Dangerous mall exit to change next year

The right turn out of Barrington Mall onto Barrington St will be cut off but a date has not yet...
The right turn out of Barrington Mall onto Barrington St will be cut off but a date has not yet been confirmed for when this will happen. PHOTO: GEOFF SLOAN
The right turn from Barrington Mall on to Barrington St is due to be removed next year.

The move comes after the Spreydon-Cashmere Community Board and nearby residents have been calling for the “dangerous” turn to be scrapped for about a decade.

Chairwoman Karolin Potter said the board and city council approved a proposal to get rid of it but plans to have this done by May were delayed.

“There have been delays because there are objections to it but I just can tell you emphatically that the council’s going to proceed,” she said.

Said city council manager of planning and delivery transport Lynette Ellis: “The proposal to ban right turns out of the mall is still intended to proceed. Resource consent approvals for the change in mall vehicle movements are yet to be obtained. Construction is anticipated to commence early in 2020.”

Said Ms Potter: “The council believes that abolishing the right-hand turn is what’s needed for safety along with the residents. The residents have been asking for a long time. It is the council’s view that one way or another, we will proceed.”

Ms Potter said the reason for the delay is “confidential” for now.

“We understand why . . . they are trying to sort something out that’s pretty intractable but they will get there.”

Ms Potter said in spite of having to wait, she is pleased the turn will finally be cut off.

Cashmere Ward city councillor Tim Scandrett said motorists who make the turn put themselves and pedestrians in danger.

“We’ve got a library there, we’ve got a children’s playground there and a disabled children’s playground . . . once you walk along that footpath along Barrington St, there’s no delineation whatsoever between the traffic access and your pedestrians.

“From after school through to about 5.30 it’s just a nightmare . . . it’s a horrendous little intersection to be quite honest.”

Said Barrington Mall centre manager Jill Kearns: “As we are still in consultation with the council seeking the most desirable outcome of this project for all parties involved, we’d rather not comment further at this time. As soon as all parties are happy with the proposed changes, we’re confident that the council will be proactive in sharing this information with the surrounding community and everyone else that it may involve.”