Mixed reactions as George St closed for event

The partial closure of George St for a three-day festival has drawn both scepticism and support from business owners along the Dunedin shopping corridor.

The Dunedin City Council closed the central city artery's northbound lane between Hanover and St Andrew Sts on Wednesday evening.

The closure is in preparation for public event Glow, running from this afternoon to Sunday evening, featuring art installations, live performances and sound and light displays.

Alchemy Equipment manager Carmel van Turnhout was effusive about the festival yesterday, despite slower-than-usual business at the clothing store.

"Today it has not been busy, but I just think it's an exciting and vibrant idea, and I'm thrilled that somebody's doing something really innovative, futuristic and interesting in this city.

"I think it will pay off. People will see our store, people will be mingling."

The store would stay open until 8pm today and, depending on how that went, might open late at the weekend, too.

At the other end of the block and with a more sceptical view was Trents Bags owner Sue Brown.

"I've had my business for 36 years and in the past when they've closed the roads, it doesn't do businesses any good."

Another manager of a shop near the middle of the street, who requested anonymity, was also not a fan of the partial closure.

"We definitely haven't had many people in today ... and we've had customers comment about the lack of parking.

"This wee event they're doing this weekend I think will be quite nice, but I don't see why they need to disrupt the main street."

Dunedin City Council principal urban designer Kathryn Ward said four parks had been taken up for the temporary closure.

"Overall, there has been a very positive response from George St businesses to the Glow event."

The event would trial the preliminary concept for George St and give businesses and the public the opportunity to see what the block would look like as a "vibrant shared space", she said.