The design was vision-led, taking its steer from the clear strategic intent of Te Ara ō Whakatū - the Nelson City Centre Spatial Plan. The design drew from the Te Aranga principles, identifying a rich diversity of ways to layer cultural expression and identity into the street and spaces, in order to see ourselves through visible cultural expression, which included distinct paving, seating, lighting, signage and wayfinding and other street furniture / public realm elements; public art opportunities for cultural expression; prioritising indigenous vegetation.

Through the design development, spatial allocation and vehicle circulation were tested to arrive at a set of options, these were evaluated based on agreed criteria, and the preferred concept developed into a schematic concept design, supported by a 3d Revit model and public engagement renders. The preferred option was for one-way, low-volume vehicle movement with contraflow cycling, prioritising human comfort, street greening, outdoor dining and free-flowing pedestrian movement along and across the street.

Parking and servicing strategies were developed to ensure that business and accessibility needs were met, working towards a ‘ring’ circulation pattern that allowed Bridge Street to focus on positive place outcomes, creating an attractive street environment that invites people to walk, cycle, shop and spend time.

Responding to climate change was at the forefront of planning, in particular, consideration of flooding. The fractal design allowed for a significant increase in softscape, including rain gardens, letting the ground absorb and detain water in peak rain events. The project used up-to-date flood modelling data and recommended the opportunity to upgrade ageing infrastructure as part of the climate adaptation approach, while also providing valuable habitat and biodiversity enhancement.