This paper describes a consultation process that was developed in partnership with business and other interests prior to finalising the format for reconstructing a key arterial road in the City of Hastings, New Zealand. When the Hastings District Council approved funding for the design and reconstruction of Heretaunga Street West to go into the 1997/98 annual plan process the scene was set for extensive consultation to take place with businesses and other interested parties along the 1.2 kilometre length of road which also serves as a key link into the city's central business district (CBD). The works proposed to be constructed had to suit future users of the street, the business houses, car retailers, fast food outlets, banks, shopping centre, supermarket and service stations that relied on this street for their every day business and livelihood without compromising arterial traffic and other traffic linkages within the city. Consultation was very necessary. A new experience in the city's roading activities developed, from what started as a general public meeting and developed into a hands on working group consisting of lay people and Council representatives to consider the impact of the roading design and construction. (A)
Abstract