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Figure 4-25 – Plan showing alternative locations for Bus Park relocation
Figure 4-25 – Plan showing alternative locations for Bus Park relocation
Source: Atkins analysis
Alternative Bus Park Sites Option A: North of the River Kaiti – site identified by the municipality for the relocation of the bus park. Relocating the bus park to this location would allow the existing plot to be entirely or partially repurposed with complementary uses, however, walkability to the CBD from the site is poor (approximately 30 minutes), it is close to the Kaiti River (attention should be taken to fully future proof for flooding this site), landownership is currently unknown, and traffic would still have to pass through the centre to access the CBD activities. Site A has only a limited number of benefits and can be considered a springboard to kick-off future development north of the river.
Option B: North-east of the existing site – this site has been identified by the municipality for the relocation of the bus park and has been allocated in the proposed Development Plan for Wote. Relocating the bus park to this location would allow the existing plot to be entirely or partially repurposed with complementary uses, would support growth of the town to the east, and it is in a more accessible location (approximately 15 minutes on foot from the CBD). However, this location will still require eastbound buses to pass through the centre to arrive at the bus park.
Option C: South of existing site – this site has been identified by the municipality for the relocation of the bus park and has been allocated in the proposed Development Plan for Wote. Relocating the bus park to this location would allow the existing plot to be entirely or partially repurposed with complementary uses, it would support growth of the town to the south. The site is quite large which would provide the opportunity for additional/complimentary proposals. Walkability is the poorest for this site, taking approximately 32 minutes to access the CBD. As with the options above, it is expected that the number of buses reaching site C might reduce the volume of traffic crossing town because of alternative approach. Similarly, the new bus station will be a modern facility able to accommodate more buses in a higher quality environment. This facility will also address demand for student trips traveling to the educational facilities.
Generally, any of the three locations will have a positive impact on the town’s growth and local urban fabric development. Sustainable urban development principles require that each site is to be treated as mixed-use developments which, ultimately, will become local centres. The bus facilities will also benefit from structures conceived as adaptive and flexible able to accommodate future needs (i.e.: reconversion of real estate).
Option A is an exemplar of green field development. For this to be an effective solution, a series of enabling infrastructure and a certain commercial and residential critical mass will need to be established on site and delivered jointly with the bus station – Transit Oriented Development. Careful operational and management studies will be required to understand operations and last mile connectivity with the CBD and its varied destinations, this will ensure a suitable local NMT strategy complements the long-range journeys.
Options B and C, both potentially polarise growth along the two road corridors and, somehow, offer the opportunity to either maintain cross town public transport services or act as gateway to the CBD. Option B, however, is closer to the centre and might be preferable from a walkability perspective.
