In last week’s addition, we discussed the need to create a safe trouble-free environment as the foundation stone for the private sector to have confidence in investing in Acland Street. 

The CoPP, like government bodies in general, is no stranger to the optics of being seen be to doing something. Hence, we currently have a mapping exercise of Acland Street being undertaken by a consultancy firm and the employment of “business development” officers. These initiatives reek of a public sector mindset for what really is a commercial problem. Create the right environment and retail will invest and customers will come.

On the day when Acland Street is seen as a safe destination and cleared of the street element, then we will have the preconditions for re-establishment of commerce. Hopefully the Bylaws officers and buggy will be a continued daily sight on Acland Street.

Decisions of the CoPP regarding Acland Street tend to be ad hoc in nature. Recent examples include two weekends of ballroom dancing complete with psychedelic plastic adhesive circles on part of the mall, a pop-up golf course, art installations that last no more than a few months and rainbow-colored seating. These initiatives cost money and yet the street remains unloved. I venture to say there was no cost/benefit analysis for any of these initiatives and the general perception is one of poor use of ratepayer money. 

Now we have featured stainless steel wires left over from a previous art installation that will soon be decorated with lights. 


The community signals, if read correctly, indicate one clear message - that we need a combination of strong leadership, de-politisation at Councillor level and a real solid master plan for the street. “We’re looking at this and we are looking at that” needs to be replaced with what is really needed. That is, a master plan fully consulted with the retail strip and residents. 

If you were to have a proper masterplan for the street, it would entail such things as landscaping options and some resolution of the large granite seating. -  Several police officers (some senior) say along with residents, that this seating should be moved to a park and or near the seaside. The granite seating in a park setting would work well. (Maybe a poet’s corner or a speaker’s corner like in London). The seating location is certainly problematic, and I believe there is no community support for it remaining in its current locale. A masterplan could see this seating removed and even partial reopening of the street or changes to car parking off Acland Street.

A master plan may resolve the lighting issue. Instead of putting up lighting straight away, incorporate it into a master plan. Let’s see the big picture of how the CoPP will change the street for the better. In the private sector, a Board would say – “Come back with a comprehensive proposal”, not a piecemeal grab of initiatives.

A masterplan may incorporate another fountain like the famous King’s Cross fountain near the Barkly Street end. The O’Donnell fountain requires repair and re-activation.  Combine these measures with a lighting proposal and outdoor plaza with tables, chairs and umbrellas, winter heating, provided by restaurants and cafes. With these measures, we could very quickly restore Acland Street. 

In any masterplan we also need to change the way the CoPP gathers its information. Too much is weighed in favour of the views of “community welfare groups”. While their views are important, rate payer and business houses must have stronger weighting in Council decisions – they after all, pay for the amenities of the CoPP. Without business, there is no street. That is proposition number one, not a secondary consideration or an afterthought.

Now here is the positive rub for the CoPP. They continually get poor press and criticism over Acland Street. They can manage this by retaking the narrative through instigating a fully consulted masterplan for the street that is pro-business, pro security, and with emphasis on customer and pedestrian safety.