Community-shaped designs approved for Cass Street and The Strand

Following extensive public consultation held this year, the council has approved final roading designs for Cass Street and The Strand in Kororāreka-Russell.

A total of 110 individuals provided 339 comments on the draft design, created in partnership with a community working group. The feedback was captured through an online survey and drop-in sessions, as well as targeted phone calls and door-to-door conversations with nearby residents held in June and July.

In a September report received by the council, it highlighted that 78.2 per cent of comments either fully supported the final designs or supported them with minor changes.

Based on that community feedback, further changes have been incorporated into the final design, including:

• Bollards on the south-eastern side of Cass Street will be moved to the roadside of the drainage channel to improve pedestrian safety and discourage vehicles from angle parking across the loading and drop-off zone.

• Additional signs will help manage traffic speeds, guide vehicle movements and clarify parking restrictions. These include a 10km/h sign near the refuelling loading zone on The Strand, No Left Turn signs near the Cass Street and York Street intersection, and parking time-limit signs in Cass Street carparks.

A bike rack is also being considered based on feedback, subject to funding and identifying a suitable location.

The council also approved during its September meeting a change to the raised crossing at the entrance to Cass Street from York Street, replacing London pavers with tinted grey concrete, which was supported by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. The change will save about $9600 while providing a more durable, lower-maintenance surface.

Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board member, Jane Hindle, said the final approval reflects the significant amount of community input that helped shape the project.

"The final designs are the result of extensive community involvement, with people holding very different views coming together really collaboratively to find a solution that balances the needs of residents, businesses, visitors and wharf users," she said.

"We've shown that we can significantly reduce traffic without fully closing the street, creating a really lovely pedestrian space along The Strand."

Kate Ivicheva, Group Manager Planning and Policy at the council, also acknowledged the many people who contributed to the project.

"This project would not have been possible without the dedication of community members who volunteered their time, shared their perspectives and worked collaboratively to find solutions.

"I'd like to thank the members of the Russell Roading Working Group, as well as everyone who took part in the engagement process. Your feedback has helped shape the final designs, and we appreciate your continued support as we move into the implementation phase."

Works are expected to begin in mid-November, with further details to be provided once the Traffic Management Plan has been approved. Updates will be published on the council website as more information becomes available.