28. 5. 97

CENTRAL CITY COMMITTEE

8 MAY 1997

A meeting of the Central City Committee

was held on Thursday 8 May 1997 at 4.00 pm

PRESENT: Councillor Margaret Murray (Chairperson),

The Mayor, Ms Vicki Buck

Councillors Graham Berry, Anna Crighton,

Newton Dodge and Alister James.

IN ATTENDANCE: Councillor Denis O'Rourke

APOLOGIES: Apologies were received and accepted from Councillor Charles Manning and Councillor Barbara Stewart.

The Mayor was absent from 4.30 pm to 4.45 pm and retired at 5.49 pm and was absent for part of clause 1 and clauses 3, 4, 5 and clause 6.

Councillor Crighton retired at 6.01 pm and was absent for part of clause 1 and clause 5.

Councillor Dodge arrived at 4.08 pm and was absent for part of clause 2.

Councillor James retired at 5.51 pm and was absent for part of clause 1 and clause 5.

The Committee reports that:

PART A - MATTERS REQUIRING A COUNCIL DECISION

1. CATHEDRAL SQUARE DEVELOPMENT (CONCEPT REPORT 3)

RR 5181

Officer responsible	Author
Environmental Policy and Planning Unit Manager	Dean Chrystal, Senior Planner
Corporate Plan Output: City Design and Heritage

The purpose of report 3 is to establish a number of design principles relating to lighting and street furniture for the redevelopment of Cathedral Square and put forward a proposed design for the light standards and fittings. The report also contains a revised timetable for consideration.

INTRODUCTION

The Square is a pedestrian space associated with the history of Christchurch and with a number of significant heritage buildings. It could be regarded simply as a traditional area of Christchurch and as such retain a traditional design approach to all new elements including light standards.

The Square will however, need to be seen as a vital component in a new direction for the central city. In this respect it is the view of the design team that a balance of traditional and contemporary features is required. Where the association with the old is an integral component of the heritage experience, such as the tramway and its overhead wires, then an accurate replication of their components is justified. However where features are an integral part of a new perception of the Square, then these features should recognise the contemporary qualities of the Square.

LIGHTING DESIGN

(a) Principles

The objective is to create a high standard of lighting design which meets the overall requirements for Cathedral Square while providing a safe, visually stimulating night time experience.

The design principles of the proposed lighting scheme are -

* all areas of the Square meet a minimum level of lighting consistent with the colour and reflectance of the paving.

* the facades of buildings are washed with light to create a visible wall around the periphery of the Square at night.

* the principal features of the buildings and the sculptures around the Square are floodlit to create a dramatic visual effect and to emphasise the identity of the Square.

* general lighting has screened light sources directed so that light spill does not reduce the impact of the feature lighting and the floodlighting of the Square.

* activities around the periphery of the Square at ground level are highlighted within the buildings, under the verandahs, and within the significant pedestrian zone by pedestrian scaled lights and possibly light sources associated with outdoor furniture.

* pedestrian scaled lighting has a visible light source.

* principal pedestrian routes across the Square are identified by linked pedestrian lighting.

* trees are uplit by feature lighting to remove shadowing and to highlight their appearance.

* the road corridor is lit to the standard required for vehicular safety, but not to a level which will detract from the overall visual lighting effect of the Square.

* all potential hazards such as steps are locally lit for safety and identification.

* the use of white light source to produce good colour rendition.

This proposed approach will be characterised by -

* an integrated management of light sources and levels to achieve a perception of safety, functional requirements and visual stimulation.

* the use of light standards which can vary in height from 4 to 15m and be located to achieve the immediate requirements of the area.

* the lighting of all building facades which form the walls of the Square.

* the emphasis on a brightly lit periphery and activities around the Square.

* the identification of principal pedestrian routes by linked pedestrian scaled lighting.

* the use of visible light sources for all pedestrian lighting.

* highlighting of significant heritage building features, sculptures and trees for emphasising the identity and visual excitement of the Square.

It should be emphasised that the design proposed is a comprehensive re-evaluation of the lighting design for the Square and not an adaptation of the existing lighting with its associated problems. In fact, it can be shown that the four high mast lighting sources with the continuing demand for increased lighting levels in the Square is counter-productive to perceptions of safety. Current light levels in the brightest areas of the Square are considerably brighter than many international standards for urban spaces.

Local lighting hotspots create a number of problems in the present situation -

* the hotspots are determined by the location of the lighting masts, rather than the lighting requirements of pedestrian users of the Square.

* the high masts create significant shadowed areas under trees in the center of the Square.

* the degree of variation in light levels over the Square gives the impression of poorly lit areas, although most are lit to a level well in excess of international standards.

* glare is evident off the paving in the lighting hotspots.

* the buildings around the Square are for the most part seen as dark and gloomy

* the high levels of general lighting are washing out the floodlighting on the buildings, principally the Cathedral and belltower.

(b) Light Standards and Light Fittings

The light standards being proposed would have a concrete or stone base to reflect the paving material and contain stone detailing and a circular standard or pole. Both the fitting and the standard will have a simple contemporary geometric shape which complements the style of the paving grid. (Sketches to be displayed). These standards and light fittings while being distinctive in design are seen as background elements which will meet the design principles for the Square. Construction is proposed to be in stainless steel with standards located at the intersections of the bluestone header strips. In developing this design, the design team considered that it needed to reflect both the contemporary and traditional nature of the Square.

The types of lighting proposed are as follows -

* pedestrian level light standards at 4m in height with visible diffuse light sources located along predominant pedestrian routes within the Square. (The lighting plan will be displayed.)

* medium height standards from 10-15m located as required in conjunction with pedestrian fittings.

* feature lighting to trees, water features, statues and buildings.

* hazard lighting to steps and level changes.

STREET FURNITURE

A distinctive design specification is proposed for all street furniture within the redeveloped Cathedral Square. All design elements will have related design features. (A plan indicating the indicative location of street furniture will be displayed). Other elements of the Square such as activities, children's features and plaques will addressed at a later date.

Two types of street furniture have been identified-

* permanent elements integral to the Square.

* flexible elements which can change in location and use.

(a) Permanent Elements

Light standards

These are discussed in the above section on lighting design.

Seating

Permanent seating is proposed to be of contoured bluestone or granite slabs set into the concrete edges of the 8m x 8m permanent tree planters. Seating will also be incorporated in other areas such as the walls around the Cathedral greens and in association with major areas of activity.

Bollards

These could be of several types -

* Traffic Safety

In the pedestrian environment of the Square traffic bollards will be used only where limited vehicle access points need to be identified. Bollard design will follow the style of the light standards and other related items.

* Poster Display

These must be sized so that they do not become intimidating devices as has occurred with the present circular design.

* Information

These could include touch screen devices.

Signage

Three types of signage will be required -

* Traffic Restrictions

* Building/Commercial Activities

* Directional

Traffic and directional signs will be fixed and will relate in design and finish to other elements in the Square. Moveable signage will be covered in the next section.

Rubbish Bins

A robust design featuring a natural metal finish will be integrated with other design elements. The locations will be focused on the raised planting areas.

Art Works

The intersections of Colombo Street and the Square need to be identified as significant gateways to Cathedral Square. It is proposed that art works be commissioned to highlight these entry points. Sculptures suspended between buildings may be the most effective solution.

Other opportunities will exist for stand alone public art, particularly sculpture and interactive works of art. The commissioning of these works could be considered later in the programme to give the artists a clear understanding of the new environment to which a work would

relate. These art works could include water features for which water supply, pump and filtration equipment and drainage would require early consideration.

A number of other opportunities will exist for involving artists in detailed design components. These could include poster bollards, cast drain and services covers, plaques and tree grates or other incidental details.

Drinking Fountains

Provision will be made for drinking fountains in locations in the Square.

Bicycle Stands

Bicycle stands should be provided in areas adjacent to the various entrance points into the Square. They would be located so as not to interfere with pedestrian flows or activities nor at points where they might disrupt particular vistas.

Telephone Booths

It is considered that, with the agreement of Telecom, telephone booths should be designed specifically for the Square and be as visually unobtrusive as possible. The use of stainless steel supports and transparent material for weather protection would be consistent with other design elements in the Square. The booths would be placed in locations where they are safe but also where they do not detract from the amenity of the Square environment and heritage buildings. These matters will need to be discussed further with Telecom.

(b) Moveable Elements

It is proposed that supplementary furniture should be provided specifically for food and beverage services with leased areas provided on the periphery of the Square. Because of the high amenity required in the Square, the design and maintenance of moveable elements is critical. It is therefore proposed that a standard of high quality design, finish and colours are identified for this street furniture and that a policy be developed for this purpose.

There are several approaches to achieving the objective -

* some or all of the moveable furniture are of a standard specified design, material and colour.

* all of the moveable furniture is identified by type and standard of design and finish.

A practical means to provide visual coherence and individual choice would be to have all enclosing elements of the leased space to a standard design and colour, and to have approved visual standards for furniture within the enclosed and leased space.

The following street furniture is proposed-

* Tables and chairs to an approved standard and colour range.

* Glazed windscreens and supports, planting boxes, and signage to a specified design but with a limited colour choice.

* Plant materials to a specified range of types.

Maintenance of the outdoor furniture to the required standard could be a condition of lease of the outdoor space, with the option for the Council to improve substandard items at the owner's expense.

REVISED TIMETABLE

The Master Programme for the project has now been revised reflecting the 23 April 1997 Council decision to pursue granite paving options in parallel with the aggregate paving. The programme will be presented at the meeting and takes into account some initial consultation with hotel groups, retailers (tenants) and landowners around the Square.

The main points identified from the programme are:

* stages 1, 2 and 3 will be tendered as one contract to achieve economies of scale, reduce construction time and to allow a coordinated contract approach.

* construction of stages 1, 2 and 3 will commence in February 1998 and run for approximately 8 months.

The delay in start date from the earlier draft programme is due to:

* the time required to develop and run in parallel both the aggregate paver and granite paver options.

* the 12 week (approximate) lead in time for paving materials from date of order.

The revised timetable does however have the benefit of enabling work to be carried out outside of the main tourist season, approximately November - February.

In response to the Committee's earlier resolution of 3 April 1997 regarding the shortening up of the timetable, the following comments are made:

It is possible to shorten the construction period by approximately 1-2 months at an extra cost of approximately 10%. This would mean working in weekends and outside normal working hours. While the direct cost to the Council may be in the order of 10%, the indirect costs (to hoteliers and retailers around the Square) are difficult to quantify but are potentially very substantial. (For example, one tour operator who might move his business from the Millennium to another hotel because of disruption from the Cathedral Square works equates to approximately $10,000 per night in gross revenue). While it is impossible not to have some disruption, Council must limit this and a restriction in work hours of, say, between 8:30 am - 5 pm and a restriction in available working areas would significantly reduce disruption and demonstrate Council's commitment to minimising the effect of the works and maintaining a positive public perception.

Councillor O'Rourke, in attendance at the meeting, requested that it be recorded that he opposed the proposed designs for the light standards and telephone booths, and requested that consultation be undertaken with cyclists concerning the proposed bicycle stands and relevant issues.

Councillor O'Rourke did not support the recommendation adopted by the Committee.

Recommendation: 1. That the above information be received.

2. That the timetable be endorsed and not extended.

3. That the design principles for street furniture and lighting and the proposed light standard and fitting design be adopted.

PART B - REPORTS FOR INFORMATION

2. SUPPLEMENTARY ITEM: ADVERTISING ON FOOTPATHS RR 5246

This clause has been included in Part B as the applicant wished to commence the proposed project in mid-May, i.e. prior to this Council meeting.

The Chairman referred to a supplementary report on this issue which had been submitted for consideration at the present meeting. The officer's report is attached to the Committee's report.

The Southern Regional Sales Manager for Clear Communications, Mr David Currie, was granted speaking rights, and advised the Committee of their proposal to use chalk advertising on Christchurch footpaths. This proposal was designed to promote the introduction of the company's fibre-optic telephone service for business customers and 15 big central city offices. The proposal was to use chalk footpath advertising outside the 15 buildings in combination with sandwich boards at the same locations.

The company undertook to pay the Council $750 for the use of the footpaths.

Similar campaigns have been used by Clear in Auckland and Wellington.

Advertising in public places is covered in the Christchurch City Public Places and Signs Bylaw 1992.

"(1) No person shall, without the consent of the owner or occupier:

(a) Affix or cause to suffer to be affixed to any premises, structure or tree, any placard, banner, poster, or other material bearing any written, printed or pictorial representation; or

(b) Write, paint, spray or etch on, or otherwise mark, or cause or suffer to be written, painted, sprayed or etched on or otherwise marked, neat row, premises, structure or tree.

(2) The written consent of the Council shall be required where the Council is the owner or occupier for the purpose of clause 4(1)."

The Committee sought the advice of the Legal Services Manager on this matter during the meeting.

It was decided:

1. That the information be received.

2. That a trial for chalk advertising be approved with officers to approve the number of sites etc.

3. That following this 3 week trial, feedback from inner city pedestrians and from officers be reported back for further consideration.

3. PROPOSALS FOR ARMAGH STREET RR 5167

The suggestion has been made by Councillor Anna Crighton that, in view of the impending construction of the Centennial Pool on the Armagh Street frontage between Madras and Manchester Streets, investigations be made into the parking and traffic flow along Armagh Street, acknowledging that it has been designated an important major cycle route.

Councillor Crighton's letter has been forwarded to the relevant staff, who are investigating this matter and will report back to the Committee in the near future.

It was decided that the information be received and that staff liaise with Councillor Crighton on this matter.

4. 1996/97 ROADING PROGRAMME

The Area Roading Engineer, Tony Lange, provided an update of progress for city streets projects in the area which are programmed for the 1996/97 financial year.

The Committee received the information.

5. CENTRAL CITY PEDESTRIAN ACTIVITY SURVEY - 1997 RR 5061

A report prepared by Vicki Newbury, Assistant Planner, informed the Committee of the results of the Central City Pedestrian Activity Survey, conducted during the week of 10-15 March. This survey is carried out every three years as part of the monitoring of the central city - previous surveys were carried out in 1994 and 1991. The range of questions included: reasons for being in the central city; length of time spent there; the frequency of purchasing various goods; and the mode of travel to the central city. The survey presented to the Committee is tabled.

The Committee received the information.

PART C - REPORT ON DELEGATED DECISIONS

TAKEN BY THE COMMITTEE

6. SUPPLEMENTARY - ADVERTISING ON THE FOOTPATH RR 5246

The Chairman advised that this item had not been circulated with the main agenda for the reason that the relevant information was not available until after the agenda had been prepared and circulated, and that the matter could not wait for the next meeting as the applicant wished to start the proposed project in mid May.

It was resolved that the above item be received and considered at the present meeting.

7. P5 LOADING ZONE AT ALL TIMES - COLOMBO STREET RR 5107

This report informed the Committee that the Quality Hotel management had requested that the hours of the existing P5 loading zone be extended.

It was resolved:

1. That a P5 Loading Zone at all times be created on the eastern side of Colombo Street commencing at a point 40 metres measured at a northerly direction from a point opposite the kerbline of Armagh Street and extending in a northerly direction for the distance of 18 metres.

2. That the existing P5 Loading Zone in the above described area be revoked.

8. RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PUBLIC

That the Committee resolved that the draft resolution to exclude the public set out on page 15 of the agenda be adopted.

CONSIDERED THIS 28TH DAY OF MAY 1997

MAYOR

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