New park for Courtenay Place
14/06/2006 12:00:00 a.m.
THE Wellington City Council has proposed to develop the small park on the corner of Courtenay Place and Taranaki Street into a more attractive and safer space.
Mayor Kerry Prendergast says the park is difficult to get to and close to an intersection with the highest rate of pedestrian accidents in the CBD and would benefit from the proposed development.
She says the area would meet the demand for more space to sit, play, walk and relax in.
The plans include paving the existing traffic access land and parking spaces so that it becomes part of a larger open space on which new trees will be planted and lighting improved. More seats will be added.
The traffic lanes on Courtenay Place next to the park will be increased from two to three, with the new lane being a left-hand turn into Taranaki Street.
Nine of the existing 15 car parks will be relocated into this access lane.
The former men’s toilets will be developed into a wine/cocktail bar, "so that is fits in with the new park", meanwhile a major piece of art will also be installed.
Mayor Prendergast is confident that people are going to like the proposed changes.
"This park is in a part of the city that attracts an enormous number of pedestrians, both day and night, but it could be a lot better. We believe the new park will attract more people wanting to spend more time in Courtenay Place, which will add to the vibrancy and safety in this part of the city," she says.
People have until July 6 to comment on the plans by writing to Peter.Kundycki@wcc.govt.nz or calling 8013839.
