In July 2020 the council secured central government funding to install a semi-permanent ‘living street’ in Drews Avenue. A living street is a street designed with consideration for the experience of pedestrians and cyclists.
The vision for this 90 percent Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency funded project was to create a people-friendly area with outdoor seating, greenery and games, where locals could mingle and visitors could experience Whanganui’s creativity and hospitality.
The changes to the Drews Avenue streetscape included:
- a large road mural at the intersection of Drews Avenue and Rutland Street
- support for wayfinding and exploration with painted pathways from the large road mural linking to places of interest including Whanganui River, UCOL, Pukenamu, Pākaitore, and alleyways and pedestrian walkways
- four platform/seating areas strategically located to support businesses nearby, including a large outdoor community table
- greenery
- lightboxes showcasing UCOL student art
- features to encourage play and interaction including a giant marble run and a retro telephone handset with local stories
- new street amenities including bike racks, a water fountain, and rubbish and recycling stations to make the area more functional for people spending time there
- the removal of 22 car parks.
The council is now reviewing how the changes at Drews Avenue are working. We will look at what should be kept in place and what, if anything, should be removed or upgraded. To support this decision-making we’d love to hear your feedback.
Give feedback
Why the Drew’s Avenue streetscape was changed
In early 2020, the council recognised that the corridor of Drews Avenue and Rutland Street was dominated by car parking with limited pedestrian spaces or places to encourage businesses to bring their patrons onto the street. Vehicle behaviours and the large volume of cars in diagonal parking spaces made interacting as a pedestrian an unattractive prospect.
The council applied for Innovating Streets for People funding with the goal of creating a vibrant, living, active street that promotes alternative transport, encourages social connection and addresses climate change.
Project approach
This project used tactical urbanism and co-design as the main approaches to design and delivery. Through this way of working, designs are shaped and adapted in partnership with communities.
It allows streetscape upgrades to be installed more quickly as semi-permanent changes are cheaper.
Through this approach, designs are reviewed and can be changed in response to community feedback.
Data on Innovating Streets
The Innovating Streets for People programme was the first programme in New Zealand targeted at the rapid reallocation of street spaces to build active transport networks.
Data from 44 Innovating Streets projects across the country showed that common on-street outcomes included:
- a reduction in vehicle speeds
- a reduction in vehicle volumes
- an increase in the number of people walking or cycling
- safer and more accessible environments for pedestrians and cyclists
- an increase in the number of people spending time in areas.
