Road deal sought for new tenant
A proposal to close an 80-metre section of road in Timaru’s port area to accommodate a new ‘‘high-value’’ tenant will be tabled at today’s council meeting.
Timaru District Holdings Limited (TDHL) has put forward the proposal to close part of Hayman St, between Hayes and Fraser streets, so it can amalgamate sites it already owns on either side of the road for the unnamed tenant.
The Timaru District Council commissioned a report into the impact the closure would have on the surrounding area.
‘‘Analysis shows the traffic on Hayman St, between Fraser St and Hayes St, is low – peaking at a five-day average of 36 vehicles in the 11am-12pm period,’’ the report by independent company Abley says.
It also analysed traffic data at six other sites in the port area to compare traffic volume.
‘‘Of the roads for which traffic counts were collected, the highest observed traffic was Port Loop Rd. The five-day average peak hour from this road was 287 vehicles in the 2pm to 3pm period.’’
The traffic on the section of Hayman St, proposed for closure, was the lowest of the roads that were monitored.
The report says if Hayman St is stopped, relatively few vehicles would be affected.
‘‘Flows on neighbouring roads will increase marginally, but all roads will be well within their capacity,’’ it says.
‘‘There is therefore no reason why the stopping of Hayman St cannot go ahead from a network efficiency perspective.’’
The alternative routes between Hayes and Fraser streets include via Ritchie or Dawson streets.
In their recommendation to the council, land transport manager Susannah Ratahi and transport community engagement adviser Selina Kunac say the council should approve the proposal.
‘‘The applicant cites that this development would align with their strategic investment objectives, supporting local economic growth.
‘‘There will be an opportunity for public consultation through the road stopping process which is publicly notified.
‘‘It is intended that should the road stopping be successful, that TDHL be offered the purchase of the land as adjacent landowners at market valuation and subject to council having first right of refusal of offer back should TDHL no longer require the land.’’
The agenda says PrimePort Timaru and several of the large established commercial operators at the port are supportive of the proposal.
The council’s land transport unit has also undertaken consultation with major transport operators and the Road Transport Association and there were ‘‘no concerns received’’, it says.
All costs associated with the process will be the responsibility of TDHL.
‘‘Therefore, there will be minimal cost to council.’’
There are some public underground services which would need to be relocated if the land ceases to be road corridor and public land, it says.