12 Dec 2023

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Upgrades to make one of the Central City’s most rapidly developing areas more people friendly is out for feedback.

The block of Gloucester Street between Manchester and Colombo streets has had a 10km/h speed limit, speed cushions, stage, street furniture and planter boxes installed as part of Waka Kotahi’s Streets for People trial.  

Nīkau palms have also been painted on the road to tie in with nearby Cathedral Junction, and the painted pavement outside Isaac Theatre Royal features its crown logo.  

“Now the trial is installed, we want people to head down to Gloucester Street throughout the summer, check out the changes and let us know what they think works well or what could be done differently,” Christchurch City Council Transport Planning and Delivery Manager Jacob Bradbury said. 

“Because the upgrades are temporary, we can quickly adapt them as needed, based on community feedback or the monitoring we’re doing in the area.”   

The community is being asked for input on:  

  • Whether the upgrades enhance the street and improve safety 
  • Views on the various elements being trialled 
  • Other ideas they have for the street upgrade  

The block was chosen as it includes the city’s Performing Arts Precinct with the under-construction Court Theatre building, New Regent Street’s bustling hospitality scene, Tūranga, Te Pae and connects through to Whiti-reia Cathedral Square. 

Feedback on the trial is open until 18 March 2024. This will inform a Council decision on the next steps which is expected in June.  

A trial due to be launched earlier this year, was put on hold due to concerns about the one-way design. In September, Councillors moved a motion to continue the work with a design to allow for two-way traffic. 

The trial is 90% funded by the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Streets for People programme, which aims to create more vibrant and accessible street environments that enable people to move around easily, using a variety of transport options.

Learn more about the trial and provide feedback at Kōrero mai | Let’s talk.