Council offers compromise over Bay Dreams carpark closures
Nelson retailers have been offered a compromise over the proposed road and carpark closures for next year’s Bay Dreams music festival.
The Nelson City Council hearings panel approved a recommendation that Wakatu Square and Paru Paru Rd be closed to the public from 5.30pm on Friday, January 4 to 1am on Saturday, January 5.
The changes address the concerns of neighbouring businesses which were angered by the idea of a full-day closure, saying it would cost them revenue.
United Video owner Allen Knott said he was pleased with the changes and believed his business would no longer be in jeopardy.
Quiet Dog Gallery co-owner Gill Starling felt differently about the compromise, however, saying she thought retailers in the area were still at risk.
‘‘I understand that it is difficult to meet everybody’s needs, and I appreciate the thought, but I think there are still flaws with the plan,’’ she said.
‘‘Thousands of people will be arriving in these carparks by bus, and I don’t think that’s going to be very safe.".
A capacity crowd of 15,000 people is expected to attend Bay Dreams, and council planner Calum Nicholson said eight out of 10 festivalgoers would be travelling by bus.
A section of the Wakatu Square carpark on the bus depot side will be reserved as a bus dropoff point during the day. Access for United Video customers in the evening will be maintained, with provision made for short-term customer parking in the traffic management plan.
The closure of Paru Paru Rd will also begin beyond the entrances to Countdown and the Salvation Army family store, to allow access for customers and deliveries.
Hearings panel chair Councillor Brian McGurk said it was happy to make the changes. ‘‘It’s about reaching a compromise with the differing priorities and expectations from all the parties involved, while ensuring the safety of a large number of people who will be attending the Bay Dreams festival.’’