Nelsonians can have their say about the proposed promenade along Rocks Rd after councillors unanimously agreed to send two concepts out for consultation.
But that’s where the agreement on the plans ended, with several councillors voicing their opposition to it, saying the road is too busy and dangerous for a cycling walkway to work effectively.
Counillors Ian Barker, Paul Matheson and Eric Davy all said they had concerns about the proposal, but sending the options to the community was the best way to gauge public opinion.
The promenade could see a three to four metre wide pathway on the sea side of Rocks Rd that could be used by cyclists, walkers and joggers. Both of the options going out for consultation will see a loss of car parks and the introduction of five pedestrian crossings along the road, with the one opposite Guytons to have traffic lights.
Concept One will cost between $9-13 million, with $2-3 million of that from the council, the rest from NZTA.
For Concept Two, the estimated cost is approximately $11-15 million, with $2.5-3.5 million from the council.
A third plan will also be released so people can have more information about the process, but it has already been ruled out because it comes with a $34-47 million price tag.
Councillors Matt Lawry, Luke Ackland, Kate Fulton, Pete Rainey and Mike Ward all spoke enthusiastically about the plan, with Mike saying he’d noticed more cyclists in Nelson over the past decade. “It’s an exciting opportunity and I’m supporting it whole-heartedly.”
Deputy mayor Paul Matheson said the traffic issues are not being addressed in the plan. “The traffic will be slower, it will be interrupted, those living along Rocks Rd and in any form of accommodation will find a greater impact from that traffic because of reduced parking and a narrower road. There will be larger trucks and more of them. These issues need to be talked about now.”
Mayor Rachel Reese says she has some “serious concerns” about the compromises in the plans but she supports hearing feedback from the public.
The feedback period opens on July 24 and closes on August 25. For more information visit the council’s website.
