Downtown public spaces: Further review following feedback from public spaces survey and Lower Queen Street trial

Transcription

1 Downtown public spaces: Further review following feedback from public spaces survey and Lower Queen Street trial Prepared by Buzz Channel for 20 March 2015 Buzz Channel contact: Ben Parsons Managing Director

2 Table of Contents 1. Background, objectives and methodology Findings: Public Spaces Survey Lifestyle priorities Environment and setting Community, arts, culture and heritage activities Recreation activities Hospitality and retail activities Other activities Findings: Display board Public comments specific to design of Lower Queen Plaza and Downtown Public comments specific to design and priorities for the City Centre Public comments specific to design and priorities for Waterfront and Wharves Summary and conclusions... 21

3 1. Background, objectives and methodology Auckland s downtown will be transformed over the coming decade. The Council looks forward to giving Auckland s residents, workers, businesses, visitors, students and shoppers a vibrant and exciting downtown area that reflects Auckland s ambition to become the world s most liveable city. On offer will be better transport, more attractive streets and new buildings. The plans also include new and better public spaces, each one serving a different purpose and together providing a worldclass network. Auckland Council has carried out two engagement initiatives in order to understand what the public would like to see in terms of design and development in the city centre and what their key priorities are: a public spaces survey, carried out online, which received just under 500 responses between October and December This included a series of ranking exercises to identify preferred options and outcomes under different activity themes (such as environment and setting activities, recreation activities, etc). a three day trial of a pedestrianised space on Lower Queen Street during Auckland Anniversary Weekend, with a display that enabled people to write their thoughts and comments. This received 400+ pieces of feedback. Auckland Council wishes to use the public feedback gathered through each of these engagement initiatives to: inform design and development in the city centre, with a particular emphasis on downtown, by identifying key preferences raised by the public; identify perceptions and key areas of interest to the public to assist in ongoing city centre communications and engagement programmes; and inform future council status reports and business cases. Buzz Channel was asked to analyse and report on the findings, including providing analysis of the numbers in the public spaces survey to identify the most preferred options and categorising the bespoke comments and suggestions received as part of that survey to reveal the main themes in terms of people s ideas and desires. This analysis also included categorising and summarising comments received from the Auckland Anniversary Weekend engagement activity to identify key out takes and themes in terms of public preferences and priorities. Analytical note: As part of the public spaces survey, participants were asked to rank different priorities and activities where 1 represented their first choice or most preferred option. Mean ranking scores are shown for each activity. Therefore, a lower mean score indicates a higher ranking. 3

4 2. Findings: Public Spaces Survey 1. Lifestyle priorities Survey participants were asked to rank four lifestyle priorities from their most preferred (a score of 1) to their least preferred (a score of 4). The mean ranking score for each option is shown in Figure 1 below. Figure 1: lifestyle priorities preference Least preferred Mean ranking Environment and Setting Most preferred Community, Arts, Culture and Heritage Recreation Hospitality and Retail Base: all participants who answered the question (n=462) Environment and setting received the highest mean ranking score of 1.5 out of 4 and was the most preferred option across all groups. This was followed by community, arts, culture and heritage (mean ranking of 2.5) and recreation (mean ranking of 2.6). Hospitality and retail was considered to be the lowest priority, with a mean ranking of 3.3. There was no notable difference in the order preference of lifestyle priorities by participants age, gender, ethnicity or location, although for some groups (males, Māori, those of Pacific background and those aged years) there was a slight preference for recreation than community, arts, culture and heritage. Table 1 below shows the proportion of participants who gave each ranking for each of the lifestyle priorities. This shows a clear preference for environment and setting, with 64% of participants rating this as their first choice. 4

5 Table 1: lifestyle priorities preference Rank 1 Rank 2 Rank 3 Rank 4 Environment and setting 64% 24% 9% 3% Community, arts, culture and heritage 16% 32% 35% 17% Recreation 14% 30% 34% 22% Hospitality and retail 6% 14% 22% 58% 2. Environment and setting Survey participants were asked to rank 11 environment and setting features from their most preferred (a score of 1) to their least preferred (a score of 11). The mean ranking score for each option is shown in Figure 2 below. Figure 2: Environment and setting preferences Least preferred Mean ranking Look at harbour views Most preferred Relax in open, sunny spaces Sit on benches, chairs, walls Sit, stand, walk along a sea wall/steps flowing directly into the water Look at trees and greenery Relax in shady, sheltered areas Sit on Experience grass, thriving rocks, sand native ecology Look at and interact with water features Look at a city scape, urban features Sit, stand, walk next to the water separated by a safety barrier Base: all participants who answered the question (n=460) 5

6 The most preferred feature was to look at harbour views, with a mean ranking of 3.5, and one in four (26%) ranked this as their most preferred feature. This was followed by a desire to relax in open, sunny spaces (mean ranking of 4.6), to sit on benches, chairs, walls (mean ranking of 5.0) and to sit, stand, walk along a sea wall/steps flowing directly into the water (mean ranking of 5.0). By comparison, the least preferred option was to sit, stand, walk next to the water separated by a safety barrier (mean ranking of 8.6), with one in three (32%) ranking this as their least preferred option. There were some notable differences by participant characteristics: I want to look at harbour views / I want to look at a city scape, urban features: Wanting to look at harbour views was particularly popular for those aged 60+ (mean ranking of 2.7), but less popular among those aged years (4.1). Wanting to look at a city scape, urban features was more popular among males (7.1), those living in Waitemata (7.2) and those aged years (7.3), but less popular among those aged 60+ (8.6), females (8.5) and those living elsewhere in Auckland (8.1). I want relax in open, sunny spaces / I want to relax in shady, sheltered spaces: Wanting to relax in open, sunny spaces was less likely to be preferred by those aged 60+ (5.4); this age group instead expressed a preference to relax in shady, sheltered spaces (5.2). I would like to sit on benches, chairs, walls / I would like to sit on grass, rocks, sand: Wanting to sit on benches, chairs, walls was less popular among those of Māori background (6.6), who instead indicated a preference to sit on grass, rocks, sand (5.8). I would like to sit, stand, walk next to the water separated by a safety barrier: This was more likely to be preferred by those aged 60+ (7.7), but less popular among those aged years (9.1). 6

7 3. Community, arts, culture and heritage activities Survey participants were asked to rank 10 community, arts, culture and heritage activities from their most preferred (a score of 1) to their least preferred (a score of 10). The mean ranking score for each option is shown in Figure 3 below. Figure 3: Community, arts, culture and heritage activities Base: all participants who answered the question (n=459) The most preferred activity / area was spaces that are fun and quirky, with a mean ranking of 4.2, and one in five (19%) ranking this as their most preferred option. This was followed by a desire to attend public gatherings, demonstrations, events, performances and celebrations (mean ranking of 4.6) and a desire to see our maritime heritage integrated into a uniquely Auckland landscape (4.7). The least popular option was to attend formal greetings at a waterfront space (8.0); one in three (32%) ranked this as their least preferred option. There were some notable differences by participant characteristics: I would like to see spaces that are fun and quirky: This was more popular among males (3.9), but less popular among those aged 60+ (5.0) and females (4.5). 7

8 I would like to attend public gatherings, demonstrations, events, performances and celebrations: This was more likely to be preferred by those living elsewhere in Auckland (4.3 for those outside Waitematā). I would like to see our maritime heritage integrated into a uniquely Auckland landscape: This was more popular among those aged 60+ (3.3), years (4.0) and males (4.3), but less popular for those of Asian background (6.2), those aged years (6.1) and females (5.0). I would like to see Auckland s Māori identity reflected in a uniquely Auckland landscape: This was more likely to be preferred by females (5.5) than by males (6.2). I would like to see a community garden or food garden for city residents: This was more popular among those aged years (5.1), but less popular for those aged 50+ (6.7). I would like to read, write or meditate in quiet spaces: This was less popular among those of European background (6.2). 8

9 4. Recreation activities Survey participants were asked to rank 10 recreation activities from their most preferred (a score of 1) to their least preferred (a score of 10). The mean ranking score for each option is shown in Figure 4 below. Figure 4: Recreation activities Base: all participants who answered the question (n=458) In terms of recreation activities, there was a clear preference for walking/running, with a mean ranking of 2.4; and more than two in five (43%) ranked this as their top choice. This was followed by a preference for being able to play in natural areas such as among trees, rocks, grass and sand (mean ranking of 3.6) and a desire to swim or paddle at an urban beach/pool (4.3). The least popular option was to play in a commercial playzone with user pays rides and activities (8.3), with two in five (41%) ranking this as their least preferred option. There were some notable differences by participant characteristics: I/my children would like to play in a purpose built playground: This was more likely to be preferred by those aged 60+ (4.4) and was less likely to be preferred by those aged (5.7). I would like to ride my bike, BMX, skateboard and/or rollerblade: This was more popular among those aged years (5.6). 9

10 I would like to play social sports or games: This was more popular among those of Pacific background (4.5), those aged years (5.2) and males (5.8), but less popular among those aged 60+ (6.9), those aged (6.5), females (6.4) and those of European background (6.2). I would like to walk my dog/s: This was more popular among females (5.9) but less popular among those of Pacific background (7.8) and males (6.7). I would like to fish from a jetty or sea wall: This was more likely to be preferred by those aged 60+ (5.6) and less likely to be preferred by those aged years (6.7). I/my children would like to play in a commercial playzone (user pays rides/activities): This was more likely to be preferred by males (8.6) than females (8.1). 10

11 5. Hospitality and retail activities Survey participants were asked to rank 6 hospitality and retail activities from their most preferred (a score of 1) to their least preferred (a score of 6). The mean ranking score for each option is shown in Figure 5 below. Figure 5: Hospitality and retail activities Base: all participants who answered the question (n=461) The two most preferred activities were to picnic at freely available eating spaces, with a mean ranking of 2.5 (36% ranked this as their first choice), and to eat/drink at café and restaurant tables (2.6, 33% ranked this as their first choice). These were followed by a desire to shop at local markets (3.1) and eat/drink takeaway options from stalls, trucks (3.2). The least preferred option was to shop at stores and malls (5.2); more than half (58%) ranked this as their last choice. There were some notable differences by participant characteristics: I would like to eat/drink at café and restaurant tables: This was more popular among those of European background (2.5) and less popular among those of Māori background (3.5). I would like to shop at local markets: This was more likely to be preferred by females (2.9) than males (3.2). 11

12 I would like to eat/drink takeaway options from stalls, trucks: This was more popular among those of Asian background (2.6) and those aged years (2.9), but less popular among those aged 60+ (3.6). I would like to drink alcohol in licensed venues: This was less popular among those of Asian background (5.2). 6. Other activities As part of the survey, participants were invited to comment on any other activities that they would like to do in downtown Auckland. In total, 228 participants (47%) chose to comment further on activities they would like to do. The responses to these have been coded into common themes as shown in Figure 6 below. Figure 6: Other activities Base: all participants who answered the question (n=479) Chart shows all those things mentioned by at least 3% of participants One in five participants (19%) expressed a desire for more open spaces, such as an amphitheatre, markets, events, street performers etc. Just less than one in ten mentioned improved accessibility, including comments regarding parking and public transport (9%) and a similar proportion mentioned more pedestrian only spaces and making the area more pedestrian friendly (8%). 12

13 Some illustrative verbatim comments from participants include: Auckland's weather is changeable. There needs to be a good mix of open spaces and protected/sheltered areas. In such a key location it should be a visually striking area. Permanent, built in stage in amphitheatre or piazza encourages visiting artists or festival participants to give spontaneous performance. I have just returned from a week in Adelaide and there is much that we could learn from that city by comparison, Auckland is decidedly unliveable e.g a lane set aside for wine tasting on a Friday evening, lots of seats and tables on the footpath for coffee/playing chess or draughts etc/victoria Square with removable tables and chairs at lunch time and with community gardens. Walkway and cycleway (shared) along the river bank. The list could go on I think the greatest part of the waterfront would be a lively long promenade with buskers, events, food stalls, markets. Just a place to come to for a walk and see what is happening. This will bring people together more than anything. I think Quay St is vital in need of change. It is just a big nothing at the moment. I think replacing QE2 square and improving the mall is key to stimulate this. A new public pedestrian area needs to be created perhaps in front of Britomart by moving the buses. Ideally I'd like to see more pedestrian places up Queen St so we can avoid the oppressive dark canopies. Relaxing on open grass spaces with nothing between me and the water, and as few buildings as possible. Creating open access (not paid/licensed only) spaces that allows for the interaction and 'bumping' together of the many different groups that are a part of Auckland. Temporary activation at a small scale not massive events but interchanging, quirky, unexpected, confusing happenings. Temporary public art as opposed to a permanent pieces. Community events such as Silo Park and other free events that bring people together. An space similar to Boston's adult playground ( turn for the swings at bostons adult playground/380355/) would be awesome as well. More public events, open amphitheatre/outdoor cinema (more comfortable than silo park), an urban beach like Southbank in Brisbane, better parking, more pedestrian only ways or streets like Elliott street (looks great!). I really enjoy the free environment that the Wynyard Quarter provides. I enjoy just strolling along the waterfront. Eating at a cafe of choice. I enjoy sitting on the Rocks and bollards provided near the water. My guests from out of town or further afield love the closeness of the Wynyard Quarter to this huge City centre but seeming apart from it. They love to admire the boats and ships, the movement of ferries in downtown, the public access to our marine environment. I think that it is important not to replace this varied leisure space with a running track. While I appreciate the opportunity to provide an exercise environment, it should not be at the cost of relaxation. I do not enjoy having to fight against oncoming runners to progress in my stroll. 13

14 Picnic with friends beside the water (including moderate alcohol) think Canal St Martin, Paris people picnic/have apero until the sun or warmth drops, then visit the surrounding restaurants and bars. Explore multi level features for more interest. Staircases, platforms... Great options for when there are acts or performances to watch too. Enjoy the vista! The best part of downtown waterfront is not feeling hemmed in by buildings. The little that's left of a view of the harbour should be preserved as a top priority. Open space and greenery is paramount it is disappearing all over the city. People need to be able to sit, walk, roam about, enjoy the views and the open spaces. 14

15 3. Findings: Display board Over Auckland Anniversary Weekend, a trial of a pedestrianised space was undertaken on Lower Queen Street. A display board at the site enabled people to write their thoughts and comments on the space. Just over n=400 comments were received in total. These have been categorised into three key topics: Public comments specific to the design of Lower Queen Plaza and Downtown Public comments specific to the design and priorities for the City Centre Public comments specific to the design and priorities for Waterfront and Wharves 1. Public comments specific to design of Lower Queen Plaza and Downtown A total of n=165 comments were received that focussed on the design on Lower Queen Plaza and Downtown. The overall themes focussed on spaces to relax in that were sheltered, greenery and nature, pedestrianised/car free and/or shared spaces. When writing their comments, people were asked to think about the following specific questions: What would we need in a new Lower Queen Plaza? How should we celebrate our distinctive culture in Downtown Space design? Lower Queen Plaza How should it feel? What would you like to see in a new Lower Queen St Plaza? Plaza on Lower Queen Street? What do you think of the plaza? How about a name? Figure 7 below shows a summary of the key themes. 15

16 Figure 7: Design of Lower Queen Plaza and Downtown themes Base: all comments on this topic (n=165) Chart shows all themes that represented at least 4% of comments on this topic Thinking specifically about what they felt Lower Queen Plaza needed and what they would like to see, people focussed on having spaces to relax, including grassed areas, seating, tables, umbrellas and loungers for public use, as well as spaces to shelter from the sun and wind. In terms of atmosphere and ambience, people wished to see a diverse and lively Lower Queen Plaza, which was welcoming, pedestrian friendly, safe and connected in terms of transport and accessibility. Comments depicted a clear preference for the inclusion of green spaces, and innovative design and architecture that reflected good urban design, including Auckland s distinctive culture. Some examples of the comments written on the board were: More days with road closures and activities. Love the loungers and grass, it has a great vibe. Daylight streams, add fountains, celebrate water. We rest upon it! Things like this make me want to stay in Auckland and not move overseas (green, seating, play, pedestrianised). Soften the edge to the sea with green and sea references. Use trees to break up wind flow provide shelter encourage people to linger. Stage so you can watch performance while you eat. 16

17 Need an iconic landmark in the downtown arrival point like Trafalgar Square. Something reflecting local culture. Great no need to worry about cars and crossing the road. Britomart Pavillions style mix of retail/hospitality/green space. An avenue feel. Centralised public seating tables, chairs umbrellas. Can be serviced by cafes. 2. Public comments specific to design and priorities for the City Centre Members of the public also made comments specifically regarding design and priorities for the City Centre, based on the following: What is the priority in City Centre development? How should we reflect Auckland's spirit in City Centre space design? A total of n=100 comments were received on this topic. Figure 8 below shows a summary of the key themes. Figure 8: Design and priorities for the City Centre themes Base: all comments on this topic (n=100) Chart shows all themes that represented at least 4% of comments on this topic 17

18 The overall themes focussed on pedestrianised spaces and car free environments, greenery and nature, spaces for cycles and transport, such as extension/return of the tram network, general improvements to transport accessibility and comments about trains and light rail. In order to reflect Auckland s spirit in the design, the most common themes related to water features and links to Auckland s maritime identity, as well as using innovative design and architecture and interactive events and activities. There were also some comments regarding a focus on Māori culture and Auckland s multiculturalism, as well as inclusion of a landmark/attraction. Some examples of the comments written on the board were: Pedestrians only Customs to Victoria St on Queen or tram only. Relaxed community oriented, non commercial. More water features, linkages to harbour. Bring the maritime history into the city downtown pedestrianised hub connecting points of interest. Great open days like this. More accessible and citywide public transport. Less grey concrete bit more colour texture spaces reflecting/encouraging sense of place. Reflection of 40% Aucklanders who are immigrant/residents not just pakeha men. Auckland has given so much and become so much exiting over the past few years! Looking forward for more changes Bring on the city rail link!!!! Green corridors linking parks for runners walkers and cyclists. Car free every weekend. Bring back the trams. 3. Public comments specific to design and priorities for Waterfront and Wharves Thinking specifically about the waterfront area and wharves, members of the public also made comments specifically regarding design and priorities for this area, based on the following questions: What does a world class city centre waterfront need? What should be on any new public wharf space? What should the place feel like? What do you think we need on our City Centre Waterfront? In total, n=137 comments were received on this topic. Figure 9 below shows a summary of the key themes. 18

19 Figure 9: Design and priorities for Waterfront and Wharves themes Base: all comments on this topic (n=137) Chart shows all priorities that represented at least 4% of comments on this topic The three key themes that emerged from these comments were a focus on recreational activities (such as swimming, climbing etc), activities and amenities for children and a focus on nature and green spaces. Another common theme centred on transport and accessibility, for example use of cycles and pedestrian only zones. Thinking specifically about what was needed for a world class city centre waterfront, the most frequently mentioned design elements were a need to cater for children and inclusion of cycle ways and facilities. In terms of feel and what should be included on any new public wharf space, there was a preference for recreational activities (such as swimming facilities) and natural / greenspaces, including trees. Some of the recreational activities specifically mentioned included a swimming pool, water park, climbing wall and a stadium. Some examples of the comments written on the board were: Climbing wall at Queens Wharf for day and night. Sunscreen stations and change tables for kids. More cycle and walking routes. Swimming beach, tree and parkland. 19

20 Bike lanes in the CBD. Bike share scheme. Green open spaces/parks/trees. A big open space for kids to play in enjoy environment on and off water. Places to laze in summer, easy to cover in winter. Outside water playground/playground. Cycle hub for parking, hire and maintenance. Theme park for children with rides on and off water. Quay Street fewer car lanes separate bicycle lanes and wider footpaths on both sides. Useable green spaces with grass, trees for picnics, reading, people watching etc. 20

21 4. Summary and conclusions The purpose of these two engagement activities was to understand what Aucklanders would like to see in Auckland s downtown area in the future to inform design and development in the city centre over the coming decade. The Public Spaces Survey revealed that the most preferred option from the list of lifestyle priorities was environment and setting, while the lowest priority option was hospitality and retail. Of the environment and setting features, the most preferred options were those that allowed people to sit, relax and admire the harbour views and trees and green spaces without any physical barriers between them and the water (e.g. a safety barrier). By comparison, features that focussed on city scape views and urban features, or those that introduced physical barriers between people and the water, were the least preferred. In terms of community, arts, culture and heritage activities, the most preferred areas were fun, quirky and lively spaces, which could be used for local events or demonstrations of local art, that reflect the maritime heritage of Auckland and retained the industrial character of heritage sites. Community gardens, quiet spaces and (particularly) formal greetings were less preferred. People also wished to partake in recreation activities, primarily walking/running, swimming/paddling at an urban beach or pool and having natural places for children to play or a purpose built playground. Options such as a using the space for a commercial playzone were not well received. When thinking about hospitality and retail activities, the most preferred activities were being able to picnic freely and visit cafés and restaurants; drinking alcohol at licensed venues and, particularly, shopping at stores and malls were a much lower priority. The overall theme was a desire for open spaces, which have links to nature but are also quirky, interactive and lively. People wished to see pedestrianised areas, fewer cars, more cycling facilities and spaces that are accessible to everyone and well connected to other parts of the city. Comments suggested that impromptu and informal spaces and activities are preferred to formal, commercialised and ordered ones. The public comments written on the display board over Auckland Anniversary Weekend mirrored these sentiments. These comments focussed on having places to relax (including seating, umbrellas and loungers) but in a lively and diverse setting that was pedestrian friendly and included green spaces and innovative design. Links to Auckland s maritime heritage, as well as its multiculturalism, were mentioned by some. There was also a desire to include recreational activities, such as swimming, and to ensure spaces were accessible and child friendly. It is reassuring to see similar themes identified as part of both engagement activities, in order to inform Auckland Council about public preferences and key areas of interest. 21