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QTS-013 · Spatial plan · 2018

Queenstown Town Centre Spatial Framework

Part of: Rapid transit evidence →

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Five-part spatial framework (Version 7, final issue, 14 June 2018) prepared by LandLAB for Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) as the spatial and public realm component of the Queenstown Town Centre Masterplan. It sets the vision 'Supporting a thriving heart to Queenstown, now and in the future', informed by the masterplan Investment Logic Map and community engagement (289 responses in July-August 2017). Twelve 'key moves' (including a blue-green lakefront, a civic axis and Community Heart, the 'Gardens to Gondola' pedestrian connection, laneways, Horne Creek, town centre arterials as a catalyst and an integrated public transport and active travel network) inform five design strategies for precincts, streetscape, movement, open space and built form. The movement strategy redirects traffic onto the town centre arterials, creates a Stanley Street on-street transport interchange, relocates 30% then over 60% of on-street parking to the edge of the centre, adds cycle routes and water-based access, and seeks to 'future proof' for light rail and/or a mass rapid transit linking the town centre and Queenstown Airport. A four-stage implementation plan (2019-2028) and ten priority projects sequence the arterials, parking buildings, PT hub, ferry infrastructure and public realm upgrades. It includes 'progressive investigation of mass rapid transit options' in Stage One and early works for a potential Mass Rapid Transit terminal in Stage Two. No costs are given.

What the document says

Context and purpose. The Queenstown Town Centre Spatial Framework was prepared by LandLAB 'solely for Queenstown Lakes District Council' (Part 1 p.2, document control). Version 7 (Rev 007, '100% Final Issue') is dated 14 June 2018, after six drafts from January 2018. It is published in five parts: Introduction, Vision and Key Moves, Town Centre Design Strategies, The Masterplan, and Implementation Strategy. It sits alongside the 2017 Rationale business cases for the arterials, parking and public and passenger transport, and is to be supported by public realm design guidelines (Appendix A) (pp.002, 004).

Context and evidence. The framework notes Queenstown's population is expected to grow from 30,000 to 70,000 by 2035, with a typical daily visitor population of about 70,000 rising to about 110,000 at peak (pp.001, 008). It uses the masterplan Investment Logic Map, which attributes 30% of the problem weighting to limited transport access 'creating congestion and frustration for visitors, and stopping residents coming to town' (p.010). Engagement from 10 July to 4 August 2017 drew 289 responses, generally supportive, with concerns about the arterial alignment and the Community Heart (p.069).

Key moves and strategies. The twelve key moves include A Blue Green Lakefront, The Civic Axis and Community Heart Precinct, the Gardens to Gondola Connection (a pedestrian-priority link to the Skyline gondola), a fine-grain laneway network, Horne Creek, expanded open space, north-south and east-west streets, Town Centre Arterials as a Catalyst, A Network of Places, and an Integrated Public Transport and Active Travel Network (pp.017-041). The movement strategy aims to 'incentivise and prioritise' walking, cycling and public transport; it proposes the arterials bypass, a Stanley Street interchange between Ballarat and Shotover Streets, coach re-routing to Shotover Street, park and ride outside the town centre, increased bus frequency, cycle networks, water-based access on the western lakefront, and relocation of 30% (short term) and more than 60% (long term) of on-street parking to the edge of the centre (p.052). The interchange concept is detailed at pp.054-055.

Implementation. The plan has four stages: Stage One 2019-2022 (arterial designation and Stage One, parking management, Stanley Street bus priority, Camp Street cycle lane, Park Street-Hotops Rise cycle lane by 2020, ferry/water taxi infrastructure, Boundary and Ballarat Street parking buildings, street upgrades, Council offices); Stage Two 2022-2023 (arterial Stage Two, PT hub completion, Ballarat Street and Village Green); Stage Three 2023-2025 (arterial Stage Three, full PT hub operation, Shotover/Duke passenger transport hub, lakefront, completion of ferry network to Frankton and Kelvin Heights); and Stage Four 2025-2028 (Lake Esplanade, Church and Earl Streets, Community Heart, PT optimisation) (pp.095-096, 100-104). Ten priority projects are listed (p.099). Two Stage Two options are 'to be confirmed through DBC' (pp.101-102). Implementation depends on partnership with NZTA and ORC and the private sector, with three-yearly monitoring and reviews aligned with the LTP (p.105). The document contains no cost estimates, BCRs or patronage forecasts.

Mass rapid transit: The framework refers to MRT in its movement strategy and implementation plan, though briefly. The movement strategy includes 'Future proof for other transport modes such as light rail and/or a gondola linking the town centre and Queenstown Airport' (p.052), and its map labels a 'Potential gondola link to airport' (p.053). Stage One includes 'Progressive investigation of mass rapid transit options using the progressed corridor planning' (p.095). Both Stage Two options list 'Mass Rapid Transit: Initial developments / early works for Mass Rapid Transit terminal potential', with mass rapid transit symbol near Gorge Road and an arrow labelled 'Airport connection (gondola)' (pp.101-102). Most other references are to the Skyline gondola and the Gardens to Gondola pedestrian connection (Key Move 003).

Key figures

  • Population expected to grow from 30,000 to 70,000 by 2035 (p.008)
  • Typical daily visitor population ~70,000; peak ~110,000 (p.001)
  • 289 engagement responses, 10 July-4 August 2017 (p.069)
  • 30% of on-street parking relocated to edge of centre short term; 60%+ long term (p.052)
  • Stanley Street interchange cross-section: 57% vehicles / 43% pedestrians (p.055)
  • Four implementation stages: 2019-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2025, 2025-2028 (p.096)
  • 10 priority projects (p.099)
  • Park Street to Hotops Rise cycle lane by 2020 (p.095)

Rapid transit

Mass rapid transit means light rail, gondola/cable car, bus rapid transit and similar dedicated rapid-transit technologies. It does not include ordinary bus services or ferries.

Substantive. Discusses, assesses, recommends or programmes mass rapid transit.

Future-proofs for mass rapid transit to the airport; stages an investigation (2019-22) and early works for a terminal (2022-23).

The framework does not analyse MRT, but it provides for it spatially and in its staging. The movement strategy states the town centre should 'Future proof for other transport modes such as light rail and/or a gondola linking the town centre and Queenstown Airport' (p.052), and its map shows a 'Potential gondola link to airport' (p.053). The implementation plan lists, for Stage One (2019-2022), 'Progressive investigation of mass rapid transit options using the progressed corridor planning' (p.095). The Stage Two (2022-2023) plans, both options 'to be confirmed through DBC', include 'Mass Rapid Transit: Initial developments / early works for Mass Rapid Transit terminal potential'. The maps show mass rapid transit symbol beside Gorge Road near Memorial and Shotover Streets and an arrow labelled 'Airport connection (gondola)' (pp.101-102). No route, mode decision, cost or responsible agency is given. Separately, Key Move 003 'Gardens to Gondola Connection' and Priority Project 07 are a pedestrian street link between Queenstown Gardens and the existing Skyline gondola via Brecon Street (pp.023, 099), not a transit proposal.

"Future proof for other transport modes such as light rail and/or a gondola linking the town centre and Queenstown Airport" (p.052) | "Progressive investigation of mass rapid transit options using the progressed corridor planning." (p.095) | "Mass Rapid Transit Initial developments / early works for Mass Rapid Transit terminal potential" (p.101) | "AIRPORT CONNECTION (GONDOLA)" (p.101) | "POTENTIAL GONDOLA LINK TO AIRPORT" (p.053)

Files

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Actions recorded

  • Designate and design the new town centre arterial route and construct Stage One between Melbourne and Henry Streets (Frankton/Melbourne signalised intersection, Melbourne Street upgrade, Melbourne-Henry link, Henry Street upgrade).

    Not assessed · Stage One 2019-2022

    The designation and design of the new arterial route will pave the way for construction of the first stage between Melbourne and Henry Streets.

  • Continue parking management changes: remove free parking around the town centre, apply priority pricing and introduce parking management technology and digital signage.

    Not assessed · Stage One 2019-2022; further rollout Stage Two

    ongoing removal of free parking around the town centre and applying priority pricing

  • Provide bus priority access along Stanley Street with new bus interchange facilities.

    Not assessed · Stage One 2019-2022

    Bus priority access along Stanley Street with new bus interchange facilities.

  • Upgrade Camp Street to a pedestrian-oriented shared space with a new cycle lane.

    Not assessed · Stage One 2019-2022

    Upgrades to Camp Street, including a new cycle lane.

  • Deliver active travel projects (signage, shared paths, access route upgrades), including the Park Street to Hotops Rise cycle lane.

    Not assessed · Cycle lane by 2020; continuing through later stages

    including the Park Street to Hotops Rise cycle lane by 2020

  • Commence ferry/water taxi network infrastructure at multiple locations across Lake Wakatipu's Frankton Arm, with new water-based access to the town centre.

    Not assessed · Stage One 2019-2022

    Commencement of ferry/water taxi network infrastructure development in multiple locations across Lake Wakatipu's Frankton Arm.

  • Build new multi-storey parking buildings at Boundary Street then Ballarat Street on the town fringes.

    Not assessed · Stage One 2019-2022

    New parking buildings at Boundary Street then Ballarat Street

  • Improve town centre spaces in Upper and Lower Beach Street, Brecon Street, Lake Esplanade and the Mall, with a new shared zone in Rees Street.

    Not assessed · Stage One 2019-2022

    Improvement of town centre spaces in Upper and Lower Beach Street, Brecon Street, Lake Esplanade, a Mall Upgrade

Show all 24 actions

  • Construct new Council Offices and potential associated Community Heart facilities; potentially replace Queenstown Memorial Hall subject to the arterial route chosen.

    Not assessed · QLDC · Stage One 2019-2022

    Construction of the new Council Offices and the potential associated Community Heart facilities.

  • Progressively investigate mass rapid transit options using the progressed corridor planning.

    Not assessed · Stage One 2019-2022 · Relevant to rapid transit

    Progressive investigation of mass rapid transit options using the progressed corridor planning.

  • Deliver arterial Stage Two and complete the Stanley Street public and passenger transport zone and Public Transport Hub (Fernhill servicing constrained until Stage Three).

    Not assessed · Stage Two 2022-2023

    Completion of the new Public Transport Hub on Stanley Street

  • Undertake initial developments/early works for a potential Mass Rapid Transit terminal, shown with an 'Airport connection (gondola)' near Gorge Road; options to be confirmed through the DBC.

    Not assessed · Stage Two 2022-2023 · Relevant to rapid transit

    Mass Rapid Transit Initial developments / early works for Mass Rapid Transit terminal potential

  • Develop Ballarat Street and the Village Green, more efficient passenger transport spaces, further parking technology and wayfinding (including from Gorge Road).

    Not assessed · Stage Two 2022-2023

    Development of Ballarat Street and the Village Green.

  • Deliver arterial Stage Three (Thompson and Man Streets, Thompson link, One Mile roundabout gateway), enabling full operation of the PT hub including Fernhill services.

    Not assessed · Stage Three 2023-2025

    The third stage of the arterial route will be delivered during this time

  • Transition Shotover and Duke Streets to a pedestrian-focused passenger transport hub for tourist operations.

    Not assessed · Stage Three 2023-2025

    Shotover Street transitions to a more pedestrian focused space

  • Deliver the Fernhill-Lakeview cycle path, lakefront improvements (Steamer Wharf to One Mile), Recreation Ground edge upgrade and Horne Creek improvements.

    Not assessed · Stage Three 2023-2025

    Development of the Fernhill Lakeview Cycle Path upgrade.

  • Complete the ferry/water taxi network infrastructure across the Frankton Arm, including Frankton and Kelvin Heights.

    Not assessed · Stage Three 2023-2025

    Completion of the ferry/water taxi network infrastructure in multiple locations across Lake Wakatipu's Frankton Arm, including Frankton and Kelvin Heights.

  • Deliver Lake Esplanade, Church Street and Earl Street improvements, develop the Community Heart Precinct and optimise public transport services.

    Not assessed · Stage Four 2025-2028

    A range of town centre improvements in Lake Esplanade, Church and Earl Street.

  • Future-proof for mass rapid transit linking the town centre and Queenstown Airport.

    Not assessed · Relevant to rapid transit

  • Re-route interstate, intercity and tourist coaches along Shotover Street, locate park and ride outside the town centre and increase bus frequency.

    Not assessed

    Locate new 'park and ride' facilities outside the town centre

  • Relocate on-street parking to the edge of the centre: 30% in the short term and over 60% in the long term.

    Not assessed · Short term; long term

    30% of on-street parking relocated to edge of centre... +60% of on-street parking relocated to edge of centre.

  • Deliver Key Move 003 / Priority Project 07, the Gardens to Gondola Connection: a pedestrian-priority street link between Queenstown Gardens and the Skyline gondola via Brecon Street.

    Not assessed · Brecon Street upgrade in Stage One

    Gardens to Gondola Connection Street upgrade to provide connection between Gardens and Gondola

  • Increase partnership with NZTA and ORC on town centre projects, strengthen links with the private sector and continue stakeholder and community consultation.

    Not assessed · NZTA · Ongoing

    Increasing partnership with New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and Otago regional Council (ORC)

  • Monitor outcome targets and formally review the masterplan every three years, aligned with the Long Term Plan process.

    Not assessed · QLDC · Every three years

    The master plan will be subject to formal reviews every three years

Study cost

A study cost has been requested under the Official Information Act or LGOIMA. No figure has been received.

Citation

QLDC. Queenstown Town Centre Spatial Framework (2018).

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