ADVOCATE COLUMN 4th WEEK MARCH 2013

I find the whole concept of what is a Central Business District, very interesting. I am sure that there are those experts in the field of urban design who are better qualified than me to define what elements or functions are present, that contribute to a space within an urban settlement that allow it to be described as a CBD. I also wonder how much these qualities have changed over time as behaviour of urban dwellers and businesses have changed and new technology has developed. Many long-term residents of Whangarei will have witnessed a spatial change in what is considered the geographical limits of our CBD over a long period of time. They will also have noticed a change in the way this land and its premises are used. Work habits and planning rules have allowed for many traditional occupiers of this space move elsewhere within the urban extent of the District. This in part has resulted in an over-supply of central city commercial property. I imagine one constant element that has always been present is people. There are those who come into the space for a specific product, service or activity and there are those who live or work in the space and it is convenient for them to avail themselves of the product, services and activities that are there. If there are less people working or living within the geographic confines of a CBD then this will directly impact on the businesses that rely on their patronage. So the recent news item outlining the possible relocation of all council staff and activities to under a single roof was encouraging news. Depending on the final location this offers the potential not only to have one of Whangarei’s biggest employers located in the heart of the CBD as opposed to on the edge of it, but also the opportunity to be attractant for people who to come into the heart of the CBD for council services to also use other central city businesses. A further by-product may be, to what use the vacated commercial space within Forum North is then put to. If occupied by Northtec then that would also add to the vibrancy and activity taking place on the edge of the CBD. While all this purely speculation at this time it does allow for the possibility of an interesting and positive change in the dynamics of our city. Imagine if inner city living was also be thrown into this mix.