What is a programme business case and why is it needed?
A programme business case (PBC) is a strategic document that:
- Looks at the main problems, opportunities and constraints of the transport network within the area we are looking at. To identify these things, we use data we have on how people use the road and transport network and feedback from the community.
- Confirms the outcomes we’re aiming to achieve in the area, considering the wider transport network and community goals.
- Identifies a broad mix of options that could be delivered by multiple parties over time to achieve those outcomes.
Having an endorsed PBC is one of the steps towards getting funding for the projects and ensuring that the right transport solutions are identified. There will be opportunities to provide your feedback in future project stages as we develop the programme.
With this PBC, we are seeking to:
- make Richmond’s roads safer for everyone
- improve connections between streets, and build safe and attractive walking and cycling paths, helping make Richmond an even nicer place to live
- help ensure journey times for freight and people are more reliable, particularly during busy times of the day
- make it easier for people to walk, bike or take different transport options to get to work and school.
Project development programme business case technical information
Why does the emerging staged programme have the Hope bypass in the long-term programme and not earlier in the short- or medium-term programme?
The Hope Bypass is in the long-term programme because it does not address the outcomes we’re aiming to achieve in the short to medium term.
In the short to medium term, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and Tasman District Council are focusing on making the best use of the current transport network by focusing on ways to improve and make safer existing roads and intersections. We are also looking to provide greater options for people to travel around and through Richmond by using other forms of transport, like walking, cycling and taking the bus.
Before finalising the long-term programme, we will review how the transport system is operating with the short- and medium-term improvements in place. If we find that further improvements are needed, a business case will be undertaken for the transport system. The transport system business case will investigate whether further improvements such as the Hope bypass are needed. At this stage, a bypass may or may not be required in the long term.
This approach aligns with national and regional transport strategies, including the need to reduce transport related carbon emissions.
Why are you not proposing to create more roads or road links between Richmond and Nelson?
Waka Kotahi and the Council have a joint challenge of needing to reduce carbon emissions while also providing for increased transport demands.
By getting some people to use different transport modes (walking, cycling, public transport) other than driving a car, we can continue to get more out of our existing roads and transport network.
In making our decisions on the staged programme, both for planning and investment, we are guided by what’s called an ‘intervention hierarchy’. That means we need to look at the lowest cost alternatives and options first, including making best use of existing roads, before considering higher cost alternatives and options like new roads. Below is the intervention hierarchy for National Land Transport Fund (NLTF) investments.
Why are you proposing to remove some on-street parking and how much parking will be removed?
Within the emerging programme we have proposed removing some on-street parking throughout Richmond to allow space for prioritisation of buses, freight; shared walking and cycling paths and both on-road and separated cycling lanes.
At this stage we do not know how many on-street parks could be removed. As we progress into further project stages, the projects will be looked at in greater detail and there will be further opportunities to provide your feedback.
Are Tasman rate payers expected to fund the programme? If so, what does it mean for rates?
Funding would most likely come through a mix of local and central government funding. At this point nothing is yet determined and funding will only be sought once the individual projects are decided. Council would need to consider the benefits of any proposal before agreeing to fund any aspect.
How do I know if my property will be affected by the proposed improvements?
The improvements outlined in the emerging staged programme will need further investigation and engagement if funding is confirmed. The further investigation will include looking at the impact to any properties and if it is found that your property will be impacted by any improvements, we will talk with property owners about this.
Do the emerging programmes align to other strategies and plans that Tasman District Council have or are developing?
Yes, there are a number of strategies and plans that the Tasman District Council are finalising or developing that will align with the emerging programmes outlined in the Richmond Transport Programme Business Case.
These include the following plans and strategies from the Tasman District Council:
- Nelson–Tasman Regional Public Transport Plan 2021–31(external link)
- Tasman District Council Long-Term Plan 2021–31(external link)
- Richmond and Motueka town centre parking strategy(external link)
- Tasman Regional Land Transport Plan(external link)
The Council will also be developing a walking and cycling strategy, a regional speed management (speed review) plan and updating the District Plan. The Council will carry out separate public engagement on these plans and strategies soon.
How does the Richmond Transport PBC fit with the Nelson Future Access Project?
Waka Kotahi has been working with its council partners to provide the best transport system solution across the Nelson and Tasman region.
The Richmond PBC focuses on the central Richmond area extending along the Waimea Plains from Wairoa River to the south, Waimea River to the north and Champion Road to the east. The Nelson Future Access Project is bounded by SH6 to the north and east, Rutherford Road/Waimea Road to the south and extending as far south as the Annesbrook Drive roundabout.
The two projects have similar focuses on improving the existing roads and transport networks and helping more people to walk, cycle or take the bus.
For the public transport that overlaps both projects, there was a joint review by Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council which looked at improvements to public transport services and infrastructure across a wide area, from Hira and the Glen in the north to Wakefield in the south and Motueka in the west. The two project teams are working together to share technical information and community insights to ensure the respective projects build on each other’s work.
Nelson Future Access Project
Nelson–Tasman Regional Public Transport Plan 2021–31(external link)
How is the feedback from the community engagement going to be used?
Feedback from the community is important. It will help us to understand the requirements of Tasman and Nelson residents who travel around and through Richmond. The feedback we receive will also help us to understand if we have appropriately considered the transport needs for Richmond and will inform the recommended programme within the business case.
What is going to happen after the programme business case is finalised?
The business case is expected to be completed at the end of 2021.
With feedback from the community we will be able to finalise the programme and seek approval from Waka Kotahi and the Council, to support future funding applications to deliver the short-term programme.
The Council and Waka Kotahi will continue to work together on delivering this programme of work, including further investigations and engagement with the community.
