Submission
Do you think the proposed P5 restrictions for the 4 new carparks by the University Library are appropriate?
No
If not, what restriction/s would you suggest?
P15
Do you think the proposed P5 restrictions for the 5 new carparks opposite Hyde Street are appropriate?
No
If not, what restriction/s would you suggest?
P10
Do you think these parking restrictions (as shown in the map) are still appropriate?
No
If no, what changes to the restrictions do you recommend?
Dunedin’s CBD retailers—including those on Albany Street—have already endured years of punishing disruption. First COVID-19, decimated foot traffic and saw numerous long-standing businesses close their doors. Those who survived were then subjected to the drawn-out George Street redevelopment, which drove shoppers away from the city center for over a year. Many businesses suffered losses of up to 75% in revenue, with some barely staying afloat.
Now, with a cost-of-living crisis squeezing every dollar, Council is proposing to plunge many of these same retailers into yet another round of upheaval. If the Albany Street upgrade proceeds this year as planned, local retailers will be hit with a devastating trifecta: soaring rates, collapsing consumer spending, and the prolonged disruption and uncertainty of street works. For many, this will not be a mere inconvenience—it will be the final blow.
What’s worse is the growing perception that Council is indifferent to the suffering it’s causing. As one retailer put it: "It feels like councilors are torturing us." That comment may sound emotional—but it is born from real exhaustion, fear, and frustration from people who are simply trying to survive and support their families.
These are not large corporations with deep reserves. These are small, family-run businesses—many of which have been part of the community for decades—now hanging by a thread. Council has a duty of care, not just to infrastructure, but to the people and livelihoods that infrastructure affects.
There is a simple, empathic alternative: delay the Albany Street upgrade by 24 months. Give retailers a chance to recover. Let them trade through this economic storm without another round of chaos being dumped at their doors. A delay is not a retreat—it’s a responsible and compassionate decision in extraordinarily difficult times.
Do you have any other comments about the proposed restrictions on Albany Street and surrounding streets?
Dunedin’s CBD retailers—including those on Albany Street—have already endured years of punishing disruption. First COVID-19, decimated foot traffic and saw numerous long-standing businesses close their doors. Those who survived were then subjected to the drawn-out George Street redevelopment, which drove shoppers away from the city center for over a year. Many businesses suffered losses of up to 75% in revenue, with some barely staying afloat.
Now, with a cost-of-living crisis squeezing every dollar, Council is proposing to plunge many of these same retailers into yet another round of upheaval. If the Albany Street upgrade proceeds this year as planned, local retailers will be hit with a devastating trifecta: soaring rates, collapsing consumer spending, and the prolonged disruption and uncertainty of street works. For many, this will not be a mere inconvenience—it will be the final blow.
What’s worse is the growing perception that Council is indifferent to the suffering it’s causing. As one retailer put it: "It feels like councilors are torturing us." That comment may sound emotional—but it is born from real exhaustion, fear, and frustration from people who are simply trying to survive and support their families.
These are not large corporations with deep reserves. These are small, family-run businesses—many of which have been part of the community for decades—now hanging by a thread. Council has a duty of care, not just to infrastructure, but to the people and livelihoods that infrastructure affects.
There is a simple, empathic alternative: delay the Albany Street upgrade by 24 months. Give retailers a chance to recover. Let them trade through this economic storm without another round of chaos being dumped at their doors. A delay is not a retreat—it’s a responsible and compassionate decision in extraordinarily difficult times.
Supporting information
No associated documents with this submission.
Submitter
Submission id number: 1147409
Submitter name:
Newington Properties Ltd ( Jason La Hood )