Better streets & spaces  |  14 Mar 2019

Christchurch City Council has given the go ahead for work to proceed on upgrading two blocks of Hereford Street.

The upgrade will address the damage caused by the earthquakes and the subsequent demolition work along the stretch of Hereford Street between Oxford Terrace and Manchester Street, in the central city.

Hereford Street.

Hereford Street is going to be upgraded.

The street’s badly damaged footpaths will be replaced with new paved footpaths with extra space provided for street furniture and planters for trees. Spaces will also be provided at nights for ride share services and taxis servicing the bars and restaurants along The Terrace and Hereford Street.

“Hereford Street is not in a good condition and needs to be upgraded to support the significant private investment occurring in this part of the central city. It is important we provide an improved street environment for all users,’’ says Cr Mike Davidson.

“There was strong support from the businesses along Hereford Street for upgrading the street. What they wanted was for it to be done quickly and they wanted to make sure that people could still access their businesses while the work was done.

“We will be working to ensure the upgrade is done with as minimal disruption as possible to existing businesses and those that are in the process of establishing themselves in the area.’’

The work should begin later this year.

The Council sought public feedback on its upgrade plans for Hereford Street in July last year and received 180 submissions, which were considered by a Hearings Panel chaired by Cr Davidson.

Based on the feedback received, some minor changes have been made to the plans for upgrading the street. The changes relate mainly to the placement of parking spaces and bus stops.

Read the report on the Hereford Street changes.