Brussels
London
Prague
Lille
Spot anything?
- They are city squares surrounded by old buildings - Britomart tick
- They have lovely cafes and bars around them - Britomart tick
- They often have markets with fresh local produce - Britomart tick
- They don't have carparks in the middle of them - Britomart fail
- They have lots of people in them buying things from the shops around the square - Bitomart fail
- Their shops face inwards towards the square to create a destination - Britomart fail
Cars, cars and more cars - aaargh!
Oh look ... some more cars!
And the backs of buildings - It can't be that hard to add an entry, some signage and perhaps a window?
Why is Britomart not the city square of Auckland? Why is it not a destination where friends meet at the fountain for a days shopping or a night out? Why does it not have a great name to identify it (Britomart Square would do!) with signposts to lead the public into the space? Why is it so deserted that bicycle racks get vandelised? Who wants to sit at a cafe and watch the carpark, or the buses thunder by? (Hint: people like to watch people) Why oh why is Britomart inside out with a CARPARK in the middle of it?
Auckland City Council does have some long term plans for this space.
ReplyDeleteHowever, last I heard the 'square' where the carparks now will be developed into more buildings - which I think is a sad state of affairs.
About 24 months ago the carparks were removed, and replaced with a temporary lawn for a public photography exchibition. It was amazing to see how people congregated in the evening to look, walk and talk. It was just beautiful!
It's shame that this couldn't have been a long term solution unstead of just a passing phase.
I just can't believe they are going to stuff up this area as well! It will end up like the disaster we have around the Vector Arena. What happened to the excellent thinking that went in to the Viaduct. This area really works and is always busy with people and their families walking, cycling, eating, and just hanging out. This is a golden opportunity to give Auckland a real city square right next to the proposed new cruise terminal. Why are these people so woolly headed? I know NZ is known for it's sheep but aren't we trying to be an international city?
ReplyDeleteCooper and Company are only 4 years through a 15 year plan to develop this area.
ReplyDeleteThe buildings face out towards Quay and Customs streets because that is the way they were originally built so that the back of them could face the original railway. These buildings are mainly protected heritage buildings so doors cant just be cut in where ever they feel like.
There is a new building planned for where the car park currently sits. This building will have a large amount of ground floor retail etc and public space. There is also a public square in the center of all the buildings.
There is a lot more to come and Britomart will be a place that Aucklanders love.
I am very pleased to hear that there is still hope and I will watch this area with interest.
ReplyDeleteI love what you've done around Roukai Lane BTW. However, I seriously think that you will have to do something about the back of those buildings - they look so shabby and if you've read the book 'The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference (ISBN 0-316-31696-2) by Malcolm Gladwell', you'll understand why this is important for Britomart.
I really hope that you keep people in mind and people-ize the space with sculpture, art and events. When I lived in France, the Grand Place always had a mini fair ground at Christmas and it was the highlight of the year for old and young! Not to mention the fresh produce and flea markets that were regular events. You might also need some pigeons for the kids, but they can't be hard to find. It would be superb if you could create something like this for Auckland.
It would also be pretty fab if you could do shared streets (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10578461) where possible, and bicycle lanes and facilities ... pretty please :-)
Wow, good onya Britomart for commenting on this. Is there anywhere we can view the proposed 15-year plan?
ReplyDeleteTreena ask's are we living in a commo country or what? I am an amateur photographer with a passion for my favourite hobby. I planned an evening out with a good friend, photographing Auckland city by night. We arrived at Britomart with camera's and tripod in hand. I had no sooner placed my equipment into position and took two pictures, when I was approached by two security officers asking me to stop my illigal activity... WHAT!!! WHY!!! and WHO THOUGHT THIS STUPID IDEA UP??? was my reply. At first I thought they were joking... "NO, they ment business ".
ReplyDeleteThey said the Auckland Regional Authority wants this activity stopped. (Using a tripod for photography is an illegal offence)I was told also told using a tripod deems me as being professional photograper. What a joke!! I told them I was not a professional photograper and Im not taking wedding photo's (Taking wedding photo's in public places requires a permit. (Councils taxes for taking pics of weddings).(Free money for council lunches)
I looked around for notices, warning me of the illigal act. Not a sign to be seen. I was then told I was trespasing on private property. (Well if I was on private property then why were they telling me to stop taking pic's with my tripod) Give me a break!! As far as I am aware my old people gifted as a tuku the land auckland sits on. Not the 40% of Auzzie ownership and 40% ownership to two pakeha that live in Takapuna. My old people still own it they are watching over their land in the Wairua(spirit) and they are ready and waiting for the call...
Why do we have idiots making up stupid rules and regulations like these. Is this the future of the Super city... Are we going to be charged a resourse concent fee for breathing next... We are already up for carbon tax what next? I would like an answer to why i was not aloud to take pic's with a tripod and why was there no prohibitory notices in public view forbidding the use of tripods....