Church St and Searle Ln should become much more pleasant environments for pedestrians, but car parking should be maintained.
That was the main message the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has taken from public submissions on its proposed $1,045,000 upgrade by the close last Friday.
QLDC transportation manager Denis Mander said 30 submissions had been received as of yesterday, including notes from representatives of St Peter's Anglican Church, the Masonic Lake Lodge of Ophir, and Searle Ln businesses Hells Pizza and Angel Divine.
"Where we're at now is I'm doing a summary report and making recommendations that will go to Crs John Mann, Vanessa van Uden and Gillian Macleod on the sub-committee of the utilities committee."
The council's proposed upgrade involved the addition of a raised red-paved pedestrian crossing on Church St. Improved lighting, tree plantings, seating and cycle parking were up for discussion.
Having the southern side footpath widened by about half a metre, and a combined coach stop and loading zone outside Nomads Backpackers in place of six car parking spaces, were ideas opened for submissions.
Architect Preston Stevens, Nomad Safaris co-owner Amanda Gatward-Ferguson and Northern Southland Transport owner-driver Bruce Walker were among those opposing the coach stop. Backpackers could easily walk from Athol St or Earl St drop-off points, and Queenstown should be moving away from having coaches circling the central business district.
However, Kiwi Experience and Johnstons Coachlines supported the coach stop for its convenience for Nomads clients.
Other submissions said the Church St crossing point was not supported, and parking time should be restricted to P20 to increase turnover of customers.
Mr Mander said there had been notable support from Searle Ln retailers to upgrade the lane. While the lane still had a service function, submitters noted it was becoming a retail and entertainment destination in its own right.
"There was general support for closing Searle Ln to traffic [every night] . . . and improving pedestrian access for night-time activities," Mr Mander said.
Concerns about lighting, and how to screen wheelie bins and utilities cabinets that might detract from the amenity, would also be considered, he said.
Cobblestones or paving stones that could cope with heavy goods vehicles on the lane were recommended, and improved drainage was deemed essential.
Mr Mander said there was general support for the plan to reverse the angled car parking spaces on Marine Pde.
The three councillors on the sub-committee will meet next week.
The upgrade will start in late October and finish in April or May next year, with a Christmas break between December and early February.
