Ward Street closure enhances CBD shopping experience

Work to close a section of Hamilton’s Ward Street begins next week as part of a project to improve the shopping experience in the city’s central business district.

The work, which begins on 1 October, will see the permanent closure of Ward Street between Worley Place and Anglesea Street and construction of a pedestrian area between the two parts of Centre Place Shopping Centre.

Chris Allen, Hamilton City Council’s General Manager City Infrastructure, says Council has worked closely with Centre Place owner Kiwi Income Property Trust on the project, which will improve pedestrian access between the two complexes.

“This work continues revitalisation of Hamilton’s CBD, and will benefit customers and retailers in the area,” says Mr Allen.

Mr Allen says the work will be undertaken by contractors for Kiwi Income Property Trust. It will take approximately 12 months, with the opening expected in October 2013.

The work means a change to kerbside loading zones in the area, with a new loading zone to be introduced on Worley Place, directly outside Robert Harris Cafe. The time limit for the loading zone at the northern end of Worley Place will be extended to 30 minutes, while two new loading zones will also be introduced on Bryce Street, replacing existing 10-minute parking spaces.

Pedestrians are also asked to avoid the footpath on the western side of the Centre on Anglesea Street, between Civic Square and Ward Street, as it will be closed until the end of January until the refurbishment is completed. So the left southbound lane of Anglesea Street, between Ward Street and the carpark entrance, will also be closed for the same period of time.

The closure of the section of Ward Street will mean changes to traffic flows through the CBD: vehicles will not be able to enter Ward Street from Anglesea Street, but will still be able to access Ward Street from Victoria Street and the Worley Place Shared Zone.

“There will be some disruption while this work is completed, but the final result will be another unique shopping precinct in the city. We’re pleased to have been able to work so closely with Kiwi Income Property Trust and look forward to seeing the improvements.”