A plan for the future of Auckland's K’ Rd embraces its lgbti culture, and sets out ways safety and transport links can be improved, as part of a vision to showcase it as “the creative, edgy fringe of the city centre”. After public consultation, the Waitemata Local Board has come up with “six key moves” for future of what it describes as an iconic road. “Karangahape Road is recognised as an inclusive and accepting neighbourhood. Freedom of expression in all aspects such as ethnicity, sexuality, music, food and art is celebrated,” it says. It wants K’ Rd to retain its creative and edgy reputation, with its heritage, biodiversity and vibrancy protected, while also making the area safer, and improving transport links. It points out the City Rail Link would have a station would have a station at the top of Beresford Square and Pitt Street. Also recommended are better pedestrian and cycle access, more links to Myers Park, pop-up dining and food trucks and new public art works. The plan includes an artist’s impression of a made over Pitt St intersection - complete with a rainbow crossing. The plan doesn’t specifically say the rainbow crossings will happen, but says the images are included to give a ‘look and feel’ of the potential development. Among the multitude of other ideas in the plan are addressing the ‘disconnect’ between the west and east ends of K’ Rd, creating ‘a more people-friendly and welcoming’ environment and fostering its richness and diversity. “Especially the various communities, ethnic groups and personalities that have become a part of the Karangahape Road heritage and character; over‑designing and over-planning is a risk to this aspiration,” it says. The Board makes it clear safety is a key issue both on the road and its side streets. The plan points out Conflicts can occur around bar closing times and in side streets, “especially involving the consumption of alcohol and other drugs”. It says concerns have also been expressed about the lack of community facilities such as public toilets, waste bins and adequate street lighting in the area. “The lack of such facilities has added to the perception of the area as unsafe, unhygienic and unattractive.” Strategies include improving lighting and infrastructure, continued monitoring of the area and supporting “rainbow community and other group initiatives in the area that enhance safety, public awareness and identity”.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 29th January 2015 - 10:57am