvantages

· There will be a delay to the implementation of Stage III/IV Warehouse Precinct upgrades, which are currently funded in the Citywide Amenities Upgrade budget for 2017/18 and 2018/19 (with all but $134k of that funding allocated for use in 2017/18).

· Further feedback is unlikely to result in a significant change to the design, given that feedback to date has been largely supportive and positive, with only minor tweaks to the design resulting so far.

· Seeking further feedback (other than the targeted feedback listed above) may not be the best use of staff and other resources.

· Seeking further feedback may cause a delay in the implementation of Central City Plan works outside of the Warehouse Precinct.

22 On the basis of the above information, it is recommended that Option One is adopted, noting that substantial community and stakeholder engagement has already occurred, both on the Warehouse Precinct Revitalisation Plan and (most recently) on the proposed design for Stage III/IV upgrades. Intensive community engagement is due to commence for Central City Plan works outside of the Warehouse Precinct in coming months, which will offer stakeholders and the community further opportunities to influence and shape the central city environment.

NEXT STEPS

23 Should the Committee approve the proposed Warehouse Precinct Stage III/IV design, relevant staff within the project delivery team will undertake the following activities:

· Commence the tender process for Stage III/IV of Warehouse Precinct upgrades in line with the concept plans presented here (Attachment B)

· Engage with Laneway stakeholders (building owners, businesses and residents along Bond and Princes Streets, between Police and Jetty Streets)

· Seek public feedback on proposed parking changes and loading / delivery access

· Engage with the Blind Foundation and other groups representing people with disabilities (VICTA, etc.) on shared space detailing (e.g., kerb heights and materiality, clear and legible pathways)

· Commission an independent (third party) safety audit (to ensure a safe design for all users including drivers, cyclists and pedestrians)

· Work with Comms & Marketing to update Warehouse Precinct stakeholders and the wider public on these upgrades

· Proceed with next steps to seek further funding through the Long Term Plan.

Signatories

Author:

Crystal Filep - Team Leader Urban Design

Authoriser:

Anna Johnson - City Development Manager

Nicola Pinfold - Group Manager Community and Planning

Attachments

	Title	Page
a	CCP and WP Community Feedback Summary	39
b	Proposed design for Stage III/IV Warehouse Precinct upgrades	42
c	Archaeological Authority no. 2017/833:144/348, Stone abutment, 123-125 Vogel St	49
d	Summary of KTKO Feedback on Bond and Water Streets Shared Space	57

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This proposal enables democratic local decision making and action by, and on behalf of communities.

This proposal relates to providing local infrastructure and it is considered good-quality and cost-effective.

Fit with strategic framework

	Contributes	Detracts	Not applicable
Social Wellbeing Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Economic Development Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Environment Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Arts and Culture Strategy	☒	☐	☐
3 Waters Strategy	☐	☐	☒
Spatial Plan	☒	☐	☐
Integrated Transport Strategy	☐	☐	☒
Parks and Recreation Strategy	☐	☐	☒
Other strategic projects/policies/plans	☒	☐	☐

The proposed design for implementing Stage III/IV of the Warehouse Precinct Revitalisation Plan is consistent with other strategies and plans. It helps to distil Council’s overall strategic framework into a place-based design that builds on and further encourages positive momentum in an area with historic significance.

Māori Impact Statement

Due to the Exchange area’s historic association with Toitū Tauraka Waka, local runaka and whanau (via KTKO and the Maori Participation Working Party) were engaged for feedback on the Bond and Water Streets shared space proposal. Feedback has been noted, and is summarised here:

· Part of the Exchange area is a registered Wahi Tupuna site as recognised under the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014 (see excerpt below); runaka and whanau urge the DCC to note this significance as designs develop for the Central City Plan, and to ensure close and timely discussions and input by Otakou.

Sustainability

The proposed design is anticipated to have positive implications for economic, social and environmental sustainability. Similar to Stage I upgrades on Vogel Street, these nearby Stage III/IV upgrades have the potential to support increased economic activity and vibrancy in the Warehouse Precinct. Social sustainability is supported through the creation of meaningful urban spaces that help to unveil local history, are walkable and support day-to-day and event-based social interactions. Environmental sustainability is supported through the encouragement of walking and cycling, prioritisation of native plantings and use of permeable paving.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

The proposed design is funded within existing budgets allocated for implementation of the Warehouse Precinct Revitalisation Plan. Further funding ($1.25m) is being sought through the LTP 2019-2029, specifically for the following items:

· Upgrade of shared space weaving patterns from resin-based surface to more enduring pavers

· Design and installation of heritage window displays (with Toitu staff and John Wickliffe building owner) to ‘activate’ urban edges of shared space

· Upgrade of asphalt footpath surfaces to pavers (e.g., along Vogel St in-between kerb build-outs)

· Extension of Bond St Laneway upgrades to the southern end

· Improved pedestrian crossings (including kerb build-outs) where needed

· More street furniture (benches, bins, drinking fountain, etc.) and lighting where needed.

Financial considerations

The recommended option (approval of the proposed design) has been preliminarily costed at approximately $1.2 million, which is just under the remaining budget approved and available for Stage III/IV Warehouse Precinct upgrades. Given the size and importance of these works, it is hoped that a large tender package will attract competitive quotes that come in under this figure. As noted above, further funding is also being sought through LTP 2019-2029.

Significance

Approval of the proposed design for Stage III/IV Warehouse Precinct upgrades is assessed as being of moderate significance. The most significant strategic directions driving this design have already been endorsed by Council in the adoption of the Warehouse Precinct Revitalisation Plan, Central City Plan and other strategies and plans.

Engagement – external

Based on community feedback to date (Attachment A), preliminary designs were presented to Warehouse Precinct stakeholders and the wider community at public workshops on 21-22 March 2017, and workshop feedback informed design development. Further feedback on the developed design for Stage III/IV upgrades on Bond and Water Streets was sought from local stakeholders (via hand-delivered letters), the wider community (via social media), and local runaka (via KTKO and the MPWP) in June and July 2017. This further feedback informed the proposed design for Stage III/IV Warehouse Precinct upgrades presented in this report.

Engagement - internal

City Development has regularly engaged with the following teams while developing the proposed design: Resource Consents, Transport, Parks & Recreation, Events & Community Development, and Comms & Marketing.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

There is some legal risk associated with pursuing amenity upgrades to the Bond St Laneway, as the Laneway is currently in private ownership. The Laneway’s northern end is under sole ownership of a stakeholder strongly supportive of the Laneway concept, whereas the southern end is jointly owned across multiple neighbouring properties. Staff are liaising with the owner of the Laneway’s northern end and seeking legal advice as to the best way forward (e.g., developing an MOU between DCC and the owner, or transferring land from private to public ownership). Upgrades to the laneway will proceed if and only if this risk is sufficiently addressed.

Conflict of Interest

There are no known conflicts of interest.

Community Boards

There are no direct implications for Community Boards.

Summary of Central City workshop and consultation feedback

Warehouse Precinct, Princes Street, Exchange, Octagon, George Street workshops

2012 – 2017

Feedback forums and respondents

*DATE/S*	*FEEDBACK FORUM* *(workshop or meeting)*	*RESPONDENTS* *(approx. numbers)*
21 & 22 March 2017	Warehouse Precinct – WP Stage II and WP Stage III workshop	40
28 May 2015	Warehouse Precinct Revitalisation Plan update meeting	20
1 & 2 Oct 2014	Central Business District workshop (George Street and Octagon)	40
7 & 14 Aug 2014	Princes Street Revitalisation workshop	60
19 Nov 2013	Warehouse Precinct Revitalisation Plan update meeting	30
11 Dec 2012	“Drop-in” workshop on Draft Warehouse Precinct Revitalisation Plan	20
19 & 26 June 2012	Warehouse Precinct design workshop	40
14 – 17 June 2011	Dunedin Central City Strategy framework (Inquiry by Design by Urbanism Plus workshops)	90

Amenity and open space

Upgrade existing and expand essential infrastructure

Street lighting, rubbish/recycling management, public toilets (24hr), street seating and furniture, bus shelters and stands, paving

Improve existing and create additional public spaces

Exchange Square, Queens Gardens, Dowling Street stairs, Market Reserve, Harbourside recreational area, alleyways, small sunny sheltered areas,

Create more green spaces

More street trees and planting, green walls, community garden, small plantings of edible plants, pocket parks, encourage use of rooftops

Place making

Facilitate more events, entertainment and recreational activities in the city

Street music, better outdoor entertainment areas, markets (night markets, night markets, undercover, food, and art), more food trucks, and other events such as art, food/wine, fashion, carnivals events, walking tours, encourage bike rentals

Enhance public spaces, vibrancy and atmosphere

Story-telling and historical interpretation, public art (interactive, sculpture, projection lighting, museum/galleries to bring art out into the public realm), free Wi-Fi, playgrounds, upgrade lighting around prominent public buildings, way-finding, relocate bus and coach stop from outside Railway Station, more smoke-free areas, move buses out of Octagon/George Street

Promote areas of the city

Stronger identities for Central City areas (e.g. Dowling Street art hub, Warehouse Precinct) unique tourism opportunities (old tunnels), signs for areas of the city e.g. Albion Lane, create a cultural and heritage information centre, unique walking routes, smart phone app about Dunedin history and street art map, promote Dunedin instagram and hashtag

Connections and movement

Priortise pedestrian and cyclists by improving accessibility and safety

More opportunities to cross as major intersections, barn dance crossings, create shared space areas, reduce speeds, reduce quantity of traffic in Octagon, less focus on cars, wider footpaths, improve pavements and kerb access, formalise pedestrian crossings that have high foot traffic (e.g. Albion Place/Meridian Mall and Albion Place/New World), safer crossings and walkways

Improve linkages within the city for all transport modes

Improve better links between the Harbourside, Warehouse Precinct, Queens Gardens and the Octagon

Improve traffic and road connectivity

Remove median barriers, investigate two-waying of one-way system, reduce the width of Princes Street, turn Princes Street into a boulevard, better streamlined traffic flow, establish the northern bypass

Encourage alternative transport options

Improve bus services, integrated bus hub with full facilities, designate areas outside of CBD for caravan car parking, improve visibility of taxi locations, investigate electric tram/bus options, reinstate cable car up High Street, investigate free buses, investigate options for car hubs that do pick up and drop offs in the city, more cycle parking, skateboarding and parkour

Improve car parking

More car parking buildings, install real time parking, better use of on-street car-parking (residents, short term), more and free car parking options, improve car park building access, easier short-term parking,

Council support

Better Private and Public partnerships

Work with businesses on solutions on Commercial Use of Footpath Policy, work with Octagon businesses on event management

More Council support

Facilitate stage building upgrades e.g. splitting fire/seismic requirements, DCC must remove 1 in 500 seismic/liquefaction standard to allow existing building redevelopment, support more business start-ups, support and encourage more building restoration and refurbishment

Facilitate improved amenity on privately owned land/buildings

Tidier open air car parks and empty lots, facilitate cleaner building entrance ways, target demolition by neglect and building dereliction, assist in building facades (colour, restoration), support re-use of key buildings and sites (Sammy’s, Dowling Street car park, encourage better use of vacant building space (art , pop-ups)

Challenges to be addressed

Identity

Lack of identity

Negative perceptions about area

Little history on the area’s historic significance

Buildings and uses

Empty shops

High levels of vacancy in upper floors of buildings

Limited new tenants

Demolition by neglect

Lack of building maintenance

Pedestrian and cyclist experience

Unsafe, too few and poor pedestrian crossings

Poor pavement condition

Lack of formal pedestrian links through city

Difficult to walk or cycle between Princes Street and adjacent streets

Traffic and road connectivity

More emphasis as a thoroughfare than a public space to spend time in

Too much traffic through Octagon

Vehicle speeds are too high

Bad flow of traffic through CBD

Alternative transport options

Not enough focus on other transport modes

Difficult to locate taxi stands

Bus timetables are tired, confusing and hard to locate

Buses are too expensive

Insufficient parking for campervans

Car parking

Car parking buildings are difficult to access

Insufficient car parking

Difficult for vehicles to service buildings and businesses

Difficult to locate available empty car parks

Amenities

Lack of greenery

Unattractive car parks, alleyways and empty lots

Poor public amenities (toilets/seating/bins)

Not enough public art

Café tables are situated under verandahs and people have to walk in the rain

Buses have a negative impact on street amenity

Lack of way-finding

No wifi in CBD

Place making

Not enough events in the Octagon

Conflicting views between businesses and public on how the Octagon should be utilised

Open spaces

Under-utilised public spaces and uninspiring spaces with little character

Lack of open space

Chairperson	Cr David Benson-Pope
Deputy Chairperson	Cr Damian Newell	Cr Conrad Stedman
Members	Mayor Dave Cull	Cr Rachel Elder
	Cr Christine Garey	Cr Doug Hall
	Cr Aaron Hawkins	Cr Marie Laufiso
	Cr Mike Lord	Cr Jim O'Malley
	Cr Chris Staynes	Cr Lee Vandervis
	Cr Andrew Whiley	Cr Kate Wilson