Vulcan Lane consultation paves way for the red look

An artist's impression of how Vulcan Lane could look after restoration.

The red pebble pavers that sparked a battle to keep a slightly grungy look to Vulcan Lane are uppermost in new plans for the fashionable pedestrian strip.

As many as possible of the red pebble pavers have been kept by the council among options released this week for public consultation. Replica pavers will fill the gaps.

As well as paving, the options address issues such as seating, trees and lighting. The only likely contentious issue is whether the pavers will keep a border of grey river pebbles or be given a new bluestone border.

It was council officers' plans to rip up the 40-year-old red pebble pavers and strips of river pebbles for bluestone pavers that led to some of the country's biggest fashion leaders objecting to Vulcan Lane becoming a victim to a "bland, homogenous" bluestone look.

Officers fought tooth and nail for months to go down the bluestone path before councillors decided last October to preserve the lane with as many of the 2160 red pavers as practical.

Andrew Bishop, of fashion label Feline, yesterday said he was disappointed the council was still trying to peddle bluestone when the idea was to keep Vulcan Lane different from the rest of the city.

The council's feedback form on Vulcan Lane said a bluestone border would provide a contrast from the texture of the red pebble pavers, was easier to maintain and provided a visual connection to bluestone in Queen St and High St.

The council has come up with a range of options, including

* Stone seats with a timber top and timber benches.

* Suspended lights or lighting columns similar to those in High St.

* Removing the vegetation and melia tree for similar trees or nikau palms.

Mr Bishop said he liked aspects of the plan but hoped as many as possible of the original pavers would be kept.

Chris Cherry, of Workshop, said officers deserved full marks for the new plans. The consensus among interested parties at the last meeting with the council was to restore and preserve, keep changes as simple and subtle as possible and let the lane be what it is, he said.

Mayor Dick Hubbard, praised by fashion leaders for stepping in last year to sort out the issue, said the restoration-based designs responded to the public feedback to keep the character, look and feel of Vulcan Lane.

Once a plan is finalised, work could start early next year. Restoration will take longer than laying new pavers and increase the cost from $1.2 million to about $1.6 million.

HAVE YOUR SAY

* The new plans for Vulcan Lane are on display at Heart of the City, level 2, 55-57 High St, or can be viewed on the Auckland City Council website

* The council will also have a display tent on Vulcan Lane on Monday from 8am to 10am and on June 21 and June 23 from 11.30am to 2pm.

* Public feedback closes on June 25.