18 | “After Covid-19 a lot of dense urban area main streets have been struggling because more people are working from home. So we’re creating an environment in the city where people feel comfortable and excited to come to. “ T T Richard Loader Transforming Dunedin’s city centre Phone: 03 489 4444 email: a.shollands@xtra.co.nz • House Sites • Post Driving • Auger • Driveways • Roading • Farm Work • Supply Rock, Crushed Metal & Screened Top Soil • Mulching • Horse Arena Construction • Trimble GPS Technology Andrew 0274 311 269 Sarah 0274 861 015 Carl 0274 363 820 Dunedin City Council / Isaac Construction REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT George Street, the heart of Dunedin’s Retail Quarter, is undergoing a transformative makeover that promises to bring the city into the modern age. The Dunedin City Council has embarked on a major construction project from late 2021 to 2024, aimed at revitalising the city centre and enhancing its appeal to residents and visitors alike. Spearheaded by head contractor Isaac Construction, the redevelopment of the Retail Quarter is a significant endeavour for Dunedin, with the primary objectives of upgrading critical infrastructure and creating a more people-friendly space that celebrates the city’s heritage, says Dunedin City Council Central City Plan Project Director Glen Hazelton. “It’s been over 30 years since the above ground infrastructure was upgraded in the city. Think about how much our lives have changed in those 30 years including the way we work, shop and spend our leisure time. So we are trying to create a space that responds to how we live our lives today and sets us up for further changes in the future,” he says. The project entails the installation of new paving, street furniture, lighting and public art, all of which will contribute to a vibrant, more welcoming and distinctive atmosphere. By enhancing the visibility of mana whenua the project also acknowledges the partnership with Kai Tahu, says Glen. One of the crucial aspects of the upgrade is the replacement of aging underground services such as water, wastewater, and stormwater pipes. Glen says some of these pipes are over 150 years old and require immediate attention to ensure the safety and well being of the community. Additionally, the project seeks to create compelling and attractive areas where a wider range of people can enjoy spending their time, ultimately contributing to Dunedin’s prosperity as a vibrant and accessible destination, says Glen. One example is that 30 years ago there were fewer cafes and restaurants and much less outdoor seating. So the project is creating more space for those types of businesses, recognising how much more a part of modern life this has become. “For example we have worked closely with a number of hospitality businesses and have given them outdoor tables and chairs with umbrellas free of charge and waived outdoor dining fees for a year so they can trial outdoor dining without needing to make significant investment. Feedback so far has been extremely positive. After Covid-19 a lot of dense urban area main streets have been struggling because more people are working from home. So we’re creating an environment in the city where people feel comfortable and excited to come to. Another example is in the Golden Block where one of the features will be a Manaaki Space with a number of interactive elements for families to play together so the CBD is more user friendly for people of all ages.” The progress of the works is already evident, as various sections of the Retail Quarter have seen significant transformations. Farmers Block is complete and George Street’s Edinburgh Way, Great King Street, Knox Row and the Malls Block are progressing well and are expected to be completed on or ahead of schedule, says Glen. One notable feature of the Retail Quarter upgrade has been efforts to undertake the work more sustainably. One example of this has been the reuse of old pavers. Instead of disposing of the old pavers, Glen says that Dunedin City Council has decided to provide them for free to groups and residents for projects with positive community and environmental outcomes. He says that Isaac Construction has generously supported this initiative by offering free labour and assisting with site works for various projects. Glen says the redevelopment overall project is a significant undertaking that aligns with the Dunedin City Council’s vision of creating a distinctive destination and one of the world’s great small cities. By improving safety, accessibility and the amenity of the area, the project aims to create a healthy central city centre, boost the local economy and preserve the city’s retail core. As the construction continues, it is crucial for the public to stay informed and engaged with the on-going developments, says Glen, as this transformation will shape the future of Dunedin’s city centre for years to come. Dunedin City Council has set up Pītau Whakatipu, a project office at 125 George Street. The name was gifted to the project by Mana Whenua and means ‘young fern frond’. Glen says that Pitau Whakatipu is a space for learning about the project, meeting to discuss issues and a space for future workshops and meetings. The public can pop in any time and have a chat to the friendly team to find out more about the project. The project seeks to “create compelling and attractive areas where a wider range of people can enjoy spending their time,” says Dunedin City Council Central City Plan Project Director Glen Hazelton.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=