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FUTURE OF DOMAIN.

ONE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

TOWN PIJVNNER'S ADVICE

OPINION OX ROAD PROPOSAL

In response to an invitation by the Mayor, Mr. G. W. Hutchison, the Director of Town Planning, Mr. J. W. Mawso-.i. made a report on the proposal to construct a new road within the Domain, from the junction of Stanley and Domain Streets and connecting with the existing motor road in the vicinity of the ponds. "After hearing the explanation of the proposal given by the city engineer, and studying the Domain and its surroundings," said Mr. Mawson, "I am of the opinion that the proposed road can be amply justified if it is regarded primarily as a means of improving the communications within the Domain itself.

"All the authorities on park design that I have consulted, are agreed that carriageways are an essential in any park over 30 acres in extent, in order that points of Mpecial interest may be accessible to those who for any reason are unable to take advantage of the pedestrian ways. It is further held by some of these authorities, that where a park of any considerable extent is surrounded by built-up areas, means of cross communication are desirable, and in many cases necessary as links in the general traffic system. Would Relieve Traffic Congestion. "If the proposed road is constructed, the extent to which it may be used, either in the present or the future for through traffic, would be a matter for regulation, but inasmuch as the means of vehicular access from the city are at the present time very unsatisfactory, and the bulk of the traffic desiring to reach the sports grounds or places of assembly within the Domain, finds it more convenient to take the Gi'afton Bridge route, the proposed road —even regarded as a method of direct access to these points—would have the effect of considerably relieving traffic congestion on the bridge.

"The fact that the proposed road would make accessible one of the beauty spots of the Domain to thousands of people who otherwise might never bo aware of its existence, must not be overlooked. It is possible that the rout'! which was fust proposed entailed an unnecessary amount of destruction of the bush in the glen, but certainly diJ not merit the criticism which has been levelled against it, for I am satisfied that the road, properly treated, would not necessarily have detracted from or interfered with the amenities of the glen beyond the acutal period of construction. .Domain Layout Unsatisfactory. "It is indeed a principle of park design, that where carriageways are provided they should, as far as possible, follow the valleys and wooded areas in order to be as inconspicuous as possible and at the same time lead the motorist as near as possible to points of special interest and beauty. I do feel very strongly, however, that the proposed road should not be undertaken without consideration of the reaction it is likely to have on the existing roads and the question of traffic circulation within the Domain as a whole. I agree with the city engineer that the present layout of tho Domain is extremely* unsatisfactory and does less than justice to the opportunities of the site. "Under these circumstances I would strongly advise the City Council to undertake, without delay, the preparation of a comprehensive plan for tho treatment not only of the Domain itself, but of its immediate surroundings, j which would embody the most up-to-date principles of park design. With a plan such as this in existence, the community in general, and park lovers* in particular, would be assured of eome i measure of protection from the wellintentioned but sometimes amateurish efforts of successive park executives, which, up to now, have merely led to the construction of a number of features which, however good .they might be in themselves (as some of them undoubtedly are), taken ns a whole, create a feeling of restlessness and a lack of harmony, which is the very antithesis of the motifs which should at all times be observed in a landscape park."

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19320613.2.43

Bibliographic details

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 138, 13 June 1932, Page 5

Word Count
680

FUTURE OF DOMAIN. Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 138, 13 June 1932, Page 5

FUTURE OF DOMAIN. Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 138, 13 June 1932, Page 5