Latest news with #AlecLouverdis
Scoop
27-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Next Stop Nelson Bus Hub – Work At Millers Acre To Start
Press Release – Nelson City Council This new central city transport hub is about bringing together on one site the eBus, InterCity and other bus services such as those to our National Parks, says Nelson Mayor Nick Smith. Work to transform Millers Acre into the transport hub for Nelson in time for summer is due to start in July. The development of the site, estimated to cost $2.8 million, will once completed, be the hub for all Nelson bus services including the InterCity, school bus, tourism and eBus services. 'This new central city transport hub is about bringing together on one site the eBus, InterCity and other bus services such as those to our National Parks,' says Nelson Mayor Nick Smith. 'This integration helps grow usage by enabling convenient connections between services and makes public transport easier to find for visitors. 'The shift from the Bridge Street eBus depot to this new Nelson Bus Hub is needed to accommodate the growth in services and because of the upcoming disruption and changes from the Bridge to Better project. This new hub will have six bus bays, compared with four at the current Bridge Street depot. Council intends to sell the old site for development as part of its city revitalisation plans flowing from an expressions of interest process last year.' Group Infrastructure Manager Alec Louverdis says this exciting project will include not only its very successful ebus service, but also wider services. 'The development of the site will allow for Nelson Tasman's eBuses, tourism, regional and school buses, making it a one-stop-shop for Nelson's coachline services with a much-improved passenger experience.' The new hub will feature six bus bays, allowing multiple services to operate side-by-side. Passengers will have a large, comfortable waiting room, with improved air circulation that will assist in colder months. Improved indoor and outdoor CCTV monitoring, linked directly to the police monitoring system, will be installed. Automated announcements of departures will be broadcast via an audio system with speakers indoors and outdoors. Councillor Campbell Rollo, Chair of the Regional Accessibility Forum, is particularly proud of this new feature. 'The audio system is something that our forum really advocated for alongside some of Nelson's blind citizens. This will benefit not just those who are vision impaired but also our elderly community, parents busy with children and anyone nearby waiting for their bus,' says Campbell. The upgrades continue outdoors too with new digital displays for bus services and tourist information, increased lighting and outdoor timber seating. Canopies will be installed to ensure dry passage and shade from the waiting room to each bus. One standout feature of the Nelson Bus Hub will be a rain garden. 'Currently, rainwater from Millers Acre ends up in the Maitai River. A rain garden and a 'jellyfish' device will help protect the ecology of our river system,' says Alec. The rain garden will look like a standard garden, but with rocks and stones rather than bark. Underneath there will be a filter system that will remove contaminants, cleaning the water before it's discharged into the Maitai River. During larger weather events, a 'jellyfish' filter will clean the stormwater before discharged into the Maitai. 'Jellyfish is a great way to describe it,' says Alec. 'It's a filter with a number of tentacles that catch litter, debris, oils and even pollutants such as nitrogen and metals.' The surrounding landscape provided inspiration for the design of the Nelson Bus Hub. Both the outdoor paving and indoor flooring replicate the twists and turns of the Maitai River as it travels to the sea. New landscaping and wayfinding will tie the whole hub together ensuring passengers, whether they are using the InterCity or eBus service, know exactly where their bus will depart. Initial enabling works for this project included the construction of a new carpark at 41 Halifax Street to provide public parking spaces. The mural of the Kawau on the wall at 41 Halifax introduces a toi Māori element to the hub and will be visible to passengers waiting for their bus. Moving the hub from Bridge Street aligns with the larger city development project Bridge to Better. 'Not only does it remove the buses from Bridge Street, but it opens the potential for inner-city development.' says Alec. While contractors are working at Millers Acre all commercial services that use the site will be relocated. Pedestrian access to River Kitchen will be detoured along Trafalgar Street and the Maitai Walkway. The café will continue operating as usual. The toilet block at Millers Acre will be temporarily closed at times during construction. 'Before work begins, we are taking stock of operators who use the carpark,' says Alec. 'We've worked closely with Nelson Coachlines, school bus services and regional tourism services, but we want to ensure that we haven't missed anyone. If you're a commercial operator who uses Millers Acre, please get in contact with Customer Services at Council.'
Scoop
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
Next Stop Nelson Bus Hub – Work At Millers Acre To Start
Work to transform Millers Acre into the transport hub for Nelson in time for summer is due to start in July. The development of the site, estimated to cost $2.8 million, will once completed, be the hub for all Nelson bus services including the InterCity, school bus, tourism and eBus services. 'This new central city transport hub is about bringing together on one site the eBus, InterCity and other bus services such as those to our National Parks,' says Nelson Mayor Nick Smith. 'This integration helps grow usage by enabling convenient connections between services and makes public transport easier to find for visitors. 'The shift from the Bridge Street eBus depot to this new Nelson Bus Hub is needed to accommodate the growth in services and because of the upcoming disruption and changes from the Bridge to Better project. This new hub will have six bus bays, compared with four at the current Bridge Street depot. Council intends to sell the old site for development as part of its city revitalisation plans flowing from an expressions of interest process last year.' Group Infrastructure Manager Alec Louverdis says this exciting project will include not only its very successful ebus service, but also wider services. 'The development of the site will allow for Nelson Tasman's eBuses, tourism, regional and school buses, making it a one-stop-shop for Nelson's coachline services with a much-improved passenger experience.' The new hub will feature six bus bays, allowing multiple services to operate side-by-side. Passengers will have a large, comfortable waiting room, with improved air circulation that will assist in colder months. Improved indoor and outdoor CCTV monitoring, linked directly to the police monitoring system, will be installed. Automated announcements of departures will be broadcast via an audio system with speakers indoors and outdoors. Councillor Campbell Rollo, Chair of the Regional Accessibility Forum, is particularly proud of this new feature. 'The audio system is something that our forum really advocated for alongside some of Nelson's blind citizens. This will benefit not just those who are vision impaired but also our elderly community, parents busy with children and anyone nearby waiting for their bus,' says Campbell. The upgrades continue outdoors too with new digital displays for bus services and tourist information, increased lighting and outdoor timber seating. Canopies will be installed to ensure dry passage and shade from the waiting room to each bus. One standout feature of the Nelson Bus Hub will be a rain garden. "Currently, rainwater from Millers Acre ends up in the Maitai River. A rain garden and a 'jellyfish' device will help protect the ecology of our river system,' says Alec. The rain garden will look like a standard garden, but with rocks and stones rather than bark. Underneath there will be a filter system that will remove contaminants, cleaning the water before it's discharged into the Maitai River. During larger weather events, a 'jellyfish' filter will clean the stormwater before discharged into the Maitai. 'Jellyfish is a great way to describe it,' says Alec. 'It's a filter with a number of tentacles that catch litter, debris, oils and even pollutants such as nitrogen and metals.' The surrounding landscape provided inspiration for the design of the Nelson Bus Hub. Both the outdoor paving and indoor flooring replicate the twists and turns of the Maitai River as it travels to the sea. New landscaping and wayfinding will tie the whole hub together ensuring passengers, whether they are using the InterCity or eBus service, know exactly where their bus will depart. Initial enabling works for this project included the construction of a new carpark at 41 Halifax Street to provide public parking spaces. The mural of the Kawau on the wall at 41 Halifax introduces a toi Māori element to the hub and will be visible to passengers waiting for their bus. Moving the hub from Bridge Street aligns with the larger city development project Bridge to Better. 'Not only does it remove the buses from Bridge Street, but it opens the potential for inner-city development.' says Alec. While contractors are working at Millers Acre all commercial services that use the site will be relocated. Pedestrian access to River Kitchen will be detoured along Trafalgar Street and the Maitai Walkway. The café will continue operating as usual. The toilet block at Millers Acre will be temporarily closed at times during construction. 'Before work begins, we are taking stock of operators who use the carpark,' says Alec. 'We've worked closely with Nelson Coachlines, school bus services and regional tourism services, but we want to ensure that we haven't missed anyone. If you're a commercial operator who uses Millers Acre, please get in contact with Customer Services at Council.'
Scoop
17-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Bridge Street Design Brings The Ebb And Flow Of Whakatū To Life
Press Release – Nelson City Council What makes this design special is how everyday elements have been given meaning. From the paving to the drinking fountains, every detail is an opportunity to express who we are bringing a sense of place to even the most functional parts of the … A revised design for Bridge Street has been released as part of the Bridge to Better project, incorporating changes informed by feedback including cycle links, parking and cultural design elements shaped by local iwi. This stage of the design builds on the developed design released in late 2024, and incorporates greater detail to the layout, materials, and cultural expression that will feature in the redesigned Bridge Street, as shaped through a co-design process with iwi and extensive engagement with local businesses, property owners, and stakeholders. The design is guided by the concept of tai timu, tai pari (the ebb and flow of the tides), a narrative gifted by the eight iwi of Te Tauihu. It speaks to the natural cycles that have shaped this place through time, while expressing our identity as a coastal city. This theme is expressed through the street via a unifying Aramoana paving pattern, symbolising waterways shaping the layout of spaces and features across the project. City Centre Revitalisation Taskforce Chair Rohan O'Neill-Stevens says the design embodies a distinctly local identity. 'This is about designing a street that truly belongs to this place — shaped by our shared stories, unique identity, and diverse ecology. 'What makes this design special is how everyday elements have been given meaning. From the paving to the drinking fountains, every detail is an opportunity to express who we are — bringing a sense of place to even the most functional parts of the street.' New proposed design features include: An Aramoana pattern that will feature throughout the street, tracing the transition from estuary to forest, celebrating the relationship between people and water Taiao markers will be small, playful sculptural features that create curiosity and intrigue, reflecting local plants and wildlife that once thrived in the area Street furniture inspired by traditional forms, bringing cultural expression into everyday functional elements to create a distinct local identity for the street Featured stone will showcase the rich diversity of the mineral belt that is unique to this region, featuring locally sourced stone in the street for the first time. Group Manager Infrastructure Alec Louverdis says this stage of design also includes a range of changes shaped by community feedback, saying the amendments made reflect a genuine attempt to respond to what Council has heard and make practical changes, while staying true to the project's vision. Changes include: Two additional carparks at the western end of the street near Red Gallery Improved cycleway connections northbound along Haven Road towards Anzac Park Consideration to changing parking limits to mostly P60 (1-hour) to encourage vehicle turnover, with some P10 short-term spaces and time-restricted loading zones. Construction staging is being planned with Isaac Construction, Council's preferred contractor secured under the Early Contractor Involvement tender process. To reduce disruption, Council is looking at a holistic staging process, considering all projects within the inner city and surrounding area and exploring options to complete early works ahead of the busy Christmas period, although exact timing is yet to be confirmed. 'We know construction brings disruption and now that we're getting closer to the final design, we're working closely with our contractors and businesses on timing, staging and access to minimise and mitigate the impacts of these works as much as possible. Our focus is on delivering a street that works well both during construction and long after completion,' Alec says. The design is now undergoing peer review to confirm it meets technical and construction standards. The Bridge to Better project includes significant major upgrades to underground infrastructure beyond Bridge Street, ensuring Bridge Street is ready to support future housing and population growth. This includes new water, stormwater and wastewater reticulation, designed to improve resilience and service reliability in the city centre. Early watermain upgrade works on Halifax/Collingwood and Bridget Street East are underway now and are expected to be completed by mid-year. These works were brought forward to minimise disruption ahead of the larger pieces of work. Council is currently seeking feedback on proposed parking time limits, one-way laneway access to increase footpath space, and any final observations on the overall design. 'This is a living design process, and we're still listening,' says Alec. 'We're keen to hear further feedback — particularly around parking limits and laneway access — and our team is continuing to work directly with affected businesses and property owners to ensure the final design works for those who use the street every day.' Feedback on the detailed design can be given via Shape Nelson by 13 June, 2025.
Scoop
17-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Bridge Street Design Brings The Ebb And Flow Of Whakatū To Life
Press Release – Nelson City Council What makes this design special is how everyday elements have been given meaning. From the paving to the drinking fountains, every detail is an opportunity to express who we are bringing a sense of place to even the most functional parts of the … A revised design for Bridge Street has been released as part of the Bridge to Better project, incorporating changes informed by feedback including cycle links, parking and cultural design elements shaped by local iwi. This stage of the design builds on the developed design released in late 2024, and incorporates greater detail to the layout, materials, and cultural expression that will feature in the redesigned Bridge Street, as shaped through a co-design process with iwi and extensive engagement with local businesses, property owners, and stakeholders. The design is guided by the concept of tai timu, tai pari (the ebb and flow of the tides), a narrative gifted by the eight iwi of Te Tauihu. It speaks to the natural cycles that have shaped this place through time, while expressing our identity as a coastal city. This theme is expressed through the street via a unifying Aramoana paving pattern, symbolising waterways shaping the layout of spaces and features across the project. City Centre Revitalisation Taskforce Chair Rohan O'Neill-Stevens says the design embodies a distinctly local identity. 'This is about designing a street that truly belongs to this place — shaped by our shared stories, unique identity, and diverse ecology. 'What makes this design special is how everyday elements have been given meaning. From the paving to the drinking fountains, every detail is an opportunity to express who we are — bringing a sense of place to even the most functional parts of the street.' New proposed design features include: An Aramoana pattern that will feature throughout the street, tracing the transition from estuary to forest, celebrating the relationship between people and water Taiao markers will be small, playful sculptural features that create curiosity and intrigue, reflecting local plants and wildlife that once thrived in the area Street furniture inspired by traditional forms, bringing cultural expression into everyday functional elements to create a distinct local identity for the street Featured stone will showcase the rich diversity of the mineral belt that is unique to this region, featuring locally sourced stone in the street for the first time. Group Manager Infrastructure Alec Louverdis says this stage of design also includes a range of changes shaped by community feedback, saying the amendments made reflect a genuine attempt to respond to what Council has heard and make practical changes, while staying true to the project's vision. Changes include: Two additional carparks at the western end of the street near Red Gallery Improved cycleway connections northbound along Haven Road towards Anzac Park Consideration to changing parking limits to mostly P60 (1-hour) to encourage vehicle turnover, with some P10 short-term spaces and time-restricted loading zones. Construction staging is being planned with Isaac Construction, Council's preferred contractor secured under the Early Contractor Involvement tender process. To reduce disruption, Council is looking at a holistic staging process, considering all projects within the inner city and surrounding area and exploring options to complete early works ahead of the busy Christmas period, although exact timing is yet to be confirmed. 'We know construction brings disruption and now that we're getting closer to the final design, we're working closely with our contractors and businesses on timing, staging and access to minimise and mitigate the impacts of these works as much as possible. Our focus is on delivering a street that works well both during construction and long after completion,' Alec says. The design is now undergoing peer review to confirm it meets technical and construction standards. The Bridge to Better project includes significant major upgrades to underground infrastructure beyond Bridge Street, ensuring Bridge Street is ready to support future housing and population growth. This includes new water, stormwater and wastewater reticulation, designed to improve resilience and service reliability in the city centre. Early watermain upgrade works on Halifax/Collingwood and Bridget Street East are underway now and are expected to be completed by mid-year. These works were brought forward to minimise disruption ahead of the larger pieces of work. Council is currently seeking feedback on proposed parking time limits, one-way laneway access to increase footpath space, and any final observations on the overall design. 'This is a living design process, and we're still listening,' says Alec. 'We're keen to hear further feedback — particularly around parking limits and laneway access — and our team is continuing to work directly with affected businesses and property owners to ensure the final design works for those who use the street every day.' Feedback on the detailed design can be given via Shape Nelson by 13 June, 2025.
Scoop
17-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Bridge Street Design Brings The Ebb And Flow Of Whakatū To Life
A revised design for Bridge Street has been released as part of the Bridge to Better project, incorporating changes informed by feedback including cycle links, parking and cultural design elements shaped by local iwi. This stage of the design builds on the developed design released in late 2024, and incorporates greater detail to the layout, materials, and cultural expression that will feature in the redesigned Bridge Street, as shaped through a co-design process with iwi and extensive engagement with local businesses, property owners, and stakeholders. The design is guided by the concept of tai timu, tai pari (the ebb and flow of the tides), a narrative gifted by the eight iwi of Te Tauihu. It speaks to the natural cycles that have shaped this place through time, while expressing our identity as a coastal city. This theme is expressed through the street via a unifying Aramoana paving pattern, symbolising waterways shaping the layout of spaces and features across the project. City Centre Revitalisation Taskforce Chair Rohan O'Neill-Stevens says the design embodies a distinctly local identity. 'This is about designing a street that truly belongs to this place — shaped by our shared stories, unique identity, and diverse ecology. 'What makes this design special is how everyday elements have been given meaning. From the paving to the drinking fountains, every detail is an opportunity to express who we are — bringing a sense of place to even the most functional parts of the street.' New proposed design features include: An Aramoana pattern that will feature throughout the street, tracing the transition from estuary to forest, celebrating the relationship between people and water Taiao markers will be small, playful sculptural features that create curiosity and intrigue, reflecting local plants and wildlife that once thrived in the area Street furniture inspired by traditional forms, bringing cultural expression into everyday functional elements to create a distinct local identity for the street Featured stone will showcase the rich diversity of the mineral belt that is unique to this region, featuring locally sourced stone in the street for the first time. Group Manager Infrastructure Alec Louverdis says this stage of design also includes a range of changes shaped by community feedback, saying the amendments made reflect a genuine attempt to respond to what Council has heard and make practical changes, while staying true to the project's vision. Changes include: Two additional carparks at the western end of the street near Red Gallery Improved cycleway connections northbound along Haven Road towards Anzac Park Consideration to changing parking limits to mostly P60 (1-hour) to encourage vehicle turnover, with some P10 short-term spaces and time-restricted loading zones. Construction staging is being planned with Isaac Construction, Council's preferred contractor secured under the Early Contractor Involvement tender process. To reduce disruption, Council is looking at a holistic staging process, considering all projects within the inner city and surrounding area and exploring options to complete early works ahead of the busy Christmas period, although exact timing is yet to be confirmed. 'We know construction brings disruption and now that we're getting closer to the final design, we're working closely with our contractors and businesses on timing, staging and access to minimise and mitigate the impacts of these works as much as possible. Our focus is on delivering a street that works well both during construction and long after completion,' Alec says. The design is now undergoing peer review to confirm it meets technical and construction standards. The Bridge to Better project includes significant major upgrades to underground infrastructure beyond Bridge Street, ensuring Bridge Street is ready to support future housing and population growth. This includes new water, stormwater and wastewater reticulation, designed to improve resilience and service reliability in the city centre. Early watermain upgrade works on Halifax/Collingwood and Bridget Street East are underway now and are expected to be completed by mid-year. These works were brought forward to minimise disruption ahead of the larger pieces of work. Council is currently seeking feedback on proposed parking time limits, one-way laneway access to increase footpath space, and any final observations on the overall design. 'This is a living design process, and we're still listening,' says Alec. 'We're keen to hear further feedback — particularly around parking limits and laneway access — and our team is continuing to work directly with affected businesses and property owners to ensure the final design works for those who use the street every day.' Feedback on the detailed design can be given via Shape Nelson by 13 June, 2025.
