Tahunanui Structure Plan

The Tahunanui Structure Plan 2004 is largely based upon and derived from the following documents and studies:

The structure plan based has been prepared by Nelson City Council as a basis for guiding the future development of the Tahunanui area, focusing on its heart – the vicinity around the intersections of Tahunanui Drive, Muritai Street, Beach Road and Bisley Avenue.

Download the complete Tahunanui Structure Plan 2004 (1.1MB PDF)

Tahunanui Enhancement Strategy

The need for a structure plan for the heart area was identified in the Tahunanui Enhancement Study (2002). The study identified, through a community and public consultation process, a series of actions required to address the issues with the existing condition of Tahunanui, these being:

  • Identity
  • Built form
  • Movement network
  • Open space
  • Heart

The study identified the significance of Tahunanui to the city in terms of its being a place to live, a place that many local people use for recreational purposes, and a place many visitors to the city pass through, stay in, or come to for the beach and open space amenity.

Given this significance it is important for the city to provide a lead for the future development of the area to encourage the development to contribute positively to the qualities of the place. The structure plan is one way of showing that lead for future public and private development in the area.

Tahunanui Reserve Management Plan

In addition to the structure plan a management plan has been prepared to address the management of the large open space area that is the Tahunanui ‘sands’ reserve. The Tahunanui Reserve Management Plan (2004) provides the basis for Council to make decision on the use and development of this important public open space.

One of the significant influences on Tahunanui and its quality as a place to live and visit, is the State Highway -Tahunanui Drive.

The road is strategically important for the city as it carries much of the road traffic into and out of the city, freight and goods to the port, and passes traffic to other locations in the region. The intersection of Tahunanui Drive with local streets is currently in a double roundabout format. This format, and the busy nature of the road itself, present issues for the image of the Tahunanui area and affect the way it functions.

Structure Plan Directions

Why a Structure Plan?

A structure plan provides an overall plan with considered direction for all the elements that make up an urban environment (ie streets, buildings, connections, character, activities and open space). This allows incremental improvements that are undertaken by individual property owners and public agencies to work in a coordinated way towards the same aim so all the parts add up to make a quality place.

Structure plans are useful too for areas undergoing change and/or where site specific issues need to be addressed.

A good structure plan is based on:

  • Identifying key objectives
  • Analysis of current situation to identify issues
  • Specific directions and design concepts to address the objectives
  • Identifying appropriate implementation tools

Implementation can occur through public and private investment in development directions, resource management plan rules, design guides, advocacy and community actions.

Structure Plan Objectives

The objectives of the Tahunanui Structure Plan relate to the following key qualities that make up successful places:

Character

to promote character in townscape and landscape by responding and reinforcing locally distinctive patterns of development and culture

Continuity and Enclosure

To promote the continuity of street frontages and the enclosure of space by development which clearly defines private and public areas

Quality of the Public Realm

To promote public spaces and routes that are active, safe, uncluttered and work effectively for all, including disabled and elderly people

Ease of Movement

To promote accessibility and local permeability by making places that connect with each other and are easy to move through, putting people before traffic and integrating land uses and transport

Way-finding

To promote way-finding through development that provides recognisable routes, intersections and landmarks to help people find their way around

Adaptability

To promote adaptability by development that can respond to changing social, technological and economic conditions

Diversity

To promote diversity and choice by a mix of compatible developments and uses that together create viable places that respond to local needs and are attractive to visitors.

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