The Dunedin City Council has put off a planned trial closing the Octagon in the central city to traffic.
The council had planned to test making the lower Octagon pedestrian-only or a shared space with vehicles for several months this summer to reinvigorate the central city area.
Several retailers had objected, saying that even a trial could threaten their businesses.
A report from council staff recommended that the trial be postponed indefinitely until a "holistic" plan is drawn up for the future of the Octagon.
Georgi Hampton, left, and Alexi Belton. Photo: RNZ / Ian Telfer
Councillors this afternoon agreed, but set a timeframe for the matter to be debated again next year when it renews its long-term plan.
The plan to close off the Octagon was proposed by University of Otago students Georgi Hampton and Alexi Belton after carrying out a survey with businesses in the area which found that two-thirds supported the move.
The students' road safety project was a way to revitalise the city centre and reduce climate change emissions.
