New Approach Taken to Brougham Street Redesign

A new approach to the use of central-city space is being established by New Plymouth District Council.

Lower Brougham Street between Ariki and Devon streets is the subject of an upgrade which will encourage more public use and greater sharing of the space by those who walk, cycle and drive.

“We’ve taken notes from similar street redevelopments in central Auckland where there aren’t separate spaces for traffic and pedestrians, but rather a shared space which has resulted in an open, fresh-feeling public area where once there was just a road,” says Let’s Go Project Manager Carl Whittleston.

“We have been working with key stakeholders on the principles for redesigning lower Brougham Street and we’ve got some great ideas to develop.

“We’re now taking those concepts and working on them to come up with a detailed street design.”

The aim is to develop a high-quality pedestrian-friendly urban street that encourages social activity, fosters a sense of community and enhances the local economy.

The concepts include doing away with defined footpaths and instead having a single level pavement for walking, driving and cycling. Seating areas, planter boxes and a green space are included, with the streetscape establishing an inviting and much stronger pedestrian link between Devon Street West and Puke Ariki Landing.

The streetscape will also create a larger, more open entrance to Puke Ariki’s South Wing.

“Traffic would continue down King Street and continue to have access through lower Brougham, and we intend to retain parking spaces and the bus stops in that area,” says Mr Whittleston.

“This is a new approach to the use of public urban spaces in the central city, and it will fit in well with the ‘cultural precinct’ theme of this end of town.”

Mr Whittleston expects the detailed design to be completed in January with construction starting in March next year.