Agenda of Auckland City Centre Advisory Board

I hereby give notice that an ordinary meeting of the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board will be held on:

Date:

Time:

Meeting Room:

Venue:

Wednesday, 22 October 2014

3pm

Committee Room
Level 15, 1 Greys Avenue,
Auckland

Auckland City Centre Advisory Board

OPEN AGENDA

MEMBERSHIP

Chairperson	Dr Lucy Baragwanath	University of Auckland
Deputy Chairperson	Earl Gray	Partner, Simpson Grierson, Committee for Auckland
Members	Dick Ayres	Member, CBD Residents Advisory Group
	Mayor Len Brown, JP	Auckland Council
	Shale Chambers	Chair Waitemata Local Board
	Tim Coffey	Member, CBD Residents Advisory Group
	John Coop	Warren and Mahoney, NZ Institute of Architects
	Jillian de Beer	de Beer Marketing & Communications
	Kate Healy	Ngati Whatua o Orakei Corporate Limited
	Barbara Holloway	Karangahape Road Business Association
	Mike Lee	Councillor, Auckland Council
	Nigel Murphy	University of Technology
	Connal Townsend, JP	Property Council of NZ
	To be advised	Heart of the City

(Quorum 7 members)

Tam White

Democracy Advisor

16 October 2014

Contact Telephone: (09) 307 7253

Email: tam.white@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Website: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

1 Apologies

At the close of the agenda no apologies had been received.

2 Declaration of Interest

Members are reminded of the need to be vigilant to stand aside from decision making when a conflict arises between their role as a member and any private or other external interest they might have.

3 Confirmation of Minutes

That the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board:

a) confirm the ordinary minutes of its meeting, held on Wednesday, 24 September 2014, including the confidential section, as a true and correct record.

4 Extraordinary Business

Section 46A(7) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (as amended) states:

“An item that is not on the agenda for a meeting may be dealt with at that meeting if-

(a) The local authority by resolution so decides; and

(b) The presiding member explains at the meeting, at a time when it is open to the public,-

(i) The reason why the item is not on the agenda; and

(ii) The reason why the discussion of the item cannot be delayed until a subsequent meeting.”

Section 46A(7A) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (as amended) states:

“Where an item is not on the agenda for a meeting,-

(a) That item may be discussed at that meeting if-

(i) That item is a minor matter relating to the general business of the local authority; and

(ii) the presiding member explains at the beginning of the meeting, at a time when it is open to the public, that the item will be discussed at the meeting; but

(b) no resolution, decision or recommendation may be made in respect of that item except to refer that item to a subsequent meeting of the local authority for further discussion.”

Auckland City Centre Advisory Board

22 October 2014

CCI Progress Update for Auckland City Centre Advisory Board
- for period 1 September to 30 September 2014

File No.: CP2014/24530

Purpose

1. To update the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board on City Centre Integration progress between 1 September 2014 to 30 September 2014.

Executive summary

2. LTP Budget Review

· The City Centre proposal was further presented to the Budget Committee workshop on 15th September 2014.

· Resolution of the terms and conditions for the renewed City Centre Targeted Rate is required to inform the funding options for City Centre initiatives. The draft Targeted Rate proposal will be presented to the Board for discussion in the Confidential section.

· All projects and initiatives in the City Centre are subject to review and amendment through the current LTP Budget review. This may affect the scope and timing of projects outlined below.

3. Precinct Frameworks

· Framework documents will be compiled for five key city centre precincts, to collate planning and project information and inform decisions on projects and initiatives from Council and CCO’s for:

o Wynyard Quarter – complete.

o Downtown – endorsed by the ADC in September 2014. Feedback is sought from the Board.

o Aotea – commenced, currently proposing scope, issues and outcomes. An introductory presentation will be provided to the Board at the meeting, seeking early feedback and input on scope and issues.

o Learning Quarter – to commence late early 2015.

o Victoria Quarter – to commence 2015.

4. Queen Elizabeth Square

· Following endorsement by the ADC in September, the downtown public open space review is developing responses to the ADC resolutions, including detailed consideration of planning and design option. Engagement with the Board will be sought in November 2014.

5. Lorne Street Shared Space Upgrade

· Construction work to relocate the bronze ‘REO’ Text seats is due to start 16 October 2014.

· Activation opportunities (events, kiosks, outdoor dining etc) are being explored over the upcoming Spring/Summer period.

6. O’Connell Street Shared Space

· A successful opening event was held on 19th September, attended by local businesses, Councillors, Advisory Board members and Waitemata Local Board.

· The installation of proposed art work (O for O’Connell) is due end of 2014.

7. Federal Street Shared Space Upgrade

· All works are completed.

· Discussions regarding outdoor dining locations and consents are progressing well with SkyCity and Council’s Bylaws team.

· A joint opening event with Auckland Council and SkyCity is planned for 7th November 2014.

8. Upper Khartoum Place Upgrade

· Upper Khartoum Place was re-opened by the Mayor on 10th September 2014.

9. Myers Park Development

· Construction is underway for stage 1 of the Myers Park Development Plan, to be completed before the Park Centenary in February 2015.

· The Auckland City Centre Advisory Board supports in principle the allocation of $3.3m of City Centre targeted rate to the next stages of the Myers Park Development Plan, to be delivered in 2015/16. Work will focus on improving the northern and southern entrances, including improvements to:

o Greys Ave and Mayoral Drive stairs

o Queen Street and Mayoral Drive Entrance

o Stormwater detention dam and bio filtration area adjacent to the underpass

o Mayoral Drive underpass

o Pedestrian link from Pitt Street via Poynton terrace to Myers Park

· A report to the Board will be submitted in November.

10. Bledisloe House Customer Services Centre and Bledisloe Lane Upgrade

· A high quality covered pedestrian laneway is being constructed between Aotea Square and Wellesley Street, including public open space at the northern end.

· Construction continues to progress on target for completion in November 2014, when the Customer Service Centre opens.

11. Freyberg Square and Ellen Melville Hall

· Auckland City Centre Advisory Board confirmed allocation of additional targeted rate funds to Freyberg Square development in June 2014.

· Appointment of design consultants is underway for both the Ellen Melville hall upgrade and improvements to Freyberg Square. Following appointment of design team City Centre Integration will lead the project.

· Developed design for both Hall and Square due to be completed in early 2015.

12. Vessel Berthage /Central Wharves Strategies

· The strategy will inform options for redevelopment of the harbour edge and central wharves, including Queens Wharf and the ferry / cruise basins.

o Noted that the Port Study Stage 2 review is underway separately (due end 2014), and will help inform the strategies.

· Analysis of options is progressing well, with initial findings due end 2014.

· Engagement with the Board on options and issues is requested in November 2014.

13. Ferry Basin Redevelopment

· On Hold pending outcomes of the Vessel Berthage options study.

· Initial redevelopment will be informed by the vessel berthage strategy, and staged to align with planned Quay St streetscapes and seawall upgrades.

14. Quay St Seawall

· Investigations have determined that sections of the seawall may fail in a moderate seismic event. Auckland Transport as the asset owner intends to upgrade or replace the seawall to current seismic design standards.

· The procurement & delivery strategy is being developed, for a planned start of physical works 2015/16 (subject to funding). Trials will be carried out in early 2015.

· Maintenance repairs to prevent further deterioration of the seawall adjacent to Princes Wharf were completed in September 2014.

15. Quay Street Streetscape Upgrade

· Council and CCOs are jointly finalising the design brief, for release (or further modification) following clarification of funding through the current LTP budget review. The further issue of tender documentation has been placed On Hold in light of the current LTP budgets review.

· Staging of works will be coordinated with Seawall and Ferry Basin upgrades.

· A review of early proposals to underground Quay Street is underway and will be completed November 2014.

16. Wynyard Quarter Integrated Roading

· Roading and infrastructure upgrades for WQ are being rolled out to meet development planning and implementation 2014-2020.

· Design is progressing for the southern sector – first stage will align with completion of the Fonterra HQ development on Fanshawe / Halsey St by end 2015.

· Staged delivery & property acquisitions are being aligned with lease expiries & contractual obligations.

17. City Centre PT Infrastructure

· The draft strategic case for the programme of city centre bus infrastructure will be completed shortly, and will inform engagement with stakeholders on options for project scope and functional requirements. Feedback on the draft will be sought from the Board in November.

· Operational planning for the bus network during the proposed CRL Enabling Works period will be completed end October 2014.

· Concept planning is progressing well for Downtown Interchange (with CRL), for engagement with stakeholders in late 2014.

· Scheme assessment for the Fanshawe Street/Wynyard Station design will be tendered in late 2014. A Request for Expressions of Interest has been issued.

18. Wynyard Quarter – Te Wero Bridge

· The existing Te Wero Bridge was designed & built for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, with a limited design life (5-8 years). Options for upgrade / replacement / maintenance are being considered, within the constraints of the LTP budget review.

19. Westhaven Cycle/Pathway/Promenade

· Work is progressing well and will be completed in stages through 2014/15 and Stage 2 from 2015/16 (subject to funding).

20. City Centre Cycle Network

· The Grafton Gully / Beach Rd / Upper Queen St Bridge route was completed and officially opened on 6th Sept 2014 by the Mayor and the Prime Minister. The project was a close collaboration between NZTA, Council and Auckland Transport.

· Stage 2 of the Beach Road improvements partly funded by $1.5m of City Centre targeted rate, and is currently at concept design stage. Project is on programme to be completed by mid-2015.

· Accelerated implementation of the city centre cycle network is being investigated with short / medium term cycle routes to link the existing cycle routes leading into the city. Priority routes include:

o Nelson St (incl the Nelson St Off ramp - NZTA),

o Quay St,

o Victoria St,

o Beaumont St, and

o K’Road,

Design options are currently being costed and evaluated, for review with the Board in November 2014.

21. Hobson and Nelson Street upgrade

· Project objectives are currently being scoped in an initial concept report, for review with key stakeholders.

· Funding and timing will be staged – Stage 1 is required to support the opening of the NZICC in late 2017.

22. Victoria Street Linear Park

· Earliest project start date is deferred to 2019/20 to align with CRL construction (due to intersection constraints).

23. Wayfinding Signage

· The Council group has commissioned a Wayfinding Signage study, for roll-out to five test precincts including Downtown in 2015.

24. A presentation will be provided to the Board in November. Noted that the Board has endorsed a funding contribution of $1,000,000 for Wayfinding in the city centre – needs alignment of objectives and delivery with current Council works.

Recommendation/s

That the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board:

a) receive the City Centre Integration progress update for the period of 1 September 2014 to 30 September 2014.

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Signatories

Authors	Andrew Guthrie – Programme Director – City Centre Integration
Authorisers	Rick Walden – General Manager – City Centre Integration

Auckland City Centre Advisory Board

22 October 2014

Freyberg Square Upgrade - Update on Freyberg Place Transport Model

File No.: CP2014/22951

Purpose

1. The Auckland City Centre Advisory Board passed a resolution CEN/2014/58 on 27 August 2014 requesting that officers provide a transport model for Freyberg Square and report back on the findings.

Executive summary

Background

2. Officers presented the Freyberg Square concept to the City Centre Advisory Board in June 2014. The concept was supported in principle and an additional $2,700,000 targeted rate was allocated by the Board.

3. It is proposed, as part of the concept design, that Freyberg Place is closed to vehicles to enable pedestrian priority across the square and to improve the connection between the Square and Ellen Melville and the Pioneer Women’s Hall.

4. Auckland City Centre Advisory Board requested that staff provide traffic modelling to understand the impacts of this proposal. Resolution CEN/2014/58

Freyberg Place

5. Freyberg Place is a 38m long one-way street (eastbound only) with an overall carriageway width of approximately 3.2m which connects from High Street across the front of the Melville Hall and exits at the junction of O’Connell Street, Chancery and Courthouse Lane. It is classified as a Local road within the District plan. These types of road are defined as those providing “direct access to abutting properties”. In this case the only adjacent property is Pioneer Women’s and Ellen Melville Hall.
The current designation of Freyberg Square and Freyberg Place is Road Reserve but it has been suggest this should be changed and designated as Public Open Space.

6. No Stopping At All Times (“NSAAT”) markings are present and also bollards positioned on both sides of the carriageway along the entire length of Freyberg Place. Along a significant portion of Freyberg Place, the road carriageway is flush with the pedestrian footpath and the construction material used for the roadway is identical to the footpath.

7. These factors contribute to making Freyberg Place a very low-speed environment.

8. The retention of the laneway to date has limited the use of space and created division between The Pioneer Women’s Hall and Freyberg Square with bollards dominating the northern extent of the plaza. In addition, it has limited the potential urban interface to High Street and Courthouse Lane.

Report Findings

9. This aspiration to close Freyberg Place was outlined following a detailed analysis of vehicle circulation around the surrounding streets and through Freyberg Place.

10. A detailed Transportation Assessment Report was commissioned by Traffic Design Group (December 2012) to analyse the vehicle circulation around the site. This survey highlighted very low traffic movement along Freyberg Place,

20 vehicles per hours – Morning peak hour

23 vehicles per hour – Evening peak hour

24 vehicles per hour – Weekday midday

24 vehicles per hour – Saturday Peak hour

12. The effect of closing Freyberg Place and re-routing vehicles around the connection intersections in the network is likely to be minor. Vehicles would have to travel an additional 415m to return to the target end point at the junction of Freyberg place and Chancery Lane. The alternative route along High Street, Victoria Street, Kitchener Street to Courthouse lane is 95 – 120 seconds, effectively less than 2 minutes.

13. Council staff engaged TDG in October 2014 to review the transport assessment and undertake a further traffic survey along Freyberg Place. This additional survey showed there was a reduction in vehicles using Freyberg Place. The survey results show:

9 vehicles per hours – Morning peak hour

12 vehicles per hour – Evening peak hour

2 vehicles per hour – Weekday midday

17 vehicles per hour – Saturday Peak hour

14. In summary: The volumes using Freyberg Place have dropped noticeably since the original assessment was undertaken in December 2012

15. The recent upgrade of O’Connell Street to a shared space has resulted in a reduction of car park numbers in the area. This change may have decreased the number of cars needing to use Freyberg Place.

16. The number of vehicles likely to be affected through the closure of Freyberg Place is low, the effect on travel times is not considered significant and the effect on the surrounding road network is expected to be negligible. The closure of Freyberg Place will effectively remove all risk of crashes between vehicles and pedestrians along the street and therefore have a positive effect in terms of road safety. There is no traffic planning reasons to preclude acceptance of this proposal.

Recommendation/s

That the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board:

a) receive this update based on the traffic analysis undertaken

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Freyberg Square Proposed Upgrade - Transportation Assessment Report	15
b View	Freyberg Square - Update to Traffic Assessment	63
c View	Freyberg Square - Traffic Assessment, Figure 1	67

Signatories

Author

Keren Alleyne - Project Leader

Authorisers

Rachael Eaton - Team Leader Central & Islands, City Transformation Projects

John Dunshea - Manager City Transformation Projects

Andrew Guthrie – Programme Director – City Centre Integration

Auckland City Centre Advisory Board

22 October 2014

Update on the Concept Design of Beach Road Stage 2 Cycleway and Public Realm Improvements

File No.: CP2014/23710

Purpose

1. To update the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board on the design of Beach Road Streetscape and Cycleway upgrade stage two prior to beginning next stages of the project.

Executive summary

Background

2. Beach Road Streetscape and Cycleway upgrade Stage two is the final stage of the Upper Queen Street Bridge, Grafton Gully, Beach Road cycleway network.

3. The improvements extend along the northern edge of Beach Road linking Mahuhu Crescent to Britomart Place. The project will be delivered in a joint partnership between Auckland Transport (AT) and Auckland Council and is due to be completed by mid 2015.

Funding

4. There is currently $1,000,000 allocated for the Beach Road Streetscape and cycleway upgrade in the Auckland Council Long Term Plan in 2014/15 financial year. In addition, at June 2014 meeting, the City Centre Advisory Board endorsed allocation of $1,500,000 of City Centre Targeted Rate in financial year 14/15 to the project. AT will contribute a further $1,000,000 for works, including possible relocation of services, the upgrade of signals and changes required to the intersections. Total budget for the project is $3,500,000.

Proposed Concept Design

5. An initial concept design was presented to the City Centre Advisory Board in June 2014 and to the Waitemata Local Board in August 2014. Since August staff have continued to refine the design based on the feedback from City Centre Advisory Board, Waitemata Local Board and a joint Auckland Transport and Auckland Council steering group. Other key stakeholders consulted include Cycling Action Auckland, The NZ Blind foundation, CCS Accessibility Action, Generation Zero, Cooper and Company and Waldorf Apartments. An early design concept was also discussed with Mana Whenua

6. The concept design incorporates a 3m wide segregated cycleway and pedestrian footpath. The carriageway, cycleway and footpath are separated by low coastal shrub planting which will provide cyclists a safe route into the city centre. The enhanced public realm will include quality materials, seating, specimen trees and aesthetic lighting. A copy of the concept design report is attached (Attachment A)

Next Steps

7. The proposed concept design will be presented to the public at an information day in early November. Detailed design will be completed by January 2015. Construction is scheduled to start in March and be completed by July 2015

8. Staff will update the City Centre Advisory Board on the outcome of the information day in December 2014.

Recommendation/s

That the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board:

a) support the proposed concept design for Beach Road Stage 2 – Cycleway and public realm improvements

b) note that the design has been developed with input from key stakeholders including, Cycling Action Auckland, The NZ Blind foundation, CCS Accessibility Action, Generation Zero, Cooper and Company and Waldorf Apartments

c) note that the proposed concept design will be presented to the public at an information day to be held in early November and staff will undertake further engagement with Iwi

d) endorse that staff update Auckland City Centre Advisory Board on the outcome of information day and feedback from Iwi in December 2014.

Comments

Auckland City centre Masterplan aspirations

9. The City Centre Masterplan (CCMP) has identified Beach Road as a key entry into the city centre, and a link to the city centre fringe. It is also the last stage of the Grafton Gully cycleway.

10. The CCMP under Transformation Move 1 – Harbour Edge Stitch. The CCMP has identified the broad paved areas along Beach Road as providing place making and public realm improvement opportunities.

11. There is currently $1,000,000 allocated for the Beach Road Streetscape and cycleway upgrade in the Auckland Council long term plan in 2014/15 financial year. In addition at June 2014 meeting, the City Centre Advisory Board endorsed allocation of $1,500,000 of City Centre Targeted Rate in financial year 14/15 to the project. AT will contribute a further $1,000,000 for works to existing services including possible relocation of services, the upgrade of signals and changes required to the intersections. Total budget for the project is $3,500,000.

Beach Road Cycleway and pedestrian upgrade

12. To date Council staff have been working with AT in a joint partnership to deliver a cycleway connection between Mahuhu Crescent and Britomart Place.

13. Objectives of the project include:

a) Contribute to the regeneration of Beach Road, associated streets and land uses;

b) Increase safety and encourage an increase in walking and cycling in the study area;

c) Expand the cycle network, provide continuous routes, an fill a key gap in the existing cycling network;

d) Provide cycle and pedestrian connectivity to city centre and Quay Street / Tamaki Drive shared path;

e) Incorporate place making provision’s into the design;

f) Create a distinctive street and public realm character; and

g) Provide a high quality, attractive and durable streetscape.

14. The proposed upgrade of Beach Road will include a 3m wide segregated cycle path and a wide continuous footpath along the building edge on the northern side of Beach Road. The cycleway will be segregated from the busy carriage way by low coastal shrub planting and approximately two metre wide planting will separate cyclists from pedestrians. The proposed scheme includes high quality paving, trees, seating areas and aesthetic lighting. At all junctions the cycleway and footpath is a shared route, with paving patterns that interrupt the linearity and indicate a slow movement environment.

15. The majority of existing street trees will be retained; however the design team are currently exploring the possibility to remove some of the existing Totara trees near the corner of Beach Road and Britomart Place to provide a safer environment with more visibility across the segregated paths.

16. Dark exposed aggregate concrete will be used for the pedestrian footpath and will be in contrast to the white broom finish concrete surface used along the cycleway. The concept has been designed to minimise the cost of ongoing maintenance requirements.

17. At the end of Anzac Avenue a paved plaza has been incorporated into the design. A grove of coastal trees stand within planters, which will allow for informal seating. The plaza also provides a pause point for pedestrians crossing Beach Road at the junction.

18. More information about the design can be found in the concept design report is attached (Attachment A)

Consideration

19. An initial concept design was presented to City Centre Advisory Board in June 2014 and to Waitemata Local Board in August 2014. Since August staff have continued to refine the design based on feedback from City Centre Advisory Board, Waitemata Local Board and key stakeholders including a joint Auckland Transport and Auckland Council steering group, Waitemata Local Board, Cycling Action Auckland, The NZ Blind foundation, CCS Accessibility Action, Generation Zero, Cooper and Company and Waldorf Apartments. An early design concept was also discussed with Mana Whenua.

Local board views and implications

20. Input from the Waitemata Local Board has been incorporated into the concept. Overall the Local Board have been supportive of the design.

Māori impact statement

21. Mana Whenua were consulted by Auckland Transport during Stage one of the Beach Road cycleway proposals. Broad proposals were accepted and it was agreed that native species would be planted where possible along Beach Road. Further engagement will be undertaken through various stages of the programme. A copy of the revised concept plan will be sent to relevant Iwi to update them on the design progress.

Implementation

22. An information day will be held at the Britomart Farmers Market on the 1 November. The concept design will be discussed with Mana Whenua prior to this information day. Detailed design will be completed in January 2015 with construction due to be completed by July 2015.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Beach Road Streetscape and Cycleway Concept Design Report	73

Signatories

Authors

Keren Alleyne - Project Leader

Authorisers

Rachael Eaton - Team Leader Central & Islands, City Transformation Projects

John Dunshea - Manager City Transformation Projects

Andrew Guthrie – Programme Director – City Centre Integration

Auckland City Centre Advisory Board

22 October 2014

Exclusion of the Public: Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987

That the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board:

a) exclude the public from the following part(s) of the proceedings of this meeting.

The general subject of each matter to be considered while the public is excluded, the reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter, and the specific grounds under section 48(1) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 for the passing of this resolution follows.

This resolution is made in reliance on section 48(1)(a) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 and the particular interest or interests protected by section 6 or section 7 of that Act which would be prejudiced by the holding of the whole or relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting in public, as follows:

C1 Update on improving City Centre care and Maintenance processes

Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter

Particular interest(s) protected (where applicable)

Ground(s) under section 48(1) for the passing of this resolution

The public conduct of the part of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exists under section 7.

s7(2)(h) - The withholding of the information is necessary to enable the local authority to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities.

In particular, the report contains financial information .

s48(1)(a)

The public conduct of the part of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exists under section 7.

C2 Update on the LTP and City Centre Targeted Rate

Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter

Particular interest(s) protected (where applicable)

Ground(s) under section 48(1) for the passing of this resolution

The public conduct of the part of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exists under section 7.

s7(2)(i) - The withholding of the information is necessary to enable the local authority to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations).

In particular, the report contains information which is commercially sensitive and could affect negotiations between the City Centre Advisory Board and the Mayor of Auckland Council if the information is made publicly available.

s48(1)(a)

The public conduct of the part of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exists under section 7.