Wellington City councillors have agreed to support the proposed $90 million Basin Reserve flyover, with some conditions.
The council voted on Thursday to file a submission with the Environment Protection Agency, saying it supports the proposal, as long as steps are taken to ease concerns about the flyover's impact on its surroundings.
An artist's impression of the external view of the Basin Reserve's Northern Gateway building looking up Ellice Street. Photo: NZTA
The flyover, which would be built beside the Basin Reserve, has been discussed by the council since 2008.
Councillor responsible for transport Andy Foster says the Transport Agency will go ahead with the project with or without council support.
He says the decision is about ensuring council staff can work with the agency to reduce any negative impact on the environment.
The agency has lodged a resource consent application, which will be considered by a Board of Inquiry.
Mayor accused of "flip flopping"
Two Wellington councillors have accused the mayor of "flip flopping" over her views on the proposed flyover.
Councillor Ray Ahipene-Mercer says Celia Wade-Brown talked earlier about the importance of a relationship between the council and the agency to ensure to ensure the best outcome for the city.
However, he says he is puzzled as to why she then flip flopped at voting time and voted against the submission.
Another councillor and mayoral candidate, John Morrison, labelled the mayor's actions dithering indecision, saying it is no way to run a city.
However Ms Wade-Brown says she does not believe the flyover is the answer, and although mitigation is a good thing she could not bring herself to vote to support it.
