A full pedestrianisation of George St is "inevitable" now that businesses have been given a taste of a street without traffic, a Dunedin city councillor says.
Nearly three years of construction, street closures and road cones ended yesterday as the George St upgrades project was officially declared complete.
Speaking to the Otago Daily Times, Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich said it was great to now see the work done and dusted.
"I know it’s been tough for the retailers putting up with all that dust, dirt and disruption at their front door."
Mr Radich was among four standing councillors who voted against the option of a one-way street in 2021.
While he had "definitely wanted two-way traffic" as he believed it would be more accessible, he had always supported upgrades to the street at large.
A lot of people had lobbied for the full pedestrianisation of George St and a one-way option - while "not as preferable as two way" - was still accessible with quick and convenient parking outside shop fronts.
He said he did not want to dwell on the past and was focused on getting on with the job.
"There’s plenty enough other people dwelling on the past. I’m looking at where we’re going ..."
Cr Steve Walker said it slightly pained him to see a number of colleagues who had "worked to derail this over the years" at yesterday’s unveiling with big smiles on their faces.
He said he had heard from various businesses that a fully pedestrianised George St had become more desired as the work had progressed, and was disappointed their voices had not been louder during the pre-construction phase.
The addition of the play space and eateries spilling out further down the street could culminate in a push for full pedestrianisation, "thus fulfilling my lifetime dream for this area", he said.
"I predict, within less than five years, that there will be a public push to fully pedestrianise this area.
"It’s going to happen. It’s inevitable."
He believed that businesses would want the street to be closed to traffic during the weekend, and suggested it could be closed during the cruise season.
When the street had reached the point of reopening areas, some retailers had said it was a shame it was being opened back up to cars, he said.
"That is a challenge because this is what we’ve built, but it has the ability to easily be, at times, pedestrianised."
Automatic bollards at the end of each block could easily be raised during weekends or for festivals - which the mall itself was doing this weekend for the George St completion celebrations, he said.
"Who knows what that might look like in the future, but I want it to really be led by the businesses, not by us."
