Prioritising Pedestrians for a Vibrant Town Centre

Like many smaller urban areas of New Zealand, preserving and enhancing walkability in the historic town centre of Greymouth is a challenge in today's car dominated society. The Town Development Strategy 2010 recognises that “providing good pedestrian linkages helps enhance access for residents who do not drive (and for vehicle occupants, once parked), reduces transport system demand, encourages tourists to stay and explore Greymouth longer, amongst many other acknowledged economic, social and health benefits of walking”.

At the 2WALKandCYCLE 2012 Conference, John Lieswyn (with co-author Karen Jury from Greymouth DC) gave a presentation describing the work undertaken to investigate existing pedestrian issues in Greymouth and to map out a potential improved pedestrian network for the town.

The authors organised a "walkshop" with key stakeholders to identify issues and possible solutions, followed by a public meeting. The study used these inputs, previous submissions, data collection and mapping to develop a pedestrian network. The network is supported by a comprehensive action plan for council consideration in the annual plan process.

The study process focused on the establishment and strengthening of working relationships between council departments and stakeholders, with the aim of leveraging a wide range of means for funding and implementation.

Some of the key recommendations include the restoration of a historic link across the railway tracks, enhanced or additional pedestrian crossings of the state highway and a major truck route along the waterfront, and consideration of a 30 km/h pedestrian zone in the town centre.

You can view the accompanying conference paper and presentation.