The City Council’s proposal to rework Lichfield and Tuam Street is being vigorously debated by the public during the consultation period, says project manager Sam Kutrolli.

“There has been a high level of feedback to the Council because of the significant changes proposed,” he says.

The project team has already received over 400 formal and informal submissions. Public submissions on the proposal are due in to the Council by 16 August, but Mr Kutrolli says consultation could continue beyond then.

“We’ve held about 20 meetings so far to help people become more aware of the project and staff working on the scheme are keen to consider all input from the public,” he says “We’re working as closely as practical with businesses and property owners in the area of the project to make sure they are involved in the process.”

As part of this ongoing process, a consultant has been briefed to do several surveys – of drivers who travel in the project area, of customers using businesses in the area and of city residents.

The results of those surveys and ongoing consultation with local businesses should help the project team better understand the effect the proposal could have on local property owners and businesses.

All submissions about the project will be analysed and reported to the City Council by an independent consultant, Mr Kutrolli says. The consultant’s report and the survey results are likely to be put before the Council around November, and also made available to the public.

“I’m really pleased about how many people and groups are getting involved and the feedback and the submissions we’ve received. This is an important project for the city and the Council wants to provide a balanced outcome for all concerned,” Mr Kutrolli says.

People who make a submission can also speak to the Council about it. About 40 submitters have so far asked to do so.

The project team will prepare a full report for the Council to consider in December. That is when the Council is expected to decide if it wants to go on with the project.

• Pamphlets describing the Council’s proposal are available from all City Council service centres and libraries. On the Internet — at www.ccc.govt.nz/lichfieldtuam — are minutes of public meetings, concept plans and an explanation of the proposal, as well as a submission form to give us your opinion about the project.