The most run-down student flats might be bought by the
University of Otago and restored, or bowled in an attempt to
upgrade what the university says is a "ghetto" at its front
door.
The evolution of student-intensive neighbourhoods within
walking distance of the campus is seen as a major strength in
attracting enrolments, the university's campus master plan
says.
But the "squalid nature" of many flats, the accumulation of
rubbish and the lack of gardens had resulted in a "ghetto"
feel to the neighbourhoods.
The concentration of students also meant any civil disorder
was blamed on students, whether they had caused it or not,
the report said.
More overt joint action from the university and the Dunedin
City Council was required to beautify, clean up and patrol
the student quarter.
While any proposals were outside the scope of the master
plan, six initiatives were suggested:
• Upgrading the landscaping of streets
• Introducing a levy on landlords to fund improved rubbish
removal, management and security
• Supporting the "quality rating" system introduced for
student flats this year
• Relaxing off-street parking requirements and encouraging
landlords to reinstate gardens
• The university acquiring the most run-down properties and
restoring them or demolishing them and rebuilding
• The city council amending its planning regulations to
reduce the density of housing in student neighbourhoods.
For the longer-term, it was "fundamentally important" the
city council develop a plan for growth in the student
neighbourhoods, it said.
On the university's enrolment growth predictions, an
additional 4000 student beds would be required over the next
25 years, with 3000 of those at second year and beyond, when
students usually lived in flats.
That meant 500-700 more flats of traditional size would be
needed by 2035.
An alternative was to create "student villages" - multistorey
apartments with a central courtyard and some shared
facilities, the report said.
The villages could be developed by the university, by private
developers, or in joint ventures.
Potential sites were in Leith St-Dundas St, Clyde St, Union
St, the former Wickliffe Press site on Albany St, the college
of education site on Union St East, Anzac Ave, and the Abbey
College site in Cumberland St.
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