Pukenamu Queens Park ITA and Parking Management Plan

ViaStrada worked with Whanganui District Council to improve transport and parking around Pukenamu Queens Park, a key cultural hub featuring libraries, a gallery, a museum, and memorial spaces. The project included an expanded Integrated Transport Assessment (ITA) and a Parking Management Plan (PMP), informed by parking surveys, site visits, and safety audits. Findings revealed that on-site parking is often at or over capacity, while nearby streets have spare capacity. However, poor pedestrian connectivity and limited crossings make the park difficult to access, especially for elderly and mobility-impaired visitors.
The proposed improvements include additional car and bike parking, new pathways and crossings, and upgrades to existing facilities to create a safer, more accessible environment. Recommendations also address parking management strategies, noting that long parking durations suggest commuter use rather than visitors. These changes aim to enhance accessibility, safety, and visitor experience, but will require community consultation, detailed design, and funding through Council’s planning process before implementation.

"This has been a very interesting project and been great working with you and learning from you." - Thorbjoerg Saevarsdottir, Civil Engineer