City Centre Feedback

Quantitative

Does the comment discuss topics related to city centre revitalisation or rejuvenation; such as the city centre, renewal, decline, development of the city center or urban cores?

45 comments were found to be true for the question "Does the comment discuss topics related to city centre revitalisation or rejuvenation; such as the city centre, renewal, decline, development of the city center or urban cores?".

Qualitative

Please provide a comprehesive report of the comments that dissuss city centre revitalisation. Include an abstractive summary of the comments, and key themes. Please include ay novel suggestions or ideas from the comments on how to revitalise the city centre.

45 comments were used to answer the question "Please provide a comprehesive report of the comments that dissuss city centre revitalisation. Include an abstractive summary of the comments, and key themes. Please include ay novel suggestions or ideas from the comments on how to revitalise the city centre.".

Response

Comprehensive Report on City Centre Revitalisation Comments

Overview

From a total of 2877 comments analyzed, 45 comments specifically addressed issues related to the revitalisation or rejuvenation of the city centre. These comments provided a range of insights, concerns, and innovative suggestions aimed at enhancing the vibrancy and functionality of the city centre.

Summary of Comments

The comments reflect a strong community interest in transforming the city centre into a more attractive, functional, and inclusive space. Key themes include the enhancement of public spaces, support for local businesses, infrastructure improvements, and the integration of arts and cultural elements. Several respondents emphasized the importance of making the city centre more accessible and appealing to families, youth, and tourists.

Key Themes and Suggestions

  1. Pedestrian-Friendly Areas: Many comments suggested increasing pedestrian zones in the city centre to reduce vehicle traffic and enhance walkability. This includes proposals for more green spaces, pedestrian-only streets, and better connectivity between key city spots.

  2. Support for Local Businesses: Respondents highlighted the need for policies that reduce rental pressures on small businesses and enhance their viability. Suggestions included differential rate reviews and incentives for businesses to thrive in the city centre.

  3. Cultural and Arts Integration: There is a strong push for integrating arts and cultural activities within the city centre. Proposals include establishing arts hubs, regular cultural events, and utilizing empty spaces for creative purposes to attract more visitors and enrich the city’s cultural landscape.

  4. Infrastructure and Public Transport: Enhancements in public transport facilities, including more bus lanes and cycling corridors, were frequently mentioned. Improved infrastructure is seen as crucial for reducing congestion and making the city centre more accessible.

  5. Innovative Use of Spaces: Novel ideas such as the development of a youth hub to attract younger demographics and the conversion of existing unused buildings into community spaces were proposed. These suggestions aim to increase foot traffic and provide new amenities to city residents and visitors.

  6. Events and Activities: Regular events and activities were suggested to boost the city centre's appeal. These include food markets, music concerts, and seasonal festivals that could draw both locals and tourists, enhancing economic activity and community engagement.

Conclusion

The community feedback underscores a collective vision for a revitalized city centre that is vibrant, accessible, and culturally rich. Implementing these suggestions could significantly contribute to the city's economic and social vitality, making it a more attractive place to live, work, and visit. The council is encouraged to consider these insights and suggestions in their planning and development strategies for the city centre.

Comments

Point ID Name Option_Selected Comment
1147.3 Ayla Turner for Nelson Youth Council None The Bridge to Better Project, as discussed by the Nelson Youth Council, focuses on the development of Bridge Street in Nelson City, aiming to make it more inviting for visitors and investors. The council suggests improvements such as enhanced lighting and increased visibility of pedestrian crossings to ensure safety and attract more people, especially families and the younger demographic, to the city center during the evening. These enhancements are proposed to be integrated into the early planning stages of the project to ensure they are implemented effectively.

Additionally, the Nelson Youth Council supports the proposed budget increase for the Bridge to Better Project, believing that it will allow for better designs and a more successful final outcome. This budget increase is intended to cover costs related to risk mitigation, resourcing, and materials, ensuring the project's quality and safety.

The Youth Council also proposes new designs for the project, including more drinking fountains and a new water feature similar to the one in Picton. These additions aim to make the city center more attractive and welcoming, particularly for families with young children, thereby increasing foot traffic and enhancing the overall vibrancy of the area.
952.6 Ian Williams for Hospitality NZ None We are opposed to the business differential in principle and practice, where this puts an undue burden on small business. This needs an urgent and thorough review in the light of current economic circumstances. While corporates and business services in the city may be able to afford business differential, small businesses in retail and hospitality cannot. We feel that compared to the residential rates, we are bearing an unfair burden of overall costs. The facilities of the central city are as important to residential ratepayers as they are to small business, in relation to overall economic wellbeing.

6. We understand that in previous plans there had been an intention to radically reduce the business differential, but this has now been reversed. The urgency for small businesses to be better supported through reduced rates burden has never been so important or urgent. If small businesses struggle and close, which is a real trend, then the city dies, and will be extremely hard to revitalise.

7. In our submission to the annual plan in 2023, we submitted the following:
“We have a very strong objection to the proposals regarding commercial differential
rates on pages 30 and 31. We note that in the long-term plan it was agreed that the
commercial differential would be reduced by 0.5% per annum in the first three years
of that plan, and then an ongoing review. It is unacceptable that in this annual plan
there is a change of policy, which appears to be totally unjustified. Nelson businesses
(and hospitality in particular) are relying on this burden being reduced over time, as
was promised by the previous council and set in the long term plan. In fact this was a
hard-won battle by the business sector with previous Councils. The justification for
this in the annual plan is illustrated as “The commercial differential recognises the
additional services that businesses receive, such as additional rubbish collection,
street sweeping and events to attract visitors.” We would challenge this: (i) there is no additional street cleaning, just the basic, which in itself has not been well executed if done at all over the last few years; (ii) there is no special rubbish collection for businesses as far as we are aware, and we all pay for our own private collections of rubbish; (iii) events are enjoyed by the whole population and not just a benefit to businesses. Managing and maintaining a clean, vibrant and welcoming city for residents and visitors is a basic function of Council, and not something for which businesses should be paying a premium.”
Short-term Rental Accommodation (STRA)
19. The STRA sector has grown rapidly and it is now a key part of the tourism industry in New Zealand. Rapid visitor growth and a lack of commercial accommodation development in many of the busiest tourist regions have also created increased demand for STRA. While competition in any sector is healthy, the unregulated nature of STRA presents an uneven playing field vis a vis traditional commercial accommodation providers.
20. Commercial accommodation operators are seeking a fairer playing field around rates and regulations, particularly targeted at STRA properties that are whole-of-house rentals
operating more than 90 days a year. The STRA sector operates mainly in residential areas, only pays residential rates, operates with less regulation, and often escapes appropriate taxation.
21. In some parts of the country, the preference for rental property owners to convert to Airbnb or similar, is resulting in a lack of available long-term rental accommodation for workers and families, and impacting on the community feel of suburbs. 
22. Some Councils such as Rotorua and Queenstown have made moves to define STRA
accommodation in their District Plans, so these providers – when occupied above a certain number of visitor nights – are deemed to be commercial operators and would be subject to commercial rates and regulations. Nelson, along with Christchurch, has made similar moves – however, enforcement remains the issue.
23. At a Central Government level, we are advocating for the creation of a national register of short-term rental accommodation properties, and ensuring appropriate health and safety and compliance requirements on peer-to-peer house letting is set at a national level, removing the need for local councils to come up with the rules and moving towards fair regulation of STRA operators.
24. At a local level, we need to see Nelson City Council place more emphasis on enforcing the existing regulations to appropriately capture STRA properties within the city.
29. We recommend that the Council:
a) Review the thinking and policies regarding Commercial Differential Rating and
heritage rates relief where a small business is a tenant.
952.8 Ian Williams for Hospitality NZ None 9.  We are also advocating for increased investment in events to support city revitalisation, so any strain on rates revenue must not, in our view, impact on maintaining and increasing the number and quality of events.
Tourism Infrastructure Funding
10. We recognise that tourism and hospitality use and benefit from a wide variety of mixed-use infrastructure. Despite some Government funding, tourism areas are still experiencing a large funding shortfall, primarily for infrastructure heavily relied on by tourists in towns and regions with a small ratepayer base. This has led to councils considering rates rises or bed taxes to fund infrastructure and tourism promotion.
11. We do not support the current ad-hoc way some councils are looking to impose levies and rates (and taxes if they are allowed to). This can significantly increase the cost to visitors in some areas, shift pressures of visitor numbers and infrastructure to neighbouring councils, and carry an impact for particular businesses.


12. Instead, a national strategy for tourism value capture and distribution of those funds is needed, allowing a source of funding for local government to use on relevant infrastructure and tourism activities, and avoiding the piecemeal region by region approach. Along with a number of parties, we are working at a national level to address tourism funding – in the meantime we do not see a council-by-council approach as conducive to a national, equitable approach.
27. We also actively encourage the ongoing development of events programmes in the region. Events promoting the area and encouraging visitation contribute significantly to the local economy and encourage spend in our venues and accommodation providers.

28. Hospitality NZ also has a number of specific comments concerning the Council’s Long-Term Plan.

(iii) NRDA/RTO Funding
There is little real connection between anything NRDA appears to offer, and what small
business operators may need in order to survive and grow. NRDA needs to focus on
establishing relationships, and providing information and support to business.
We understand that funding is low, but whatever funding there is needs to be directed to
getting more activity in Nelson city. The perception is that Nelson is bypassed on the tourist trail and that we are not successfully marketing what this amazing city has to offer, either to domestic or international tourists. We need an active visitor centre and I-Site in the central city, better partnerships with tour operators, and a real passion to get more people here for longer. 
(iv) Events Strategy
Events are essential to the vitality of the city. Most events boost hospitality spend, and this is even more essential in the winter and shoulder seasons. Te Ramaroa, for example, has demonstrated this trend, but needs to be annual and last for longer, so that it becomes the core of a Nelson winter festival. Events are the lifeblood of hospitality, and the overall image the city portrays, so we advocate for more and better events. These may be funded from various public and not for profit providers, but there is potential for business operators to jointly fund and invest if they can be reassured of good outcomes. However, NCC needs to continue to take the lead in maintaining and improving events in quantity and quality, and it needs to be a priority in the council budget to support economic development and revitalisation.
(v) Focused role within NCC for Business and Economic Development
At the recent Revitalisation Summit, we suggested the need for a role in Council which is a go to one stop shop to help small businesses navigate their way to solutions. For example, when a business development project involves building consent, food certificates, liquorlicensing, outdoor dining, and/or other aspects of council business, we need better coordination.
Council has already responded positively to this informally with a named senior contact. HNZ Nelson Branch would like to develop this concept of a ‘business advocate/champion/ambassador’ further for the benefit of members in order to have less time wasted, a more efficient process, and better outcomes in business development and growth.
29. We recommend that the Council:

c) Work urgently to get Nelson City as a ‘must-see’ on the tourist map, supporting by
effective marketing and a visitor centre.
d) Increase events.
e) Ensure that more consideration is given to supporting economic development and
local businesses across all departments/functions of Council.
1225.12 John Fitchett None 7 Bridge to better
The draft LTP proposes spending 10s of millions of dollars on a complete reconstruction of Bridge Street: the “justification” for such expenditure apparently being
- installing new infrastructure to encourage the development of apartments in the CBD;
- the expectation that “the Government” will contribute nearly half the capital cost; and
- to re-vitalize Bridge Street and make it somewhere families will want to go
Furthermore, it is said that the idea was consulted on, and approved, with the Spatial Plan some three years ago.
I acknowledge that Councils are always reluctant to turn down central government contributions to capital costs, but am bound to point out that the Spatial Plan was not consulted/approved on the basis now being suggested. The Spatial Plan had no detail whatsoever – even as to whether Bridge Street would be one way or two way – and submitters were told that Council was “consulting on a “vision” “ and that there would be proper consultation in the future, when details and costs of what was proposed were better
known. Although I acknowledge Council says it has discussed aspects with Bridge Street property owners etc, I point out that there has been no statutory consultation.
Therefore I submit that the draft LTP should be amended by stating that statutory “consultation” would take place in either 2024 or 2025 – as to Bridge to better - when the details and costing were known
Before leaving the question of “Bridge to better” and possible references to the 2021 Spatial Plan I feel bound to set out (i.e. repeat) my views as to “revitalization” of the CBD.
Over the past 10-25 years Council has been very supportive of the change in policy so as to
• to have its planning rules changed to permit “big box” retailers to establish themselves outside the CBD
• to reduce car parking in the CBD; and
• to expand development of “green” spaces in the CBD
irrespective of the negative effect of the same on the rest of the CBD retail community
That trend was slightly reduced after the Council lost a High Court case in 2011 (when it had proposed re-developing Montgomery Square and to remove a lot of car parks): but has re-asserted itself in recent years
I have not had time to check carefully but my recollection is that there are currently only a few substantial nation-wide brands retailing in the CBD – Farmers and Noel Lemmings, Whitcouls and Glassons come to mind. Most of the rest that were in the CBD have left the CBD. Some of those I refer to leaving over the past 20 years are New World Supermarket, The Warehouse, Briscoes, Rebel Sports, Hunting & Fishing, Bed Bath and Beyond, Warehouse Stationery, and Mitre 10 (Mega). I am confident that there are more, but that is surely enough to support my argument. In addition Council has made it favourable for national brand to establish outside the CBD – and I refer to businesses such as Harvey Norman and Countdown
I ask Councillors “what is the common denominator of all those departures (and establishment outside the CBD)”.
I suggest that the answer is ”free and available car-parking” coupled with exasperation as to the differential rating adopted in the CBD.
How can Council expect a vibrant commercial centre when it has already killed the same – and seems to keep insisting on less car-parking and ever higher differentials to CBD rates.
My final comment on this aspect is that I (and others) expect that within a short number of years the three substantial Trafalgar Street buildings currently leased to BNZ, ASB, and Westpac, will be vacated by the banks; as banks remove themselves from face-to-face interaction with their Customers.
1147.10 Ayla Turner for Nelson Youth Council None Other Proposed Projects
Proposed Nelson Youth Hub
The Nelson Youth Council recognises the general interest in a Youth hub, and would like to propose this idea be worked on and incorporated into the 2024 - 2034 LTP. This would be an indoor space designed to generally accommodate youth, supplying things that could make the area a more attractive place for Youth to hang out. The Nelson Youth council playspaces subgroup is conducting a survey, in which interest for the aforementioned Youth hub is being gauged, and the most common interests for things which the youth would like to see in the youth Hub. While this survey is still in the beginning stages, and has a smaller amount of responses, there is a very clear interest in not only the youth hub, but also in a variety of things within it. These will be gone over further in more detail during the public hearings on the LTP, when the Playspaces subgroup has received a wider range of perspectives, and a more accurate set of statistics and opinions can be pitched. However, even without this data we
believe there are still a variety of reasons why this recommendation should be taken into
account, and implemented into Nelson City.
● A Youth Hub in Nelson City would be hugely beneficial to the Youth of Nelson, as this
area and the resources that would be created with it would provide a space in the city
centre for young people to meet, relax, hang out, and much more. We believe these
things would contribute largely towards more youth activity within the Nelson City centre, contributing towards the goals of Nelson City Council, of making the city more lively and engaging. This is because as an area for youth in town, it is our opinion that a youth hub would cause more youth to visit the city centre, and for longer periods of time, as it would solve the problem of having no clear destination to go to in Nelson City.
● The Nelson Youth Council would like to acknowledge the need to support and include
Young people in Nelson, and how this ties in with the proposal for a Youth Hub in the
Nelson City Centre. By providing this area and the resources with it, NCC is actively
including and providing better access for youth in the city centre. Establishing a Nelson
Youth Hub also provides opportunities for youth. This is because the youth hub will need
to be staffed, to ensure the safety of the area, making sure there is no inappropriate
behaviour in the Youth Hub, and even possibly help with tutoring, should some youth use the area as a study space. (we have received responses in the playpaces survey with
concerns regarding these issues) Therefore, by hiring youth people, this not only solves
this problem, but also provides a low to no experience required job for the youth, of
which there are little available in Nelson.
To conclude, a Nelson Youth Hub in the City Centre would help bring more youth into the city, and for longer amounts of time. It would help include and support the rangatahi of Nelson, and provide opportunities and more for them to access. It is for these reasons and more, which will be detailed further in the LTP public hearings, that the Nelson Youth Council would like to propose a Youth Hub in the Nelson City Centre, and asks that the Council take this suggestion on board.
Conclusion
872.4 Tracy Allan for Make/Shift Spaces None PAGE 11 CITY CENTRE REVITALISATION
Implementing Te Ara ō Whakatū spatial plan through revitalisation of city centre spaces. 2024-34 $4.2
Million
Looking at the bigger picture over the next 10 years Make/Shift Spaces would like to propose that
Whakatū Nelson be positioned as a Creative City and a destination, by clustering up and telling the
stories collectively of the incredible resource we have sitting right under our noses. This became
abundantly clear when we produced the ‘What If Whakatū-Nelson…? project late last year when we
featured a series of talks about our Creative City. See attached list of Creative
Businesses/Studios/Galleries/Workshops.
To complement the rich history of our institutions, our city is witnessing exciting new developments. A
recent acquisition of the former dry cleaner on Collingwood Street by a philanthropist has resulted in
the establishment of The Bench - a contemporary Jewellery School, two artist studios, and soon-toopen
pop-up gallery space. Other philanthropic endeavours and in-kind support are also benefiting
artists, and creative businesses such as The Lee Woodman Studio, Viewfinder Window Gallery, and
the Little Beehive on Hardy Street.
Furthermore, another noteworthy development set to commence operations on 1 June 2024, is
Āwhio—a Toi Maori Arts Centre. This centre will be located at 16 Paru Paru Road in a building owned
by Wakatū Incorporated, adjacent to the river.
PAGE 11 ARTS & CULTURE
CITY REVITALISATION
The statements you list: “ARTS AND CULTURE Supporting activities that contribute to a thriving art, and creativity scene’. Supporting the Nelson Provincial Museum to build a new archives, research, and collections facility.
CITY CENTRE REVITALISATION
Implementing Te Ara ō Whakatū spatial plan through revitalisation of city centre spaces.
2024-34 $4.2 million”
These headings in our opinion are inextricably linked. Arts and Culture, and the positioning of Nelson as a creative city should contribute substantially over the next 10 to the Revitalisation of the City Centre along with other specific strategies.
The Make/Shift Space Incorporated initiated the ‘What If Whakatū-Nelson…? project
https://www.whatifnelson.co.nz/ in a vacant shop for 5 weeks from 13 November – 16 December 2023
highlighting above the key issues that the community care about and feel they can make a
contribution to, by setting a vision and actions for making Whakatū Nelson a liveable city, distinctively
different to other regional cities.
1494.8 Joanna Santa-Barbara for Nelson Tasman Climate Forum None The Forum supports all of the following initiatives in the LTP:

● East-West corridor for cycling

● Improving public transport infrastructure and services, including the Millers Acre Bus
Exchange - The Bridge Street temporary station can’t take the 6 buses required and
has substandard facilities (toilets and waiting areas).

● Implementing safer regulatory speeds around Stoke School

● ‘Bridge to Better’ - Urban revitalization and improved pedestrian and cycle facilities

● Improving the St Vincent St cycle facility 
● Intersection and roundabout safety treatments, including traffic calming and signals

● Car-sharing initiative. 
The Forum also requests that NCC consider the following actions:

a. Allocate funding in future years for new buses as patronage increases.

b. Address congestion and emissions through policies like congestion charging
during peak commuting times. This would raise revenue and lower future
expenditure by reducing wear on existing roads and the need for new roads.
Congestion charging has been successfully implemented in Stockholm (who
trialled the idea over a few months) and other cities. Using a low congestion
charge, Stockholm saw a 20% reduction in peak travel. Public opinion on the
charge flipped from 70% disapproval to 70% approval after implementation.2

c. Implement an Active Travel Plan for council staff and follow an electric-first
policy when replacing or adding cars to the council’s fleet.

d. Provide EV charging stations in public car parks in the Nelson CBD.

e. Provide a “bus only” lane at key intersections to give preference to buses.
This “bus priority” is a valuable tool for making buses faster than driving a
personal vehicle.

f. Publish quarterly reports on regional fuel use and transport emissions.

g. Plan for climate adaptation in infrastructure, e.g. Nelson Airport and Port
Nelson, and include adaptation plans in any new infrastructure spending.

h. Advocate to central government for the National Land Transport Fund to
contribute more to road maintenance and renewal. Road damage is caused
disproportionately by heavy vehicles yet is being paid for by ratepayers.
Transport is the biggest capital item in the NCC budget. Savings here would
reduce the rate burden on ratepayers and enable NCC to afford other
measures to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.
1047.8 Anna Berthelsen None Support New bus hub at Millers Acre
Support Safer speeds around Stoke School
Allocate future funding for new buses to cater for higher patronage
Investigate a) the use of conges on charging, b) Active Travel plans for
NCC staff, c) replacing NCC vehicles with EVs, and d) providing
“bus only” lanes at key intersections. 
Refer to 10 page submission for further information - key points re transport below:
I support all of the following initiatives in the LTP:
· East‐West corridor for cycling
· Improving public transport infrastructure and services, including the Millers Acre Bus Exchange
· Implementing safer regulatory speeds around Stoke School
· ‘Bridge to Better’ ‐ Urban revitalization and improved pedestrian and cycle facilities 
· Improving the St Vincent St cycle facility
· Intersection and roundabout safety treatments, including traffic calming and signals
· Car‐sharing initiative.
I also request that NCC consider the following actions:
1. Allocate funding in future years for new buses as patronage increases.
2. Address congestion and emissions through policies like congestion charging during peak commuting times. This would raise revenue and lower future expenditure by reducing wear on existing roads and the
need for new roads. Congestion charging has been successfully implemented in Stockholm (who trialled the idea over a few months) and other cities. Using a low congestion charge, Stockholm saw a 20% reduction in peak travel. Public opinion on the charge flipped from 70% disapproval to 70% approval after implementation.
3. Implement an Active Travel Plan for council staff and follow an electric‐first policy when replacing or adding cars to the council’s fleet.
4. Provide EV charging stations in public car parks in the Nelson CBD.
5. Provide a “bus only” lane at key intersections to give preference to buses.
6. Publish quarterly reports on regional fuel use and transport emissions.
7. Plan for climate adaptaption in infrastructure, e.g. Nelson Airport and Port Nelson, and include adaptation plans in any new infrastructure spending.
1040.6 vicki smith Option one The proposed cost of the purchase of a new building and establishing an arts hub coupled with the cost to demolish the old Refinery Building on Hardy street should be used in combination to bring that Heritage building back into service and use it to provide an actual community space - the Arts Hub has lost the word community and it is a huge omission. While I have full support for Arts Council and the work they do both in advocacy but also as a Gallery and Office spaces for other arts entities there is the dire need for a more permanent solution to enabling a more socially equitable solution to space requirements for our marginalised communities>Community Art Works provides both a supportive and consistent service to peoples with diverse needs and who are in supported housing or require significant care, they also provide outreach and in house programmes for Rangitahi / Youth, Multi-cultural communities as well individual arts practitioners and groups who access the space and resources for projects that generally are of benefit to the Whakatū / Nelson Community.In describing itself as a vibrant creative city there are often image used which include masks, materials or circo-arts additions to events that originate from the CAW space. Council is right to look to the benefits that arts provides to the community / city as a whole but this is not wholly economic in the sense of generating money - but in the social benefit of creativity being something that is supported and enabled for all to achieve, and have access to.Council risks spending vast amounts of money on more strategy documents and provisioning a 'hub' while ignoring the potential for existing spaces to be utllised - there is huge potential for multiple groups to successfully collaborate through the old Refinery Building which is still central (the CBD being only a few blocks anyway), its proximity to the beautiful natural amenity of the River and estuary will draw interest along the River reserve and bring more diverse groups to use this under appreciated area
1445.5 Iain Sheves for Wakatu Incorporation None New Library
34. Wakatu supports the Civic Hub proposal and it is Wakatu’s view that the Council
should show leadership by investing in the CBD. It is of some concern that Nelson
has failed to invest in its City Centre when other local communities have invested in
Civic infrastructure and are now reaping the dividends. Motueka saw library usage
increase by 35% with the opening of Te Noninga Kumu and Blenheim has reported
library visitor numbers more than doubling since it opened Te Kahu o Waipuna.
35. At the same time Nelson’s Elma Turner library was partially closed and beset by a
succession of building issues. It is understood that these repairs were made on the
basis of extending the lifespan of the existing building by 5-10 years (Nick Smith,
Stuff, 17/1/24). If this is the case the community needs to settle on a plan now to
ensure that a suitable long term solution can be actioned within this time period.
36. Wakatū is disappointed that the previous proposal to construct a new library as part
of the Mahitahi Precinct was back-tracked on by this Council citing sea-level rise and
cost concerns. It is noted that the budget for this project remains in the LTP and the
SLR risk and associated engineering to address it is probably better understood at
this location than any other city centre site.
37. Wakatū fully support the Council in investment in a new Civic Hub to provide a
suitable base for community and Council activities and it would support the Council
to formulate a plan for this as a priority, in order that the project can progress within
the necessary time frame.
1428.9 Carol Webster None 8. I would like to see the Trafalgar Centre carpark re-instated for long term parking.



Because…
a. It can be used for workers and shoppers in the City, by day, without long term car parking being forced into the residential areas and used by event goers at night.
b. It is only a short, flat, off road walk to the City along the existing river walk and suitable for mobility access.
c. Long term, the river walk could easily be upgraded to be covered and provide protection from the weather.
d. Long term, the river walk access could be upgraded to a micro-tram facility that ran from the carpark, along the river walk and the full length of Trafalgar Street, to the Cathedral.
e. Long term, the carpark could be increased to multi-level and provide all the parking requirements for CBD parking.
f. Long term, the carpark could have a dedicated exit from State Highway 6, over a purpose built bridge across saltwater creek.
g. Long term, CBD car parking can be reduced and replaced with ground floor commercial with multi-level housing above.
h. Long term the CBD could become vehicle free (apart from delivery vehicles) and become more people focussed.
i. It is a low cost exercise for ratepayers to reinstate a simple, no frills car-park and provide free (or minimal cost) all day parking and then do a monitoring exercise to see if users are happy to trade their paid convenient CDB short-term park for a short walk, but free (low cost) all-day park, to evaluate the viability of the above list of improvements.
1426.8 Stephen Webster None 8. I would like to see the Trafalgar Centre carpark re-instated for long term parking.



Because…
a. It can be used for workers and shoppers in the City, by day, without long term car parking being forced into the residential areas and used by event goers at night.
b. It is only a short, flat, off road walk to the City along the existing river walk and suitable for mobility access.
c. Long term, the river walk could easily be upgraded to be covered and provide protection from the weather.
d. Long term, the river walk access could be upgraded to a micro-tram facility that ran from the carpark, along the river walk and the full length of Trafalgar Street, to the Cathedral.
e. Long term, the carpark could be increased to multi-level and provide all the parking requirements for CBD parking.
f. Long term, the carpark could have a dedicated exit from State Highway 6, over a purpose built bridge across saltwater creek.
g. Long term, CBD car parking can be reduced and replaced with ground floor commercial with multi-level housing above.
h. Long term the CBD could become vehicle free (apart from delivery vehicles) and become more people focussed.
i. It is a low cost exercise for ratepayers to reinstate a simple, no frills car-park and provide free (or minimal cost) all day parking and then do a monitoring exercise to see if users are happy to trade their paid convenient CDB short-term park for a short walk, but free (low cost) all-day park, to evaluate the viability of the above list of improvements.
206.13 Joshua Bristow None The council should negotiate a long-term plan for mountain bike access with Ngati Koata, these discussions have been going on for a longtime and should be finalized as this is an important issue as these trails are highly valued and used extensively by the local community and tourists. Mountain biking in Nelson is world-class and adds significantly to the local economy estimated at $49 million.
 Along with this issue and the approach to forestry I believe the council should assist, provide more support or become a shareholder for the gondola that was proposed to run on Fringe Hill. A project like this could significantly impact Nelson and would be a big draw to increase mountain bike tourism to the region, this could be the revitalization Nelson center town needs with increased spending and stays from visitors. Similar mountain bike towns in New Zealand gain significantly more from this tourism than Nelson, the value of spending in Queenstown was $157.6 million in 2021 and projected to increase to $209.8 million after Covid, Rotorua also benefited from $139.8 million in 2022. Both are significantly higher than the estimated benefit to Nelson.
 
The project would also be significantly cheaper, at around $20 million, than other proposed projects by the council with more benefits. The councils proposed $90 million community hub for example would create few long term jobs and provide no benefit to the economy. A gondola would create a significant amount of direct jobs and indirect and could be the boost Nelson need, with mountain biking becoming ever more popular and the potential to add tens of millions of dollars to the economy every year.
 
Refer attachments
887.9 Hana Wilkinson for National Public Health Service None Bridge to Better
NPHS Te Waipounamu supports in principle, pending review of the concept design proposed to be consulted on in May 2024.
NPHS Te Waipounamu supports the water infrastructure upgrade that will provide capacity and resilience to cater for hundreds of homes in the city centre. Well-designed inner-city living can provide compact, connected, integrated, resilient and inclusive homes. When done well, theses homes can have positive impacts on health, through social connection and cohesion, civic participation, air quality and promoting physical activity.
Sufficient green and recreational space will need to be considered for Inner city living environments and we support the implementation of the Urban Greening Plan 2022. NPHS Te Waipounamu notes the importance of greenspace and trees in the context of climate change, particularly to reduce potential heat-related illness and mortality from rising temperature and in a heatwave event.11 Urban communities are at risk of the urban heat island effect as many of the materials used in urban settings – brick, concrete and steel – trap heat and increase the overall temperature experienced in urban environments.
NPHS Te Waipounamu recommends that outdoor dining environments support a safe, healthy and cohesive environment and are:
- Alcohol, smokefree and vapefree and free from associated advertising.
- Accessible, encompassing universal design standards
- Pedestrian and cycle friendly.
- Conversant with Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design.
 
Support in prinicple, subject to review of further consultation.
750.9 yuri aristarco None Shred into pieces the idea of the Matai proposed development and let become Nelson a REAL SMART LITTLE CITY!!!
Like Central PArk for NY City, a piece of wilderness so close to the Nelson CBD is a landmark feature for our city and we cannot loset it.
Use the land to developed a tiny houses project, optimise the space use allowing hundreds of really affordable homes for young families and elderly people!
Use the excess of land to create vegetable and fruit production.
This could become the first city in the world to really fix 2 main issues:
Affordable housing and carbon neutral food production and distribution ( being within the city boundaries ).
All around the world billions of families lives in 60 to 100 sqmt apartments or flats why can't we do it here?
All this with compostable toilets, biogas e compost production and grey water recycling systems all this side products could fuel the on site food production.
The small footprint tiny homes could be build by dozens of small trade companies instead of using few big ones, this will better distribuite the income around our community.
On top of all this the environmental impact will be ZERO preserving our beloved little haven close to the city.
I can go on but I believe that you get the picture.
The entire Nelson community but few rich and influent people will benefit from such a thing.
If your job it's to make something good for the people and for the community then now is the time to show it.
1082.6 John-Paul Pochin None Transport
The centre of Nelson is essentially a large car park with a few shops and businesses
surrounded by car yards and supermarkets, each with their own car parks.
There is constant surprise that even with all the parking (much of it free parking at least for the short term) that businesses are struggling. Isn’t it about time somebody realised that giving up so much of our city to vehicles is the problem, not the lack of parking. We need to stop seeing vehicle infrastructure as progress, as something to be desired. The closing of the top of Trafalgar St. has shown what can happen if an area becomes more about people than parking and yet even with examples like this and all the international research, projects such as the Bridge St. redesign are incredibly disappointing and unambitious. How can projects like this be so lacking in vision?
I strongly urge the Council to continue to support and increase support for public transport and I congratulate the Council on the electric buses and the increased patronage. More needs to be done to prioritise buses in the traffic queues (creating separate bus lanes through clearways for example).
I strongly urge Council to push for changes to Rocks Rd. that can be made in the short term to make cycling and walking safer and more attractive (such as ideas that Nelsust have suggested).
1075.10 Johny O'Donnell None I strongly support the proposed investment into a Civic and Community Hub, two long awaited and necessary projects brought together to create scale and density of activity makes a lot of sense. A commitment here would be a game changer for the city. 
Whilst I recognise the process being followed, I urge Council to move swiftly to provide direction and confidence to the city through backing a firm proposal. The sooner work starts here, the faster the benefits can be realised for the community.
During my travels to other centers, I am constantly reminded just how much we miss out on as a community with our inadequate library and civic space. We know how much these assets add to the vibrancy of a city. Our existing venues work so hard for Nelson that we can take confidence in how much this will return for us.
Co-locating Civic House within such a facility or precinct would make the Council more accessible and connected to the community it serves. Civic House is familiar territory for some but impenetrable for others. The sooner we establish a modern and fit for purpose facility, the better off we'll all be for it.
The impact on rates of such a decision is minor, especially when compared with the gains. Through good decision-making Council has the headroom and capacity to do this project properly. The biggest cost is continuing to do nothing.
1147.4 Ayla Turner for Nelson Youth Council None Civic Investment
The Nelson Youth Council as a whole supports the redevelopment of Civic House. With the lack of safety and outdated systems, it is ultimately time to move to a better space. We would also like to see the library combined with the new Civic House as we support the cost-effectiveness of this approach and believe that this could create a strong, modern community hub. This new building should be as central in Nelson as possible, similar to the current Civic House, so it can be accessed as easily as possible by people across Nelson. Some features we would like to see in the new Civic House/Library are:
- Space for environmental initiatives/plantlife such as a climbing plant wall or rooftop
gardens.
- Space for community artwork to be seen at a large scale.
A structure that represents Nelson’s diverse cultural communities with specific homage
shown to our large refugee settlements whether through art or architecture.
We would also want the spaces of the previous Civic House and library to be used for more housing in order to lower the cost of housing in the city centre and provide space for more people.
982.12 Richard Brudvik-Lindner None Bridge to Better- While improved infrastructure capacity is an important and major outcome of this project, we should keep in mind that the real value is in its ability to transform our city into a more liveable, vertical and sustainable city, with a greater quality of life. The in-line park aspect of the project has been too de-emphasised in recent council conceptualisation, decision-making and communication around the project.  

Expenditures that build quality of life through this project, and which create transformation to more livable spaces, less dominated by vehicular traffic, should be the prioritsed in both funding and allocation of other resources. I fully support this project, and wish it was more ambitious in its approach.  Making it a two-way street was a bit too timid for my liking, and I do think that the project should be created from the outset to convert it to one-way traffic once the political will emerges to do so.  Make it convertible, by designing it for conversion from the outset, but accepting it will be a two-way street at this stage of design.
828.11 Colin Ratcliffe None
****Bridge to better
 Again a massive project for the City at almost $80 million.   I cant help but think that once it is complete   and you have attracted all the inner City living "apartments", --as envisaged -- that the street will again become dead because there would be nothing much there for the public
 It would be better to just complete the services part and then see what happens. Leaving the bus depot just where it is would save the millions that would be required for  future development of Millers acre.  How many years would it take and how many businesses would go under through lack of access for customers during the long construction period. 
 We have seen just what happened after the top of Trafalgar st was closed off.  Hardy street between Trafalgar and Collingwood st has about 17 food outlets (plus Morrison square) and is screaming out for development. This would not necessarily involve BIG money. Trafalgar st and Hardy West could easily be made one way.
952.12 Ian Williams for Hospitality NZ None 28. Hospitality NZ also has a number of specific comments concerning the Council’s Long-Term Plan.

(ii) CBD Investment and Revitalisation
We are actively involved in the various groups which look at CBD development and specific matters, such as the recent City Revitalisation Summit, and the ongoing City Centre Business Forum. We actively support the work of NCC in developing and improving civic facilities for the benefit of residents and tourists, in supporting a positive business environment, and in marketing the city and all it has to offer. Discussion needs to focus on short term wins in the early part of the 10 year plan; operating a small business, especially in hospitality, is becoming less viable which is a huge risk to overall city wellbeing. Any developments that support small business survival in the short term need to be high priority. This needs to include, for example, ease of access and parking so that people are encouraged to visit and stay for longer periods.
985.15 Ali Boswijk for Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce None
Civic House and Library
We know that Nelson is competing with other cities and towns for business investment and talent. A dynamic urban area is an important aspect of attracting people and business growth. We support investment in a new civic centre for the City as a significant catalyst for city revitalization, economic stimulus, and to prepare Nelson for the next 100 years. It is clear that Civic House is no longer fit for purpose and the cost of a refit appears to be excessive. The library is constrained on its current site and is not delivering what is possible for a contemporary library proposition. We believe that NCC should take the opportunity to sell that property and use those funds in conjunction with money allocated for the library and invest in a Civic Hub that befits the capital city of the region. 
We would urge that this is done sooner rather than later as we all know from experience, nothing will ever cost less than it does today.
1225.13 John Fitchett None 8 “City Centre Revitalisation”
On page 11 of the draft LTP there is a box headed “City Centre Revitalisation”: and it says that Council plans to implement the City Centre Spatial Plan at a cost of $4.2 million over the next decade. There may be more detail elsewhere, but I did not find it.
In respect of that “Box”, I repeat the part of the foregoing para7 that pointed out that the Spatial Plan was never approved for implementation – all that was approved was the “vision”.
I still know nothing as to the guesstimated costs, or what precisely is proposed in the “revitalization” – other than that I suspect it will be trying to re-visit the disgarded idea of closing Trafalgar Street
I submit that it is premature to budget for any such “revitalization” until the details are disclosed and proper “consultation” has occurred
959.13 Neville Male None - CITY REVITALISATION ….
      This is a top priority and commercial owners desperately need help.
      If they die Nelson will die  !
      What ESSENTIAL EXPENDITURE is planned for this over the next 3 years?
      The recent meeting of interested parties (there have been many in past years with
      little to show for it) must be followed up with action and better communication strategies.
      This must be regarded as an ESSENTIAL expenditure item and proceeded with without delay.

- CIVIC HOUSE ….
      NOT ESSENTIAL so defer for 4-10 year LTP time frame.


- ELMA TURNER LIBRARY …..
      Only ESSENTIAL EXPENDITURE to keep the Library operating and defer for
      4-10 year LTP time frame.
982.14 Richard Brudvik-Lindner None
Extend East-West Cycleway Link
I support this project, but feel we need to be more holistic in our thinking about the project. We should be thinking about the new hospital as an opportunity to create a Medical Innovation Precinct around the hospital, to off-load through traffic from Waimea Rd  into a multi-story park-and-ride carpark structure and to create a boulevard connection between this precinct and the CBD that extends this cycleway right into the CBD. Our biggest employer (based on staff in the region and budget – the DHB/Whatua Ora) should be better connected to the CBD by cycleways, by micromobility, by pedestrian walkways and greenways, and by high-frequency public transportation (like an autonomous tram traversing this boulevard alongside the cycleway into the CBD). We must be more holistic and ambitious in how we conceive this cycleway project.
985.8 Ali Boswijk for Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce None We know that Nelson is competing with other cities and towns for business investment and talent. A dynamic urban area is an important aspect of attracting people and business growth. We support investment in a new civic centre for the City as a significant catalyst for city revitalization, economic stimulus, and to prepare Nelson for the next 100 years. It is clear that Civic House is no longer fit for purpose and the cost of a refit appears to be excessive. The library is constrained on its current site and is not delivering what is possible for a contemporary library proposition. We believe that NCC should take the opportunity to sell that property and use those funds in conjunction with money allocated for the library and invest in a Civic Hub that befits the capital city of the region. 
We would urge that this is done sooner rather than later as we all know from experience, nothing will ever cost less than it does today.
985.2 Ali Boswijk for Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce None of the above We know that Nelson is competing with other cities and towns for business investment and talent. A dynamic urban area is an important aspect of attracting people and business growth. We support investment in a new civic centre for the City as a significant catalyst for city revitalization, economic stimulus, and to prepare Nelson for the next 100 years. It is clear that Civic House is no longer fit for purpose and the cost of a refit appears to be excessive. The library is constrained on its current site and is not delivering what is possible for a contemporary library proposition. We believe that NCC should take the opportunity to sell that property and use those funds in conjunction with money allocated for the library and invest in a Civic Hub that befits the capital city of the region. We would urge that this is done sooner rather than later as we all know from experience, nothing will ever cost less than it does today.
786.12 Poppy MacPhedran None 3- We need to sort out a green area in the city for example Montgomery car park to make it a more permanent market area.
4- The council should make commercial building owners lower the rents as they are pricing all the business out of town. It is embarrassing how many empty buildings we have in the city. I propose that for every week a commercial building is empty in the city centre the rent must be reduced by 10% until we get back to more affordable rents. I was recently in Invercargill and its township is thriving and yet their population if far less than Nelson. I know of one business thats rent went from 20 thousand dollars a year to 50 thousand dollars over 4 years. Thats outrageous. You need to set a square meter price for commercial rents in the CBD, otherwise Nelson will completely die like it already is.
1491.8 William Samuels None I recommend the inclusion of funding for a Nelson CBD Youth Hub. A key finding from
the ‘What If Nelson’ initiative is a lack of youth-targeted spaces within central Nelson,
and there were many submissions and talks by young people regarding this. Without
dedicated spaces for our younger people there is little incentive for them to come and
spend time in our central city, and we would benefit from having more youthful
enthusiasm and energy injected into the heart of Nelson. Having our city as more
welcoming and engaging for younger people could also make it more appealing for them
to stay and work or study in Nelson, rather than leave as soon as high school is over.
Nelson is suffering from demographic shifts and an aging population, and we need more
young people bringing vibrance, energy and new businesses.
1028.1 Erin Parry Option one Although many Nelsonians are currently grappling with the cost of living crisis, I worry that lowering services will derail Nelson's long term goals and objectives.  We have a lot of work to do before we can really call ourselves: 'The Smartest Little City,' we have a CBD that lacks vibrancy and we're losing businesses to the Tasman region. Revitalising the CBD is going to take a lot of resources before we can have a bustling city centre.  We do not have a curbside composting solution, diverting food waste is one of the easiest and most effective way to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. Becoming a more sustainable community, with a more developed CBD will make Nelson a more desirable place to live, but will require investment.
872.3 Tracy Allan for Make/Shift Spaces None PAGE 40 CIVIC INVESTMENT
Make/Shift Spaces supports the thoughtful examination of Civic House and the Elma Turner Library's
future, but the recent Summit in March underscored the urgency of Civic Investment to inspire
confidence among investors and developers. This investment is crucial for fostering the development
of housing, apartments, and commercial ventures, including the adaptive reuse of historic buildings,
which is vital for the city's long-term revitalisation. Make/Shift Spaces are very keen to see a direction
on these issues sooner rather than later. Doing nothing is not an option! A new generation Library
Civic Centre that houses Council will be an investment for existing and future generations.
657.15 Andrew High None This submission is in support of the Bridge to Better project. Nelson CBD has been waiting a long time for this. Finally a change in emphasis from the car-centric city that we have been left with to a more people-centric environment. Re-distribution of roadspace into seating, greenspace, outdoor dining and traffic-calmed areas will improve the city hugely, and bring a much fresher vibe to a place which really does currently feel tired and outdated. Council must stick to its plan on this issue, and not let themselves be distracted by nay-sayers or people resistant to change. Do not let the parking debate win any ground!
976.5 Cara Paterson for Creative New Zealand None City Centre Revitalisation
25.  As Council implements Te Ara ō Whakatū through revitalisation of city centre spaces, we 
encourage it to consider how this project could include arts and cultural elements in downtown 
spaces. The partnership model of Make/Shif t Spaces is ensuring the successful
delivery of projects, initiatives and access to creative spaces that meet the needs of both the 
arts community and its audiences. Council’s relationship with Arts Council Nelson has also enabled 
a more joined-up approach to arts advocacy; promoting and connecting up artists, arts organisations 
and creatives.
684.10 Jeremy Thompson None Yes. The focus for additional housing construction and intensification needs to be in Nelson's central city CBD where much of the commercial building stock is low rise and low grade. 3 and 4 storey multi-use buildings need to replace many large corners and locations creating affordable (yes, it can be done) apartments and adding vitality to the city centre. I would be willing to discuss specific construction options around a NCC table if NCC is willing to contribute a 'Can Do' attitude and share insights into locations with potential. This offer is made with zero pecuniary interest.
564.7 Lori Godden Option two if this is done with the rugby club(access to more funds)  and create a multi use building with paddleboard/kayak rentals, ice cream, cafe/tapas bar/seafood(showcasing our fishing insdustry) restaurant ‘Surf and Turf’ that holds music gigs for night time(this in my opinion is a huge gap in Nelson…devilles, East street and…Boat house( which feels more like and RSA club) are the only places that have regular gigs for our younger population…. It would be a great investment.
985.6 Ali Boswijk for Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce Option two We support investment in the Arts Hub and the proposal to purchase an existing building. The region is proud of its arts and creativity sector and we know it has been an important of Nelson's branding over decades We encourage council to ensure that this building is in the city centre. The presence of the Refinery Art Space on Hardy Street has been beneficial to the Arts Sector and to surrounding businesses. With Magenta Art Space now located in Selwyn Place on the other side of Rutherford Mews it makes sense to locate it in close proximity.
290.10 Rhys Van de waardt None developing a hub/ food court in the city centre simular to the river side markets where there is a late night draw into the city. Support business in the city to open late with live music, food options etc. support local artist to paint murals around the city. Negotiate better rates for projects, scheduled maintenance and support local companies that understand our environment and community.
773.8 Adam Burwell Option two I would say option 2 and as the city continue downtown redevelopment - look to either increase that space with other buildings acquired or renovated or go option 3. The arts are important to a community but they also can't be forced by the public sector so whichever option goes, it needs to be sure that there is plenty of breathing room for the artist community without public sector intervention.
1077.5 Matt Lawrey None Sell Civic House to a developer who commits to turning it into apartments.



 Build a new library and Civic House/City Hub and fund the new library so it can be open at night and give people a place for connection and the opportunity to engage in public life after work/school that isn’t a bar or a pub. Check out the attachment.
749.10 Andy Josephson None i want to see public events. Have community concerts on the Trafalgar centre lawn. Have food truck rallies. We're a town that is letting our older population take control. Let's bring the youthful energy back and bring the arts community together to bring this area back to it's full potential.
749.8 Andy Josephson Option two Nelson used to be defined by it's artists. We have many beautiful buildings downtown that sit empty that could be repurposed for art! Bring the arts back to Nelson and give us a large music/performance venue either in an old building or build a new one. This is vital to Nelson.
806.10 Krista Huber None it would be good if Nelson could move to a pedestrian focused central city and keep cars out of the main streets therefore allowing a more vibrant town. To attract younger people we need paid jobs not volunteers in places like the Brook Sanctuary and when creating new native reserves if we leave forestry.
500.11 Nicola Harwood None I would like to see the council actually commits to creating a pedestrian only city centre (something that has created vibrant cities across Europe, Australia and even in other NZ cities) -  the continued focus on car use and parking in the city is negative and short-sighted.
829.5 Lloyd Harwood for Arts Council Nelson Inc None Supporting activities that contribute to a thriving arts and creativity scene.
ACN fully support implementing Te Ara ō Whakatū City Centre Spatial Plan through revitalisation of city centre spaces, 2024-2034, $4.2 million.
92.18 Nicola Gabelich None 2. I support the  proposed Bridge to Better project in Nelson, as this will help improve the heart of nelson city CBD which has  been in decline over the past decade.