MINUTES Special CLG
DATE
21 October 2020
TIME
5 PM
LOCATION
4A Cross Street
STAKEHOLDERS TE CLG members and guests – Spencer Morris, Angela McCarthy, Tina Plunkett, Ray Delany, IN Muy Chhour, Michael Richardson, Patrick Reynolds, Sam Irvine, Alexandra Bohnham, ATTENDANCE Richard Northey, Jessica Beagehern,
STAFF
Richard Northley, Adriana Christie, Michael Richardson, Penny Hansen, Miraim and Dave Richard Jenkins, Alan Whiteley, Simon Lough, Cameron Ritter, Johanna McIntosh, Simon Croucher, Gav Hyde, Ronny Franks, Humphrey Tait, Roch Sullivan, Grady Elliott, Mitchell, Deirdre Fitzgerald
SUBJECT
Beresford Square public realm engagement
Purpose To provide information regarding: •
The proposed design elements for Beresford Square and the areas of influence that CLG members can provide feedback.
Agenda 1. Brief welcome – Simon Mitchell, Community Manager 2. Urban Realm - Alan Whiteley, Simon Lough, urban designers 3. Discussion and questions i. Subject matter experts will be available to answer questions Urban Realm presentation Welcome – The CLG were welcomed to this special meeting to discuss the proposed design of Beresford Square. Urban Realm - Alan Whiteley, Simon Lough, urban designers presented the proposed plan and advised it was open for discussion and that all comments would be recorded and submitted to Council.
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Meeting notes and Q&As Patrick Reynolds – expressed his disappointment with the design saying it has lost a lot of the elements initially proposed. •
Would like to see more than one tree species in the area as we removed various species.
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Would like to see more greenery around the space as there is no protection from the sun. It will be like scorched earth in summer.
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There needs to be more bike access, racks and paths and protected walking areas. This area is the confluence of three bike paths.
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Without more bike racks people will be incentivized to come into Beresford Square.
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With so many people coming into the area more bike racks is critical.
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Can the area behind the Station be used of events?
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What is the interconnectivity with Samoa Lane?
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There needs to be clear signage for the access from Beresford to Karangahape through the Samoa Lane public access.
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Is there going to be wayfinding signage from Samoa Lane access and lower Beresford Square
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More station signage needs to be apparent.
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AT is poor on public realm and we need to do more to ensure this happens.
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Driving around the grove almost makes it useless and being continually surrounding by moving traffic.
Ray Delaney – Expressed the need to recognize the homeless people as part of the community and how are they considered in the design. •
The grove is potentially very dangerous are that will draw in homeless people who are currently living under Hopetoun Bridge.
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The park needs to be very well lit and with security.
Michael Richardson – Expressed the need that design consider and recognize the diversity of the community and mention those who have not been included in design (i.e. Jewish history, Chinese community). •
The connectivity to Ponsonby and Freemans Bay needs to be identified and promoted. Eg through Samoa House and Day Street.
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Is it possible to create a space for events?
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Also highlighted the grove being used as a gathering area for the homeless. Need to engage LifeWise for further feedback as they know the homeless community.
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Is there plans to future proof the area for the influence of the people coming in and out of the station?
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What is the plan for the property currently being used as our site office? Though this may be a council issue it is once LA and CRL should raise.
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You are going to see 1000 bikes chained to the trees, fences and whatever they can if there are not enough bike racks.
Tina Plunket – Interested in the artwork being considered for the area and wondered if the piece called “Misery” •
How is it going to be safe for bikes coming into the Square with 4500 people coming up?
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Can the retail space be a backpacker area where they can drop bags and lock them up?
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The area will attract lots of bikes and we need more bike racks.
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Where is the AT bike strategy?
Alex Bohnham – Alex will ask AC about the road interface on Samoa Lane that leads from Beresford Square to Karangahape. What is the future proofing of the interface? The meeting will take place next week. 6:30 PM meeting ends
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