2023 Freetown DAT Report - Flipbook - Page 24
Freetown DAT
TukTuks as well, and a park & ride for commuter vehicles
would be possible, given the size of SLRA and other
nearby government properties. The inspectional services
parcel across King George Avenue would have space for
several hundred cars to park on-grade, with many more
possible in a future structured parking facility.
The placement on SRLA lands is fortuitous. Due to
the high potential of intercepting trips, a much larger
footprint is needed for bus and taxi interchange, which
can occur south of the station into the SRLA yards.
With extensive lands remaining along and west of
King George Avenue, the opportunity for significant
joint development of mix-used property cannot be
ignored. Other than the city’s bus garage, which would
be retained, current SRLA functions on the parcel are
easily consolidated into one building or moved off-site
if need be. The insertion of a mix of land uses serving
the broader 10-minute walkshed can truly transform this
district, adding vitality if programmed well with essential
needs in addition to commerce, such as a medical clinic,
library and/or outdoor gathering space. As a regional
interchange point, this is also a great location for hotels,
which might also serve travelers to Freetown arriving at
the downtown port and using the cable car system.
The significant development opportunity here should
be seized. Not only does it represent income and jobs,
especially if tourist hotels are a part of the mix, it’s an
automatic way to reduce local vehicle trips by putting
essential uses within walking distance of existing
residents. Furthermore, directly connected to the cable
car, both regional and local trips that might have driven
or taken a ride into downtown will be removed from
Freetown’s roads.
To ensure ridership, the multi-modal approach must
extend beyond the station and the proposed intermodal
facilities. Bai Bureh Road is an essential part of the
cable car’s success, bringing riders from further east to
the interchange. With anticipated growth, this corridor
will only become more heavily utilized. While a future
eastward cable car extension may alleviate pressure,
Kissy Junction Station would include a new transit center to intercept trips from the east, as well as a park & ride on the City parcel across the street.
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