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, 25 February 2015

3.00pm

Rooms 1 & 2
Level 26
135 Albert Street
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
	Andrea Hutchins	Property Council of NZ
	Mike Lee	Councillor, Auckland Council
	Nigel Murphy	Auckland University of Technology
	David Wright	Heart of the City

(Quorum 7 members)

Tam White

Democracy Advisor

20 February 2015

Contact Telephone: (09) 890 8156

Email: tam.white@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Website: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Auckland City Centre Advisory Board

25 February 2015

City Centre Integration (CCI) Progress Update for Auckland City Centre Advisory Board - for period 1 December 2014 to 31 January 2015

File No.: CP2015/02009

Purpose

1. To update the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board on City Centre Integration progress between 1 December 2014 to 31 January 2015.

Executive Summary

LTP Budget Review

2. City Centre Programme scenarios are being developed based on the two different transport funding options:

· Basic Transport Network = baseline LTP funding proposal: majority of transport projects in the city centre are deferred until earliest 2020 start date (excl CRL). Quay St and Hobson / Nelson Upgrades are not delivered in the current LTP period.

· Auckland Plan Transport Network = alternative funding proposal: transport projects in the city centre are brought forward to an earliest 2015 start date. Quay St and Hobson / Nelson Upgrades are re-introduced to the LTP. Other projects with transport inter-dependencies are also brought forward.

3. The draft programme will be discussed with the Board, to seek agreement on projects and initiatives which can be appropriately funded by the renewed targeted rate.

O’Connell Street Shared Space Upgrade

4. Discussions are ongoing with landowners to obtain consent for the installation of the art work (fixed between adjacent buildings).

Bledisloe House Customer Services Centre and Bledisloe Lane Upgrade

5. The lane and Customer Service Centre were completed in December 2014 and are now open to the public.

6. The pocket park on Wellesley St is nearing completion.

7. Discussions have been held with the adjacent building owner to encourage retail opening onto the eastern side of the lane.

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8. Dining licences have been issued to enable further street activation through outdoor dining.

Myers Park Development

9. A formal Opening Celebration for the Stage 1 works was held on Sunday 15th February 2015, well-attended by the public and local communities.

10. The Auckland City Centre Advisory Board (ACCAB) has endorsed allocation of an additional $3.3m of targeted rate funding for Stage II development works, in accordance with the overall Myers Park development plan.

11. Noted that options to improve / modify the underpass linking Myers Park to Aotea Square/Greys Ave carpark site will be explored through the Aotea Framework study, an update of which is due to be reported back to the Board in March.

Freyberg Square and Ellen Melville Hall

12. The proposed improvements are funded by local board and targeted rate funds, and will provide a significant city centre community hub and public open space, supported by the developing laneways network.

13. Professional services will be tendered in February / March for both Freyberg Square and Ellen Melville Hall, to start construction in 2015/16. A milestones programme will be provided in March.

14. A strategy for the potential redevelopment of the wider High St precinct is being considered, to provide options and inform discussions with stakeholders. This will be integrated with local business surveys led by Heart of the City in Feb / March.

Precinct Frameworks

15. Framework documents are required for key city centre precincts, to collate planning and project information and inform decisions on projects and initiatives. The frameworks will be reviewed and updated at intervals to reflect the changing environment:

a) Downtown – complete. Further workstreams underway to develop options for Central Wharves and Downtown West areas.

b) Aotea – preparation underway, draft due mid-2015. Liaising closely with the Civic Administration Building (CAB) study to incorporate findings and align recommendations. ACPL will shortly invite interested parties to indicate a desire to present development proposals to respond to an agreed Brief of Requirements for the CAB.

c) Learning Quarter – to commence mid-2015.

d) Victoria Quarter – to commence end-2015.

e) Quay Park – to commence early 2015. Will consider transport and urban development aspirations, drivers and constraints for an area which includes Quay Park and Grafton Gully. Key stakeholders include Council, Ngati Whatua, AT, NZTA, KiwiRail, POAL, Waitemata Local Board.

f) City Centre Transport - review of scope, issues and outcomes underway, including review of public transport options and freight / motorway interfaces with city centre movement.

Public Open Space – Queen Elizabeth (QE) Square

16. The Auckland Development Committee at its 11 September 2014 meeting passed a series of resolution points relating to the sale or lease of Queen Elizabeth (QE) Square land to Precinct Properties New Zealand Limited (PPNZL), enabling the comprehensive redevelopment of the Downtown Shopping Centre (DSC) block and related provision of new and/or enhanced downtown public spaces.

17. Staff provided information to the ADC on 12^th February 2015 (Open Agenda) which advised:

a) that sale of the land is more appropriate than lease in this instance; and

b) that the easterly extent of the land to be sold should align with Zurich House

c) that a Development Agreement between Council and PPNZL will be concluded shortly, incorporating these findings

18. It is noted that a Downtown public space survey closed on the 12th December 2014 and attracted 500 responses, which have informed work to date on the proposed nature, variety and scale of public spaces. This built on analysis of previous engagement in the downtown area which highlighted a strong demand for an increase in public space in the area.

Central Wharves / Vessel Berthage Strategy

19. Refer separate Presentation.

20. The findings of the Central Wharves Study were presented to Councillors at the ADC meeting on 12^th February, recommending Option 4 (Extension of Captain Cook Wharf) as the preferred option for further investigation. The ADC resolutions stated that:

a) Staff (are requested to) undertake more detailed work describing issues and opportunities, timing and funding options, on option 4 development of the Central Wharves, and comparison with the status quo, and report back to the Auckland Development Committee.

b) issues to be considered will include achieving Auckland Plan outcomes (including ‘A Māori identity that is Auckland’s point of difference’), opportunities for integrating Māori values and enhancing Māori economic growth, engaging with iwi to assess and implement outcomes, incorporating Te Aranga principles (as part of the Auckland Design Manual), open space, involvement of stakeholder groups and public engagement.

Ferry Basin Redevelopment

21. Further planning and redevelopment of ferry infrastructure will be informed by the outcomes for the central wharves.

Quay Street Streetscape Upgrade

22. Project funding is not included in the Basic transport programme incorporated in the LTP, and is included with a 2015 commencement in the alternative Auckland Plan transport programme.

23. Further planning and redevelopment of the streetscape upgrade will be informed by the agreed outcomes for the central wharves, and the Downtown Public Open Spaces review.

Quay St Seawall Seismic Upgrade

24. Project commencement is deferred until 2020 under the Basic Transport programme incorporated in the LTP, brought forward to a 2015 commencement in the alternative Auckland Plan transport programme.

25. Further planning and redevelopment of seawall upgrade will be informed by the agreed outcomes for the central wharves.

Westhaven Promenade

26. Stage 1 official opening to the public was held on Monday 16th February.

27. Stage 2 currently proposed in the LTP for construction 2017 – 2019.

City Centre Transport Infrastructure

28. Refer separate presentation on City Rail Link (CRL).

29. The integration of infrastructure and operational requirements during and post-CRL construction is progressing well. The implications and opportunities resulting from a potential light-rail overlay in the city centre will be carefully reviewed and coordinated with Auckland Transport.

30. Concept planning for the Downtown Interchange is progressing well. Design will consider best outcomes for rail, bus, businesses and the general public (and potential light rail).

City Centre Cycle Network

31. On January 30th, the Minister of Transport announced funding for a package of new national cycle routes, including the Nelson St cycleway which re-activates the old Nelson St Off-ramp and continues along Nelson St. The project is a joint NZTA / AT initiative and will be completed end of 2015.

32. Initial stages of the Westhaven Drive / Beaumont St cycleway are underway.

Hobson and Nelson Street upgrade

33. Reference design underway for both streets to inform extent of Stage 1 works (due 2017 subject to funding) and overall desired outcome.

34. Initial traffic modelling is underway.

35. Project funding is not provided in the current LTP proposal, but is proposed for inclusion under an Alternative Transport funding model.

Victoria Street Linear Park

36. No further update.

Digital Auckland

37. Council is evaluating the benefits of a centralised city-wide digital platform for data on buildings and infrastructure, based on leading technological innovations from the Christchurch re-build and elsewhere.

38. Existing digital information and relevant data held by Auckland Council and CCO’s has now been collated.

39. A Business Case is due mid-2015 to consider costs and benefits, resource requirements and timeframes for delivery.

Wayfinding Signage

40. The Board has previously advised funding support for implementation of a city centre Wayfinding Strategy (June 2014).

41. A joint Council / CCOs working group is developing a proposal. The strategy has commenced trials in a number of precincts including the Downtown area of the city centre. Feedback will be collated and reported back to the Board.

SkyPath

42. The resource consent was publicly notified by Council on 5th December 2014, with submissions closing late January 2015. Approximately 11,600 submissions were received and are being collated.

Urban Environment

43. The letter received from the Auckland CBD Owners and Residents Initiative raises a number of key and complex issues relating to the scale of investment and development in the years ahead, in particular noise, timing of works and environmental impacts (including air quality).

44. Many of these issues will need to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis: the appropriate approach in one part of the city centre may not be appropriate in another. There are some parts of the city where businesses and retail are cheek by jowl with residential blocks and hotels, so these issues are not easily resolved.

45. As one of the factors that will help to inform works, the CCI is developing the picture of the very different employment, retail and residential density rates around the city centre. The average employment density is over three times residential density, but this varies greatly around the city centre: for example, downtown employment density is 20 times residential density. And while the core area around the university has no residents, the area just to the north of this has more residents than employees.

46. Following development of the draft city centre master programme of construction projects, residents and employers will be engaged to understand the timing and effects of those works. Mitigation measures will be planned to minimise disruption and those disruptive effects raised in the letter.

47. Council has recently established a Sustainability Office and CCI has requested that staff review and respond to issues raised by the PENAP Study in the first instance. Initiatives such as the new transport network can then be input to consider the effects (positive and negative). Feedback will be provided to the Board following further discussions with the Sustainability Office.

Recommendation/s

That the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board:

a) receive the City Centre Integration progress update for the period of 1 December 2014 to 31 January 2015.

Consideration

Local Board Views and Implications

48. The City Centre Integration team provides the Waitemata Local Board with regular updates. The team has also provided recent updates for the Orakei and Devonport-Takapuna Local Boards.

49. CCI is committed to working with the local boards to improve engagement going forward so that board views are better captured, considered and reported.

Maori Impact Statement

50. A range of project updates was discussed with Iwi at a Hui in December 2014. Feedback has focused on the importance of the water space and waterfront to Maori, the ability of the proposal to advance Maori aspirations, the potential for new facilities or structures, opportunities to represent Maori cultural identity, and a need for further consideration of potential impacts, particularly for environmental issues. Implementation.

51. A further Hui with iwi representatives has been arranged for March 2015.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Report on progress against resolutions	13
b View	Future meeting topics - Forward planner	15

Signatories

Author	Andrew Guthrie – Programme Director – City Centre Integration
Authoriser	Rick Walden – General Manager – City Centre Integration

Auckland City Centre Advisory Board

25 February 2015

City Centre Pedestrian Counts System

File No.: CP2015/01988

Purpose

1. To provide the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board (ACCAB) with an update on the 24/7 Pedestrian Count system that is managed by Heart of the City (HotC), and seek reconfirmation that the City Centre Targeted Rate continue to fund 50% of the operating costs over the 2015-2025 period.

Executive Summary

2. The 24/7 Pedestrian Counts programme is a managed by HotC in partnership with Auckland Council. The system now has 18 locations across the City Centre including two on Karanghape Road. The data has recently been made publically accessible via an interactive website.

3. In 2012, the ACCAB supported funding 50% of the ongoing operational costs from the City Centre Targeted Rate (CCTR) from 2014/2015 onwards, acknowledging it’s value as a key measure of success for the transformation of the City Centre. HotC funds the remaining 50% of the programme, and will continue to do so in the 2015-25 period.

4. Given that the CCTR is proposed to continue in the draft Long Term Plan 2015-2025, it was felt prudent to seek reconfirmation of the ACCAB’s funding commitment to align with this process.

5. The data has proven to be unfailingly valuable, enabling the monitoring of overall pedestrian foot traffic trends, the impact and performance of local and major events such as Lantern Festival and the Triathlon and supporting new business enquiries. The data has been used by many in the urban design and transport sector for analysis and planning purposes. It’s value and use has been broad reaching and invaluable across multiple sectors.

6. HotC is working closely with CCI, Auckland Transport (AT) and Auckland Council to collaborate on the methodology and approach for pedestrian counts in the city centre to collect data around areas planned for future investment. This may include standardising the counting and reporting methodology and adding additional locations to the 24/7 system.

7. AT will continue to fund its current commitments. The funding of any additional pedestrian count requirements will be subject to a separate request.

8. City Centre Integration (CCI) will oversee the relationship and manage Council’s contract with HotC in regards to the funding contribution for the programme.

Recommendation/s

That the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board:

a) endorse the ongoing contribution of $57,500 per annum from the City Centre Targeted Rate from 2015/16 onwards, to meet 50% of Opex costs to maintain the current city centre pedestrian count programme, in partnership with Heart of the City

b) note that these costs may be subject to minor fluctuations due to inflation and contract adjustments over the ten year period, and that the level of funding will be reviewed and approved by the Auckland City Centre Board on an annual basis

c) note that the number of sites may be increased to support the future investment programme in the City Centre. Any additional funding required for this process will be subject to a separate request to the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board.

Consideration

Local Board Views and Implications

9. Not applicable

Maori Impact Statement

10. Not applicable

General

11. Not applicable

Implementation Issues

12. The system is already in operation and funding is sought to ensure that the current system, with 18 locations across the city centre continues.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Map of current City Centre Pedestrian Counting Stations	19

Signatories

Author	Tania Loveridge - Centre Manager, Heart of the City
Authoriser	Andrew Guthrie – Programme Director – City Centre Integration

Auckland City Centre Advisory Board

25 February 2015

City Centre Interventions and Pilots (CCIP programme)

File No.: CP2015/02011

Purpose

1. To propose a programme aimed at delivering and measuring the impact of low-cost, small-scale, easy-to-implement streetscape/urban space interventions and pilots within the city centre. The programme seeks to contribute to the continual improvement to city centre spaces and its liveable streets.

2. The intent of the programme is to be agile and responsive to issues and opportunities rather than waiting for larger scale projects, and to make progressive step changes and maintain momentum towards shared strategic goals.

3. The work would be in line with the Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper (LQC) approach which can deliver low-risk, low-cost improvements that are able to capitalise on the creative energy of the community to create new uses of public space. This would supplement other ‘business as usual’ minor works improvements and programmes that are undertaken across Council and CCO’s, and be complementary to the LTP programme of work.

4. This work will also help to build confidence amongst Auckland’s businesses and residents in the pace and direction of change in the city centre.

Executive Summary

Background

5. In The Planner’s Guide to Tactical Urbanism, Laura Pfeifer notes “Small-scale, temporary projects allow planners to observe interventions on the ground and make adjustments before committing the time and resources needed to complete long-term projects”.

6. Temporary interventions offer low risk to municipalities and locals and can be conceived of as ‘quick-wins’ or ‘low-hanging fruit’. Small-scale change can be the first step in achieving lasting change, but if these pilot interventions don’t pan out, their low-cost and temporary nature means they can easily be removed, reconsidered or improved.

7. In planning these interventions or pilots, consideration should be given to what is needed and appropriate, who the users would be of the space, and how it fits into the overall urban fabric. For instance, it would not be wise to install a new pocket park if no footpaths lead people there. This approach has been called ‘Tactical Urbanism’ and is gaining traction in both grass-roots and public service circles.

8. Tactical Urbanism refers to temporary, cheap and usually grassroots interventions that transform urban spaces in creative ways on a space-by-space or street-by-street basis. Tactical urbanism or ‘pop-up’ urbanism is about phased improvements to urban life. These small interventions challenge urban street users to rethink how they see and use space, contributing to the larger goal of creating safe, liveable streets for people.

9. The idea is to build, measure, learn – borrowed from software engineers – to make fast and inexpensive changes to an environment and learn from the results. In the urban setting this can translate to a can of paint, a few planters or new public seating to change public space. Short-term pilot interventions are about carefully planned urban surgery. Local government often ignores this opportunity to deliver small-scale improvements, preferring the larger-scale, higher cost transformations.

10. Other opportunities include small-scale improvements to the city’s infrastructure (e.g. footpaths, streets, public spaces) which provide an immediate uplift in public amenity, placemaking and/or function and which may be the first stage of a planned, large-scale upgrade by Council or CCOs.

11. It is proposed that, a small working group will identify LQC opportunities throughout the city centre based on certain selection criteria (to be developed) and bring them to the attention of the ACCAB for consideration.

12. Going forward, the process of identifying opportunities will provide significant potential for engagement and empowerment, with strong potential for input and ideas from people and businesses

OBJECTIVES

13. Pilot projects can make urban planning more accessible by reducing the size of a given change to something tangible that members of the public can understand and engage with. Often projects like lane closures or shared spaces can be controversial – it can be difficult to picture the finished product. With its low cost, short term interventions at small scales, tactical urbanism techniques provide the opportunity to experience a change that otherwise might only be expressed on a drawing.

14. Conversely there are areas of the city centre that have no planned major transformation projects. Within these areas, there may be many simple interventions that will address issues and see a step change towards the overall city centre vision and have a major effect on how these areas are used.

15. The objective of this programme will be to identify and implement a series of small-scale initiatives which improve the quality of the city centre environment and enabling pilot projects ahead of and during a period of major urban transformation projects. Initiatives may include:

a) Phased improvements - investigate opportunities to bring forward initiatives or initial stages of projects which are planned for longer-term implementation, to enable benefits to be realised in the short term.

b) Placemaking and Pilot projects - identify small-scale, low-cost pilot streetscape projects and treatments for short-term delivery (e.g. parklets, interim cycleways, playspaces, etc.)

c) Quicker and smarter delivery – develop initiatives on a programme level that will enable quicker and smarter delivery of projects, potentially through joint delivery and better information and coordination between projects.

d) Improve city centre connections – identify gaps and deficiencies in the pedestrian or cycling network that could be improved through a short-term treatment or pilots.

16. Initiatives would need to be developed and delivered in an agile manner being highly responsive to issues and opportunities in the city centre whilst also aligning with the strategic vision set down in the City Centre Masterplan. Fundamentally, initiatives would have to sit outside of pre-planned ‘business as usual’ minor improvements programmes.

Guiding Principles

17. Based on the objectives above, the work completed through this programme should be guided by the following principles:

a) Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper

b) Small scale, short implementation period

c) Be agile and responsive

d) Monitored through data collection or observation where appropriate

e) People-focused

f) Improve walking and cycling connections

g) Enable public engagement and consultation

h) Align to the strategic goals and outcomes of the City Centre Masterplan

i) Contribute to placemaking of the city centre

j) Enhance impact of existing projects

k) Build momentum and confidence in the city centre’s direction

l) Allow ideas to be tested that can then benefit other parts of the centre or wider region.

Scope

18. The geographic scope is the city centre area.

19. Following are examples of project types that could be considered:

a) New / improved pedestrian crossings and facilities

b) Cycle improvements

· lane protection

· cyclehoops / storage / corrals / air pumps

· Clear delineation / marking of bike lanes to make them more visible

c) Pocket parks / ‘parklets’

d) Intersection / footpath adjustments / upgrade (incl signal phasing for pedestrians & cyclists)

e) Replacement of pavement with green space

f) Street furniture (temporary and/or permanent)

g) Play spaces

h) Temporary road narrowing / closures

i) ‘Chairbombing’ – putting waste materials to work as public seating.

j) Wayfinding signage

k) Temporary street art projects

20. Examples of potential projects which could be advanced through this workstream may include:

a) Develop options to improve pedestrian crossing facilities at lower Shortland Street to link Jean Batten Place and High Street (to strengthen the laneway Circuit)

b) Investigate options to provide a pedestrian crossing across Wyndham Street from Federal Street to Saint Patricks Square (to strengthen the laneway Circuit)

c) Improve the interface between Fort Lane and Customs Street

d) Enhance pedestrian/cycle link between Vincent Street and Federal Street

e) Projects which might have been developed already but lacking funding (Grafton Gully Ped/Cycle Improvements, Route Optimisation Programme, etc.)Investigate placemaking opportunities along Nicholas Lane (between Hobson and Nelson Streets) to cater for dense residential communities.

Constraints and considerations

21. Construction of CRL enabling works and following stages will impact access and the urban environment in city centre.

22. Timing of development of large-scale transformational projects (public and private sector).

23. Coordination with other programmes (e.g. renewals, route optimisation, cycle network improvements, safety improvements).

24. This programme should be seen as a supplement to minor works that are undertaken by AT and AC, and not as a replacement of those activities or business as usual.

25. Scale and timing of projects – the programme will need to focus on fast delivery and be conscious of scope creep or complex projects that may slow progress.

Resources

26. Staff will be drawn from Council and CCOs to contribute specialist skills and knowledge.

27. The programme will be coordinated through CCI and delivered jointly by AT and Council.

28. It is proposed that funding of an agreed programme of initiatives will be provided through the city centre Targeted Rate.

29. Monitoring and reporting on project outcomes will be via CCI.

Case Studies

30. Following are case studies which provide a brief overview of available LQC opportunities:

31. Auckland: In the summer months of 2013/2014 Waterfront Auckland trialled pilot designs for Waitemata plaza after it became apparent that the space was underperforming. An urban beach, different types of seating and an ice-cream vendor were trialled, and feedback received, before the final design for an urban oasis was developed.

32. Christchurch: The Pallet Pavillion was created in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquakes in response to the city’s demand for new event venues. Using reused and recycled materials, including more than 3,000 pallets, more than 80 volunteers and 40 businesses worked together to create this new public space on the site of the former Crowne Plaza Hotel.

33. San Francisco: In 2005 San Francisco design firm ‘Rebar’ converted a single parking space into a tiny park (while someone fed the meter), and launched what has become the worldwide ‘PARK(ing) Day’ phenomenon – a worldwide event that annually transforms metered parking spots into temporary public parks.

34. New York: A successful pilot project in New York’s Times Square involved first pedestrianising the heavily congested space in 2005 and then adding street furniture. This low-investment pilot has led to recent commitment from architecture/design firm Snøhetta to refurbish the surface and establish permanent seating. This is a true example of a temporary, low cost pilot developing into a long term positive change for the liveability of a city.

References

35. The Planner’s Guide to Tactical Urbanism – Laura Pfeifer

36. Tactical Urbanism, v1, v2, v4 Australia and New Zealand – The Streets Plan Collective

Recommendation/s

That the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board:

a) endorse the development of a programme of small-scale streetscape/urban space improvements in the city centre

b) note that the programme of work is developed in collaboration with the ACCAB and implemented using Targeted Rate funding

c) That an initial budget is allocated for works as follows:

· 2014/15 $100,000

· 2015/16 $500,000

d) note that individual initiatives are notified through the democracy advisor to Board members by email in advance of implementation, for quick responses where appropriate.

Attachments