Overview

The following project was completed while Andy worked for Dunedin City Council.

Background

Dunedin's urban renewal landscape has seen significant transformation projects, chief among them the George Street Renewal. In the context of broader developments, such as the Dunedin Hospital renewal, the initiative to refurbish George Street was initially motivated by the essential replacement of old underground infrastructure. Seizing this opportunity, the Dunedin City Council aimed to enhance George Street's appeal, making it a more inviting and vibrant city center.

Objective

The project's objective was to secure necessary funding from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and the council by demonstrating the strategic value and benefits of renewing George Street to serve as a pedestrian-friendly and economically thriving area.

Role

In the strategic development of the George Street Renewal case, Andy Wilson undertook a critical role, leveraging NZTA’s guidelines to articulate the project's value:

Preparation Using NZTA's Guidance:

• Andy directly applied NZTA’s guidelines for strategic case preparation, ensuring that the case thoroughly articulated the project's problems, benefits, and strategic alignment.
• This approach helped in presenting a well-founded argument for the project's necessity and potential impact on Dunedin's urban landscape.

Skills Utilized:

• Benefit Realization and Logic Mapping: Andy’s expertise in benefit realization and logic mapping was fundamental in identifying and outlining the expected positive outcomes of the George Street renewal. Through logic mapping, he detailed the systematic approach to achieving these benefits, linking project activities to anticipated results and strategic objectives.
• Report Writing: Crafting a persuasive strategic case report required Andy to distill complex data and planning insights into a compelling narrative. This report effectively communicated the project's vision, its alignment with broader urban planning goals, and its expected contributions to Dunedin's vitality.
• Submission via the TIO Tool: Used NZTA’s Transport Investment Online (TIO) tool to officially submit the strategic case for funding evaluation. This step was key in transitioning from strategic planning to actionable stages.
  

Outcomes

Andy Wilson's adept development of the strategic case for the George Street Renewal led to the Dunedin City Council allocating funds for further detailed planning and design efforts, marking a crucial step toward the project's realisation.

Following these foundational efforts, George Street was officially reopened, now reimagined as a pedestrian-centric and vibrant part of Dunedin. This transition enhanced the area's aesthetic and functional appeal and aligned with the city's broader objectives for a more connected and engaging urban environment.