"To achieve an improved pedestrian environment and amenity there is a requirement to reduce on-street parking in all options," architecture and design practice Jasmax said in a report to be discussed at a Dunedin City Council meeting next week.
Development of the hospital and health sciences precinct provided grounds for a rethink about how streets in the central city should function, it said.
A shift was needed "towards much greater emphasis on pedestrian safety and access, as well as an overall improvement in the attractiveness of the urban environment to encourage pedestrian activity".
The council is to decide next week if it will recommend to Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency retaining the State Highway1 one-way pair of routes in the central city.
An alternative plan — promoted by the previous council, but unlikely to be backed now — would consolidate the state highway in Castle St, make Cumberland St a local road and introduce two-way traffic to both.
Council staff recommended endorsing retention of the one-way system.
Traffic modelling by WSP revealed the two-way model would result in a more congested network in peak periods.
The two-way model would increase journey times.
Jasmax said it was reasonable to conclude the one-way option provided the best overall outcome.
It would result in consistent amenity improvements along the corridors, whereas the two-way option would bring improvements to Cumberland St and Great King St, but not the Castle St block by the new hospital.
Jasmax envisaged the one-way system might be enhanced by tree planting and garden beds, reduced parking and adjusted cycle lanes.
Jasmax said the hospital would be a destination for some of the most vulnerable members of the public.
"The majority of patients, people with disabilities, elderly, children, whanau and visitors will access the hospital as pedestrians."
Jasmax labelled urban environments near the planned new hospital as poor.
The one-way corridors through the city centre were introduced in the 1970s and focused on efficient movement of vehicles and freight.
They were "constructed at the expense of amenity, pedestrian safety and public realm quality".
