September 19th, 2024
Christchurch City Council has released preliminary designs and information for the next phase of regeneration projects in the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor (OARC). These projects include the City to Sea Pathway, proposed developments at Kerrs Reach, and an estuarine wetland at Bexley.
The 11km-long City to Sea Pathway will be a shared-use, all-weather route, following the course of the Ōtākaro Avon River from Barbadoes Street in central Christchurch to Pages Road in New Brighton. According to Head of Parks Andrew Rutledge, the pathway will be constructed in three sections and is set to begin next summer.
A new footbridge will be built at Dallington in collaboration with students from the University of Canterbury. The development of the upper terrace at Avon Park is funded by the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust.
Plans for a new riverside landing and relocating the existing Kerrs Reach flatwater sports clubs' facilities across the river have been published. The proposed developments will trigger a Christchurch District Plan change process that the Council will apply for.
The new Wainoni riverside landing at Kerrs Reach could feature a pavilion for community events, a seasonal kiosk, outdoor spaces for markets and gatherings, an events space, river-viewing platforms, boardwalks, and cultural design elements.
An estuarine wetland will be created at Bexley, complete with improved stopbanks and stormwater treatment capabilities. This project will be planned in conjunction with an upgrade of the Pages Road bridge. New features for the area will include a riverside landing, shared path access, a protected bird roost/nesting site, and forested areas.