Identifying challenges and opportunities
IDEAS for the future of Clyde’s commercial precinct are being developed and identifying problems is the first step, those involved in the project say.
A group of Clyde residents and business owners gathered for a workshop last month to discuss ‘‘challenges and opportunities’’ in Clyde’s business area, Central Otago District Council infrastructure services manager Julie Muir said.
‘‘With the Clyde community survey feedback as a starting point, . . . the group started by defining the problems and considering the benefits that could be achieved by addressing them.’’
The group had identified three problems — change being managed in an adhoc fashion, meaning future planning was not being done and opportunities could be missed as a result; growth and peak periods increasing the demand for public parking, potentially eroding the experience of Clyde for locals and visitors; and how key streets were being used by people and cyclists and the confusion and safety concerns that could arise from that.
Ms Muir said options for improvements were then discussed in a session led by urban design specialist Henry Crothers. He talked about how to use public spaces to enhance experi ences and support growth ‘‘while retaining heritage and charm’’, Ms Muir said.
Clyde businessman David Ritchie said the workshop had been ‘‘really effective in moving quite a long way in an area that is hard for people to get their heads around’’.
‘‘It’s distilled input from a number of people into some solid base materials that will be a great springboard for decision making’’.
The options will now be discussed, evaluated, tested and presented for wider comment from the community. The group will meet again for another workshop, the date of which is to be determined.