Shared space concept to lift lower Brougham St

A $1 million redevelopment of New Plymouth's dingy lower Brougham St will put cars and pedestrians on the same level.

From March next year much of the street between Devon St and Ariki St will become a single level shared space for cars, pedestrians, cyclists and even skateboarders.

The redevelopment is to be funded from the council's $3.71m model walking and cycling community grant and will create a type of space increasingly used in street renewals around the world.

"We've taken notes from similar street redevelopments in central Auckland where there aren't separate spaces for traffic and pedestrians, but rather a shared space which has resulted in an open, fresh-feeling public area where once there was just a road," said Let's Go project manager Carl Whittleston.

"We are trying to makes this space pedestrian-friendly but we're not seeking to keep vehicles out."

To achieve this shared space concept, defined footpaths are gone and seating areas, planter boxes and a green space determine where cars and people can go.

A single lane of road will remain for buses turning right out of King St and parking spaces will still be provided for library users.

Mr Whittleston expected the design to be completed in January with plans put up for display in Puke Ariki. All going well, construction will start in March next year.

- © Fairfax NZ News