Uncertainty over winter street closure
A winter or full-year trial closure of Trafalgar Street’s top-end is not certain, despite the success of shutting it last summer.
Nelson councillor Matt Lawrey said people who saw the summer trial that created a new outdoor hospitality precinct wanted to see a full-year trial.
However, Lawrey was sympathetic to business owners and some of the public who had reservations about closing the street over winter.
He believed the closure worked best over summer. There was less foot traffic over winter and people liked to drive past restaurants and bars when it was colder.
But he thought it would still be good to have ‘‘a conversation about whether Trafalgar St should be closed all the time’’.
‘‘We need to see whether we want a winter trial as well.’’
Based on how the next closure went, the summer closure could become an annual event. ‘‘From what I understand the plan is for us to do the same thing again this summer.’’
Ford’s restaurant co-owner, Kerry Ford, said the summer closure was beneficial both in terms of business and for creating a buzzing environment. She was happy to pay more for renting the extended street space in summer, but in the quieter winter months she was not as enthusiastic.
Sweet As Cafe employee Angela Cornelissen said she experienced a ‘‘very busy’’ summer and would like to see a permanent closure.
‘‘It gave the city a pulse, a heart.’’ The top section of Trafalgar St was closed for four months from the beginning of December until the end of March.
Nelson City Council Group Manager of Environmental Management Clare Barton said most feedback about the closure was positive. A report outlining the results of the trial, along with future options, would reach the council in August.
The long-term plans for upper Trafalgar Street would be looked at as part of an overall CBD assessment.