St Mark’s Church School Principal Kent Favel
ST MARK’S Church School principal wants a solution for reduced traffic around Wellington’s Basin Reserve.
New Zealand Transport Agency’s flyover plan for the Basin Reserve has been officially scrapped and Wellington transport leaders say they plan to work with the community to help resolve traffic problems.
St Mark’s Principal Kent Favel did not agree with the former flyover approach but is open to other solutions for traffic surrounding the school and reserve.
He was concerned that the flyover construction would affect parents dropping their children off.
The Basin Reserve also serves as a sports ground for students although the school has plans for an astro turf on school grounds.
“We have no grounds. Our home ground is the Basin Reserve which we get to play our school fixtures in.”
However, Mr Favel says reduced traffic flow is a health and safety benefit for the school, located beside the reserve, and believes there are many options available.
He acknowledges the history of the Basin Reserve and its sentimental value.
“I think the Basin Reserve is a very old, historic precinct. We should be trying to preserve and maintain in its current and existing form.”
Regional Transport Committee chair Paul Swain says they are ready to hear ideas from the community to discuss traffic flow improvements.
“Everyone agrees we need a solution at the Basin that allows people to get to their destination as quickly as possible. We will need the community’s help to find the way forward.”
Mr Swain acknowledges the difficulties ahead of resolving transport around the Basin Reserve.
“There’s no easy solution for what is a very complex situation at the Basin Reserve.
“A permanent solution will take some time as we need to work with the community to get it right.”
St Mark’s Church School is opposite the Basin Reserve.