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| May 2001 |
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Streets for the people
It’s a concept called Living Streets — a concept where the priority is on living and community interaction — where residents, businesses, pedestrians and cyclists co-exist in harmony with cars. It’s where the designs of streets recognise the lifestyle needs of its residents.Whether it’s walking, jogging, playing, cycling, talking, sitting, gardening, partying, selling or waiting. The Council accepted the Living Streets Charter in December 2000 and is unfolding a five-year strategy to transform its planning approach so that after five years, all street renewal projects are handled as Living Streets. The phasing in programme will begin this year with the implementation of a limited number of Living Streets projects in a bid to create a showpiece portfolio. These street renewal projects have been carefully selected by the Living Streets Sub-Committee, from projects approved in the draft Annual Plan. A Living Street does not exclude cars — far from it, but it’s designed so drivers are aware that they are in an area where pedestrians and other users are important. Any street, other than a motorway or expressway, can become a Living Street. And the Council wants residents to work with it to create Living Streets. Many streets in our city already display some characteristics of Living Streets. They include Chevron Place, Ilam; Celia Street, Redcliffs; The Strip on Oxford Terrace; Bangor Street, Avon Loop; Barnes Road, Redwood; Ely Street, central city; Witbrock Crescent, Burnside; Hidcote Place, Avonhead; and many more. These streets typically reduce the speed of traffic, create a better environment and quality of life, and increase community and street activities. In addition, there are New Regent Street,Worcester Boulevard and City Mall in the central city. A booklet has been produced that will be used, along with an audio-visual presentation, to introduce the concept and ideas to residents within the selected showpiece streets. It emphasises that they have a pivotal role to play in a joint partnership with the Council and encourages their participation in this partnership. The Living Streets brochure and further information are available from City Streets Unit, PO Box, PO Box 237 or telephone: 941 8666. |
