Agenda of Planning and Environment Committee

Planning and Environment Committee

11 June 2019

Part A Reports

Planning and Environment Non-Financial Activity Report for the Quarter Ended 31 May 2019

Department: Community and Planning and Customer and Regulatory Services

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 for the quarter ended 31 May 2019.

2 It should be noted that satisfaction statistics and Customer and Regulatory Services data reported in this report are for April 2019 only. Residents’ Opinion Survey data and Customer and Regulatory Services data for May and June will be reported in the report for next quarter.

3 Key highlights for the quarter in terms of major initiatives included:

· Initial evidence in 2GP appeals (strategic directions) submitted to Environment Court

· First round of Biodiversity Fund completed following review

· Heritage Grants of $80k awarded by Dunedin Heritage Fund

· New mobility inspection tool for Building Consents went live in April.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a) Notes the Planning and Environment Non-Financial Activity Report for the Quarter Ended 31 May 2019.

BACKGROUND

4 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).

5 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

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

7 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 responses of around 300 residents. A sample of 300 has an expected 95% confidence interval (margin of error) of +/- 5.7%, whereas the annual result for 2015/16 had a margin of error of +/- 2.5%. Results for the year will continue to be published in the annual ROS report at year end. Notable measures are listed in the balance of this report.

Satisfaction with Look and Feel of the City

8 There was no change in satisfaction with ‘Overall Look and Feel of the City’ as at 30 April 2019.

Satisfaction with Regulatory Services

9 A 1% decrease in satisfaction with ‘Regulatory Services’ was reported as at 30 April 2019.

Value and Efficiency

Resource Consents

10 2019 has been as busy as the 2018 calendar year, which was the busiest since the GFC. As of 28 May applications were 12% above the average of the preceding eight years. During the quarter up 28 May all 140 applications were processed within the statutory timeframe (April 81, May 59). The graph shows resource consent processing on a monthly basis over the last five years up to May 2019. The blue line shows the percentage meeting the statutory deadline, ranging from 89 to 100. The red line shows the number of resource consents granted each month, with a five year average of 78. The fluctuation is normal. The January and December low points reflect the summer holiday periods.

11 This graph also serves as an indication of overall activity in the Resource Consent team. More detailed information is provided each month as the City Planning Activity report on the Council’s website, and can be accessed via this link: http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/services/planning.

12 Complaints about activities occurring in the community remain high. On 28 May the total received was 44% above the average for the preceding seven years. This is a continuation of the trend that started in October 2017.

Building Services

13 No change to the quarterly graph noted below.

14 Processing times in April 2019 for Building Consents were 100% within the 20 working days, although the short term pressure referred to in the last update has been noted in May. The new recruits have joined and will take a couple of months before they become fully productive. Short term pressure is likely to remain for at least another month. Code Compliance Certificate processing times for April were 98.5% within 20 working days with the average time to book an inspection being 3-4 days. The new mobility inspection tool went live in April which will see greater efficiencies. May is on track to deliver a record number of inspections undertaken in a month.

Alcohol Licensing

15 After a period of no trade, the café in Macandrew Bay has reopened as “Two Fat Stags by the Bay”.

16 Two previously unlicensed premises have opened with off-licenses. These are the Waikouaiti Foodcentre and a microbrewery in Kaikorai Valley.

17 While the data is not complete for May the number of applications for licences and special licences is trending downward. This is contrary to the trend of the past two years.

NB: The data in this report is incomplete with April being the only complete month.

Environmental Health

‘A’ Graded Food Premises

18 The percentage of food premises with an A Grade remains constant over the last ten months.

Noise

19 The number of noise complaints received in April are consistent with previous years. Complaints about the noise from the new Rio Class ships berthed at Port Otago continue, as the issue is not yet resolved.

Animal Services

20 There has been an increase in the number of barking complaints during April compared with the same time last year. The number of requests for service relating to dog behaviour and roaming is similar to last year.

Parking Services

21 The increase in the number of parking infringements issued compared with the same time in 2018 is continuing, due to a full complement of staff.

22 During April Parking Services has seen a small reduction in the number of abandoned vehicles and requests for parking enforcement compared to the same time in 2018. This reduction may be due to the implementation of new technology which enables requests for service to be dealt with more efficiently.

Eco Design Advisor

24 Customer feedback continues to be good. The advisor visits NICU at the Dunedin Hospital monthly to provide advice and has referred families to subsidised insulation schemes. The Advisor also attended the South Dunedin Street festival and to provide advice and information about the service.

Major Initiatives

25 The following section is not confined to the Apr - Jun 2019 quarter and also provides updates on the current status of the initiatives.

26 Proposed Second Generation Dunedin City District Plan (2GP) - The focus on work has been on providing initial evidence requested by the Environment Court to explain the role and function of the Strategic Directions and to have informal meetings with appellants to seek to resolve appeals. Meetings have been entirely positive with one agreement already reached and work on other proposed solutions underway.

27 The initial work on Variation 1 (minor issues) to identify changes to be incorporated into Variation 1 is complete, the target for notification is the middle of 2019.

28 The initial work to identify method options for Variation 2 (population growth) is well progressed. However, the assessment of any potential areas for change is waiting on 3 Waters to begin necessary infrastructure modelling before further work can continue.

29 Dunedin Waterfront – A non-public update will be provided to Council at its extraordinary meeting on 11 June 2019.

30 2019 DCC Heritage Awards - The follow-up work for the 2019 awards has been completed and plans are underway start preparation for the 2020 awards.

31 Dunedin Heritage Fund - The Heritage Fund met on 16^th May and the following grants were approved for a variety of repair, restoration and investigation works:

a) 389 Princes Street $30,000

b) 1054 Highcliff Road (Pukehiki) $20,000

c) 111D Cliffs Road (Cargills Castle) $5,000

d) 82 Bond Street $5,000

e) 33 Melville Street $5,000

f) 14 Ferntree Drive $15,000

A further grant of $30,000 for 48 Fitzroy St, was deferred pending further information. Three applications were declined.

32 Biodiversity - The Dunedin Biodiversity Fund April 2019 was completed at the Grants Subcommittee meeting of 15^th May 2019. The April 2019 round was the first round since the fund was reviewed and changes were approved by the Planning and Environment Committee in February 2019. Fifteen applications were received, thirteen of which were from first-time applicants. The round was oversubscribed, with $40,000 available and applications for $52,576 received. Grants worth a total of $52,010 were approved, with the oversubscription met from unallocated funds from the September 2018 round. Attachment B summarises the approved grants for the 2018-19 financial year.

33 Te Ao Tūroa - Te Ao Tūroa Grants have been awarded for this year, with two Dunedin-based groups achieving support for their projects around climate change adaptation and the creation of backyard ecosanctuaries. This is the second year for Te Ao Tūroa grants, with a total of $30,000 allocated for community projects that make a significant contribution to achieving the goals of the Te Ao Tūroa Environment Strategy. In May 2019, the Te Ao Tūroa Partnership also resolved to support a trial of a summer studentship, allocating $8,000 toward a trial studentship project with the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic. Significant feedback has been received on the Town Belt, which will be used to inform approaches to improve and raise awareness of the Town Belt, while other Te Ao Tūroa projects continue to receive support including the Town Belt Kaitiaki, volunteer conservation and the Environment Envoy. The ‘4KT Elephants’ Envoy project runs on weekends until Saturday 16 June at 343 George Street, engaging the community in practical solutions to repurpose textile waste and reduce landfill.

35 Covenant of Mayors - The gap analysis of actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change is progressing well. DCC staff are working with consultants AECOM to undertake this work, which makes up Stage 3 of the Covenant of Mayors commitments. Engagement with stakeholders and the community as this is developed into an action plan as required by the Covenant is beginning to be planned.

Capital Projects

37 Central City Plan - Following on from the Stage 1 consultation for George Street, staff from across Council departments and Aukaha have worked together to develop the preliminary design for George Street. The concept design, Stage 2 consultation feedback and activity plan are included in a separate report to this Planning & Environment Committee.

38 Tertiary Streets - The team is developing a stakeholder engagement plan and is in the process of appointing an external project manager for the Tertiary Streets project.

39 Dunedin Street & Open Space Design Guide - The Urban Design team have been developing a Dunedin specific design guide in partnership with Aukaha and representatives of Ngai Tahu. The guide is a place-based guide that incorporates best practice from the Global Street Design Guide which was adopted by Council in April 2018 and the Spatial Plan. It is envisaged this document will guide development in the city from a place and movement perspective into the future. The guide includes information about the development of Dunedin pre-1840 and through every decade of the last 150 years. Staff will report a draft of the guide to the next meeting of the Planning & Environment Committee.

40 Urban Design Grants - Staff are currently doing research and preparing a proposal to Council about the potential for incentivising urban design on private land. This responds to requests received by Council directly or through the Central City Plan engagement about the development of laneways, roof gardens, inner city apartments and other streetscape improvements. Staff will report back to the next Committee meeting.

41 Caversham Reserve - Works are commencing on site for a proposed BBQ facility and path on the reserve, delivered in partnership with the Caversham Community Group. Works are proposed to be on site for 2 weeks and will be complete by the end of June.

42 Stuart Street Median - Works to the Stuart Street median will be completed in early June. The landscaping works are complete and feedback from the community is very positive.

43 Parklets - Procurement of parklets in vacant bus stops in George Street and Princes Street has been completed. The works are envisaged to be fabricated and installed in July and August.

OPTIONS

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

NEXT STEPS

45 A further update report will be provided after the conclusion of the next quarter.

46 Key areas of focus for the next quarter include:

· 2GP – preparing evidence for appeals.

· Central City Plan (as outlined in separate report.)

· Finalising the Dunedin Streets and Open Space Design Guide

· Master planning for the Waterfront following funding decision.

Signatories

Author:

Nicola Pinfold - Group Manager Community and Planning

Adrian Blair - Group Manager Customer and Regulatory Services

Authoriser:

Sandy Graham - General Manager City Services

Attachments

	Title	Page
⇩a	Dunedin Biodiversity Fund - Summary of 2018-19 funding rounds	29

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 significance 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 of interest.

Community Boards

There are no specific implications for Community Boards.

Planning and Environment Committee

11 June 2019

Food Grading Policy Review

Department: Corporate Policy and Customer and Regulatory Services

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 The Council’s Food Grading Policy 2015 has been reviewed and minor updates are proposed so that the policy aligns with the Food Act which took effect on 1 March 2016. No changes are proposed to the substance of the policy.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a) Adopts the updated Food Grading Policy 2019 at Attachment B.

BACKGROUND

Dunedin Food Grading Policy and Bylaw

2 The Food Grading Policy was introduced in Dunedin in 2015 when the Food Grading Bylaw was last reviewed, in line with bylaw review requirements set out in the Local Government Act 2002 (LGA) and the Food Act 2014.

3 The purpose of introducing the policy was to provide the framework on which the Food Grading Bylaw and associated offences are based while the bylaw details food business operator requirements. The policy includes the Environmental Health Food Business Grading Scoring Matrix.

4 The 2015 Food Grading Bylaw review reflected Food Act changes and came into effect the same day as the Food Act (1 March 2016). The next review of the Food Grading Bylaw is scheduled to be done by 2026, in line with LGA requirements.

5 However, the Food Grading Policy 2015 discusses how the bylaw was to be administered during the transition phase when previous legislation was still relevant. This information is no longer relevant, so the Dunedin Food Grading Policy needs to be updated to align with the Food Act. The policy is being reviewed and updated in accordance with DCC practice of reviewing policies every three years, unless specified otherwise through legislation.

6 The next review of the Food Grading Policy will be carried out together with the Food Grading Bylaw as, from now on, it makes good sense to review these documents together. Although the bylaw review is due by 2026, we plan to review these documents in 2024.

Food grading schemes

7 The Food Act does not include a grading scheme, but it does make provision for the introduction of a national grading scheme in the future under section 385 if local authorities chose to introduce a scheme.

8 A number of local authorities in New Zealand have their own grading schemes whereby businesses food safety ratings are made public. Grading schemes are internationally recognised as being a very effective tool in driving improved standards of food safety.

9 Dunedin has had a grading scheme for more than ten years and it works to ensure high standards of food safety are maintained in Dunedin food businesses. For example, 88% of registered Dunedin food business operators that are currently graded are A Grade; 12% are B Grade, 0.3% are C Grade and none has a D Grade. (This does not include those yet to be graded or those that are not within the scope of the grading scheme.)

DISCUSSION

10 The Food Grading Policy and Food Grading Bylaw are working well in Dunedin with good levels of understanding and compliance from food business operators and this is reflected in the high percentage of A Grade food businesses in Dunedin.

11 Minor updates needed in the Food Grading Policy are, for example, removing references to previous legislation that has been made redundant with the introduction of the Food Act, removing references to processes that no longer apply since the Food Act came in, and updating terminology, for example, ‘Food Control Plan (FCP)/appropriate systems’ are now referred to as ‘risk based measures’ in the Food Act.

12 Minor typographical changes have also been made to align with DCC style and to clarify the meaning of the policy.

13 Significance for proposed changes is assessed as low, given that the changes are updates only to align with the Food Act and do not affect the substance of the policy. Accordingly, there has been no need for external engagement with food business operators.

14 See Attachment A for the tracked changes which update the 2015 Food Grading Policy.

15 See Attachment B for the updated 2019 Food Grading Policy (without tracked changes).

OPTIONS

16 There are no options to this report which is to update the Food Grading Policy in line with new legislation, the introduction of the Food Act 2016.

NEXT STEPS

17 When the Council adopts the Food Grading Policy 2019, this will be made available on the Dunedin City Council website and a link to the policy emailed to all food business operators that the DCC registers.

Signatories

Author:

Anne Gray - Policy Analyst

Ros MacGill - Manager Compliance Solutions

Authoriser:

Adrian Blair - Group Manager Customer and Regulatory Services

Simon Pickford - General Manager Community Services

Attachments

	Title	Page
⇩a	Food Grading Policy 2015 with track changes	36
⇩b	Food Grading Policy 2019	40

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This decision promotes the social well-being of communities in the present and for the future.

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	☒	☐	☐

This decision contributes to the Social Wellbeing Strategy in terms of healthy and safe people; to the Economic Development Strategy in terms of business vitality and a compelling destination; the Spatial Plan in terms of a healthy and safe environment; and complements the Dunedin Food Grading Bylaw.

Māori Impact Statement

There are no specific impacts for tangata whenua.

Sustainability

There are no specific implications for sustainability.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

There are no implications for these documents.

Financial considerations

There are no financial implications.

Significance

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

Engagement – external

There has been no external engagement for this update report.

Engagement - internal

There has been no internal engagement beyond Customer and Regulatory Services for this update report.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

There are no identified risks associated with this report.

Conflict of Interest

There is no conflict of interest associated with this report.

Community Boards

There are no specific implications for Community Boards.

Planning and Environment Committee

11 June 2019

DCC Submission on the Building System Legislative Reform Programme

Department: Community and Planning and Customer and Regulatory Services

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 This report seeks approval of a Dunedin City Council (DCC) submission to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) on the Building System Legislative Reform Programme. A draft DCC submission is attached to this report as Attachment A.

2 The closing date for submission on the reform programme is 16 June 2019.

3 The reform programme proposes changes to five key areas to improve building laws and address long-standing issues with the building sector.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a) Approves the DCC submission to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment on the Building System Legislative Reform Programme.

BACKGROUND

4 New Zealand’s building sector builds and maintains places that New Zealanders work and live in. The sector delivers on several government priorities including KiwiBuild, public housing and infrastructure.

5 The building sector faces some long-standing issues ranging from low productivity, inefficient practices and processes, to skills and labour shortages and poor health and safety. Conversations about how the regulatory system functions reveal issues such as: roles and responsibilities not being clear, information not available when it’s needed, and difficulty in holding people to account for the quality of their work.

6 MBIE is proposing five key changes in the Building System Legislative Reform Programme. These reforms will be the most significant changes since the current Building Act was introduced in 2004.

7 Consultation on the reform programme ends on Sunday 16 June 2019. Feedback from this will inform the refinement of the proposals, and recommendations will be made to Cabinet. Any proposed reforms that require legislative changes will be introduced through a Bill, and the proposed changes to the building levy rate will be implemented through change to regulations.

8 DCC staff attended a 2-day workshop held by MBIE on the reform programme.

DISCUSSION

9 Whilst MBIE’s consultation is focussed on detailed change across the five areas, the DCC cover letter to accompany the questionnaire provided by MBIE for comment highlights the wider challenges that the building system presents for the complex problems Dunedin faces – housing and insulation, and climate change.

10 The questionnaire is predominantly operational commentary on specific aspects of the building system.

OPTIONS

Option One (Recommended Option) – Submit on the Building System Legislative Reform Programme

11 Approve the draft submission on the Building System Legislative Reform Programme, with any suggested amendments, to the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment.

Advantages

· The DCC has an opportunity to comment on the building system reform as proposed by MBIE.

Disadvantages

· There are no identified disadvantages for this option.

Option Two – Do not submit on the Building System Legislative Reform Programme

12 Do not approve and submit a DCC submission on the Building System Legislative Reform Programme.

Advantages

· There are no identified advantages for this option.

Disadvantages

· The DCC misses an opportunity to comment on the building system reform as proposed by MBIE.

NEXT STEPS

13 If the Council approves the submission it will be sent to MBIE for consideration by 16 June 2019.

Signatories

Author:

Jessie Wu - Policy Advisor

Neil McLeod - Principal Advisor – Building Solutions

Authoriser:

Adrian Blair - Group Manager Customer and Regulatory Services

Simon Pickford - General Manager Community Services

Attachments

	Title	Page
⇩a	Draft DCC submission on the building system legislative reform programme	48

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This decision promotes the social and economic well-being of communities in the present and for the future.

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 submission has been developed in line with the goals and objectives of the strategic framework.

Māori Impact Statement

There are no known impacts for tangata whenua.

Sustainability

There are no known implications for sustainability, although the submission encourages future building act reforms to consider sustainability impacts.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

There are no known impacts for current levels of service and/or performance measures resulting from a decision to approve the draft DCC submission.

Financial considerations

There are no known financial implications resulting from a decision to approve the draft DCC submission.

Significance

This decision has been assessed under the Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy as being of low significance.

Engagement – external

No external engagement.

Engagement - internal

Staff from Building Solutions and Corporate Policy contributed to the development of this submission.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

There are no known risks.

Conflict of Interest

There are no known conflicts of interest.

Community Boards

The DCC submission may be of interest to community boards.

Planning and Environment Committee

11 June 2019

Central City Plan: Retail Quarter - George Street Concept Design

Department: City Development and Transport

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 The purpose of this report is to present the preliminary concept design for George Street. The preliminary concept design has been developed based on the key objectives of the Central City Plan, universal design best practice of the Global Street Design Guide adopted by Council in 2018 and feedback received through community consultation, which was reported to Planning & Environment Committee on 16th April 2019.

2 The design seeks to improve vibrancy through placemaking and public realm design, changes to the layout and movement aspects of the street to improve safety and accessibility, improving the overall experience of the street to encourage more people to visit George Street and stay longer, flexible access with electronic bollards to provide for full pedestrianisation of some blocks for events or when required, and measures to reduce impacts of flooding events by incorporating sustainable drainage systems such as rain gardens and greenery.

3 An Activity Plan has been developed to encourage activation of George Street prior to and during construction. The plan includes events, educational mini projects, social value, trials and other positive interventions.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a) Endorses the preliminary design for the George Street – Central City Plan project

b) Notes the Activity Plan being developed by staff to encourage activation of George Street prior to and during the construction period

BACKGROUND

Central City Plan

4 The Dunedin Central City Plan is designed to guide development of the central city area for the next 10-15 years. It establishes a vision for the central city area and an integrated series of initiatives and changes designed to work towards this vision. The vision is aspirational and aims to support the city’s goal of becoming “one of the world’s great small cities”. The vision is to create a prosperous, vibrant, exciting, and accessible central city as a key to this aspiration. This framework was presented to the Planning and Environment Committee in October 2011. Below is an excerpt outlining the objective and approach of implementing the Central City Plan.

“The CCP takes a place-based approach. This means that it takes a more integrated approach to the central city, looking at how different conditions, stakeholders, and work programmes can work together collaboratively to influence the success of the central city. It looks at the way people experience an area. It recognises that people’s use and enjoyment of an area is influenced by a range of different factors and these need to be considered comprehensively. Focusing on one element (such as transport or parking) at the detriment of others (greater pedestrian space and an attractive environment, for example) can erode the overall success of the area in question, even where individually the element may be important. Place-based planning in this sense seeks to take a more holistic approach to areas to create places that function effectively, protect special character, and that people enjoy.” (page 15 of Central City Plan)

5 Stakeholder and public engagement have been completed to inform the design of the George Street project. This feedback was presented and noted by Planning and Environment Committee on 16th April 2019 and a summary is appended to this report in Attachment A.

DISCUSSION

George Street Key objectives

6 The George Street project works to enhance safety and the ‘look and feel’ of George Street and the broader retail area. In addition renewal of existing water infrastructure will take place. The following key objectives are taken from the Central City Plan:

a) Protect and enhance George Street and associated streets as the city’s premiere retail destination for a range of commercial tenants.

b) To make George Street a more attractive place for people to visit.

c) Improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users and reduce crash rates.

d) Coordinate infrastructure renewals to limit the extent of any further disturbances in the period following the amenity and safety improvement works.

7 The table appended as Attachment B is a list of strengths and weaknesses of the Retail Quarter as outlined in the Central City Plan and the ways in which these have been considered and will be resolved through the proposed preliminary concept design and visualisations.

8 Subject to Committee endorsement the preliminary concept design for George Street included in this report will be developed further in the coming months prior to the commencement of detailed design. The designs and visualisations for the concept plan are included as Attachments C and D respectively. Typical street type examples are included as Attachment E.

9 A description of the typical street types are included below;

Placemaking

10 A key objective of the Central City Plan is to provide a place-based approach to changes to the central city. George Street is the heart of the city and is a place where the entire community can come together. The ‘heart of the city’ is a place that is the centre of daily life for people in Dunedin, that is inclusive and defines the character of the city, whether through art, culture, events or people.

11 The preliminary concept design proposes to improve vibrancy on the main street by the addition of native trees, greenery, seating areas, artistic installations, smart technology, improved lighting, wayfinding, signage and street furniture. These interventions are indicative at this stage but will be developed using the cultural narrative developed by Aukaha and Ngai Tahu. These placemaking attributes will celebrate what is special about George Street and stories which reference of all cultural identities that have shaped George Street to present day.

Layout

12 The proposed typologies of a ‘shared space’, ‘slow street’ and ‘commercial one-way street’ are taken from the Global Street Design Guide which was adopted by Council in April 2018. The guide provides a global best practice guide for universal design and is adopted by 200 cities in 70 countries across the world.

Commercial One-Way Street and Shared Space (between Moray Place and Frederick Street)

13 The proposed street layout is altered to still allow one-way vehicular movement in a southerly direction from Frederick Street to Moray Place. This allows significant traffic safety and accessibility improvements at the intersection of George Street and Frederick Street. The proposed layout also includes a contraflow lane heading north for other non-vehicle modes such as bicycles and e scooters.

14 The proposed layout will allow for the block between St Andrew Street and Hanover Street to be constructed as a ‘shared space.’ This will allow for a paved carriageway and pedestrians and cyclists will have priority in this space. As the design develops, paving of the carriageway in other blocks will be considered subject to budget.

Slow Street (between Frederick Street and Albany Street)

15 The block from Frederick Street to Albany Street will be a two-way slow street environment to allow for north moving traffic and buses. Allowing some traffic through the street will have a positive impact on natural surveillance through quiet parts of the day when the businesses are closed and there are less people in the street.

16 The proposed design allows for electronic bollards at the entrance and exit points of blocks (excluding Knox Church block) in order that the street can be closed for events and other activities. This flexible solution will allow the street to be pedestrianised at appropriate times and also mean when there are few pedestrians can be open to allow through movement which will contribute to natural surveillance within the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) guidelines.

17 The plan indicates that there is space available in the proposed design for delivery spaces for shops, mobility car parking spaces, drop offs. All further car parking will be considered as part of a car parking study.

18 The footpath experience will be improved by widening footpaths which will have positive impacts on consumer spending for retailers in the main street, increasing footfall and encouraging users of George Street to ‘stop and stay.’

Environmental Sustainability

19 The scope of the project includes the place and movement attributes of the street, but also much needed upgrading of underground 3 waters infrastructure. The design includes measures for the future to reduce the impacts of flooding events in the street by providing sustainable urban drainage systems such as ground level vegetation, rain gardens, strata cells, permeable paving, infiltration gaps and other remedies to prepare the street for the effects of climate change. The technical design of these aspects, their connections to the new system and proposed 3 waters infrastructure will be completed in the next design stage.

Bringing George Street to life

20 An Activity Plan is included as part of the concept design of the street to show how the street will be activated through events, educational mini projects, social value, trials and other positive interventions that will manage disruption through the construction period. A copy of the draft activity plan is included as Attachment F.

Data Collection

21 Included in this report is a recommendation of a study of baseline data. The studies outlined below will consider how George Street is used currently, its constraints and recommendations for change.

a) Public Life Assessment – this study will provide baseline data for the vehicular movements, pedestrian counts, pedestrian behaviours and other modes within George Street

b) Economic Assessment – this assessment will provide for baseline data of property values, rental values, EFTPOS/ consumer spending, tenant turnover, number of chains vs independents, footfall of shoppers, forecast of economic value of project to city, employment figures and recommendations

c) Accessibility Audit at detailed design stage

d) Environmental survey – this assessment will include baseline data for CO2 emissions/pollution/particulate matter and the condition of existing air quality

e) Parking Study – this study will consider how the existing car parking inventory is managed and recommendations required that incorporate economic best practice, urban design and transport outcomes.

22 Upon completion of the project, this data set will be collected again and used evaluate the project, providing key performance indicators.

OPTIONS

Option One – Recommended Option – The Committee endorses the proposed preliminary concept design

23 The preliminary concept, supported by an activity plan has been informed by the Central City Plan, Global Street Design Guide and community feedback from the recently completed engagement process.

Advantages

· The preliminary concept is consistent with the objectives of the Central City Plan.

· The preliminary concept is consistent with best practice design as set out in the Global Street Design Guide.

· Recent community engagement showed strong support for changes to the design of George Street.

Disadvantages

· Changes to the operation of George Street will not be viewed positively by all parties.

· Road layout changes will result in some increases to travel times through the CBD

Option Two – The Committee does not endorse the preliminary concept design

24 This option would require the project team to revisit the concept design and report back to the Committee at a later date

Advantages

· Further consideration could be given to the proposed changes to George Street

Disadvantages

· A new design less consistent with the central city plan and global street design guide will need to be developed

· Timeframes for the delivery of the project may be compromised

NEXT STEPS

25 If the concept design is endorsed by the Committee staff will progress the design, including further traffic modelling, baseline data collection and the confirmation of an Activity Plan. The project will continue to be progressed as an integrated and collaborative initiative across Council and with Aukaha.

26 The procurement process to engage design consultants and a Contractor will continue

Signatories

Author:

Kathryn Ward - Principal Urban Designer

Richard Saunders - Group Manager Transport

Authoriser:

Simon Drew - General Manager Infrastructure Services

Sandy Graham - General Manager City Services

Attachments

	Title	Page
⇩a	Stakeholder and Public Consultation Evaluation	67
⇩b	CCP Retail Quarter Strengths and Weaknesses	71
⇩c	George Street Preliminary Concept Design	75
⇩d	George Street Typologies	81
⇩e	Retail Quarter Activity Plan	83
F	Draft Activity Design (to be circulated as a supplementary attachment)

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This decision promotes the social well-being of communities in the present and for the future.

This decision promotes the economic well-being of communities in the present and for the future.

This decision promotes the environmental well-being of communities in the present and for the future.

This decision promotes the cultural well-being of communities in the present and for the future.

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	☐	☐	☒

Delivery of the Central City Plan projects will contribute to a range of objectives contained within Dunedin City Council strategies.

Māori Impact Statement

The concept design has been developed with mana whenua who have been engaged throughout the process. The concept and visualisations presented in this report have been prepared with input from mana whenua and a cultural narrative for George Street.

Sustainability

The design presented will have positive implications for George Street and will improve the street as a destination and see development of the commercial aspects of the street. The concept also promotes the social benefits of creating a community space in the central city where people can meet and spend time. From an environmental perspective, the design includes rain gardens, trees, vegetation and permeable paving solutions which will have a positive effect on the environment for the future.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

The Central City Plan project is included in the Long Term Plan 2018-2028.

Financial considerations

Costs for the proposed work are within approved budgets.

Significance

This significance of this decision is assessed as high due to the importance of the project in redeveloping Dunedin’s main street. There has been a high level of community engagement and participation in the project. The concept is in line with the values and objectives of the Central City Plan and utilises global best practice in universal design of the Global Street Design Guide.

Engagement – external

Significant external engagement has occurred throughout this process.

Engagement - internal

Significant internal engagement has occurred throughout this process.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

There are no specific risks associated with this decision. Further work on the proposed concept plan will be completed and the project will manage all identified risks.

Conflict of Interest

No conflicts have been identified

Community Boards

George Street is not located within a Community Board area.

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