The Dunedin City Council has backtracked on controversial aspects of its trial Octagon closure.
In a statement the council said it was responding to concerns raised by stakeholders about cruise ship buses dropping passengers outside Toitu.
They will instead be dropped off and picked up on Cumberland St, outside the Countdown and New World supermarkets, from January 27 to February 17.
The change follows concerns from business owners, the New Zealand Cruise Association, the Otago Chamber of Commerce, and bus company Ritchies about health and safety, and the impact on Octagon businesses.
Council events and community development manager Joy Gunn said the move to Cumberland St was made possible by the Dunedin Hospital rebuild team adjusting their timetable for the demolition of the Cadbury distribution warehouse.
Prior to that decision, the Cumberland St option had not been available for consideration.
‘‘We’re delighted that the hospital rebuild team has made these changes to accommodate the city’s needs.
‘‘This location has been used in the past and is well known to bus and tourist operators.’’
The trial closure of the Octagon, known as the Octagon Experience, will be staggered over a three-month period between January and March next year.
During the partial closure period (February 17 to March 23) cruise ship shuttles will utilise George and Princes Streets.
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Comments
'Face palm'.
Still hasn't solved the problem DCC, use the blimmin Octagon for busses!
FYI, I didn't vote this council in...
This is an improvement??? Which supermarket? The New World or the Countdown? Neither is in sight of either a tourist destination, an architectural gem, or somewhere to shop, unless the boatees are in need of some groceries. Good lord! How is this listening to the objections?
Well, perhaps the Countdown is in sight of Anscombe's Allied Press building... but is that a tourist attraction?
Unbelievable that a few shopkeepers should rule the roost. Tourists will be dropped off in one of the ugliest parts of town with run down bus shelters and next to supermarkets.