Big make-over planned for Sydenham

Efforts are being made to radically change Sydenham.

Various groups want to realise a Colombo Boulevard concept.

The purpose is to upgrade Colombo Street in keeping with its status as a major thoroughfare, reflecting the needs and interests of business, residents, and visitors.

Firstly, the groups want to focus on the section from the Moorhouse Avenue overbridge south to Milton Street.

They want trees in the street, shrubs and flowerbeds, a walk of fame, banners and the painting of heritage buildings.

One of the most radical ideas is the demolition of the Moorhouse Avenue overbridge to allow a view along the proposed boulevard to the Port Hills.

Some locals regard the overbridge as an eyesore.

Discussions have been held, with City Council involvement, and a community plan for Colombo Boulevard will be produced.

Andrew McIntosh, convenor of Sydenham Business and Community Association, says that in recent years Sydenham has been hard hit by competition from the city’s newer retail and business areas.

“The old shops here could be tidied up and a few more street plantings done and it could be a very nice route for tourists and locals,” Andrew says.

• Traffic
  • Extend the Shuttle bus route to Wordsworth Street or Brougham and back through Gasson Street to the present route.
  • A specimen tree and attractive plantings on every street corner.
  • Improve the UFS Chemist bus stop with shelter, seating and rubbish bins.
• Heritage
  • Streets signs with historic influence.
  • Lighting to enhance historic buildings.
• Security
  • Stamp out graffiti.
  • More police patrol
  • No sandwich boards on footpaths.
  • Speed cameras.
• General
  • “Welcome to Sydenham” signs.
  • More antique and art specialist shops.
  • More cafes.
  • Standardised shop hours.
  • Streets lights similar to Worcester Boulevard’s.
  • More parking areas with signs pointing to them.
  • More attractive rubbish bins.