A look at Christchurch’s priority projects

Councillors have had their first in-depth look at what infrastructure and facilities Christchurch might be investing in over the next decade.

The Long Term Plan 2024–2034 (LTP) is Christchurch City Council’s budget for 2024–2034, and sets out what it will pay for, and how it will pay for it.

The current draft of the LTP has the Council spending $6.1 billion on its capital projects over the next 10 years. It addresses the range of demands created by our aging assets, the need for infrastructure required to support our growing population, and the challenges of climate change – and balances them with what we can realistically deliver, and what ratepayers can afford.

This draft also reflects feedback from mana whenua, along with what the Council heard earlier this year when it engaged with around 4000 residents on the Council services that matter most to people.

Priority projects currently in the draft LTP include:

• Pages Road Bridge renewal
• Major cycle routes Wheels to Wings, Avon–Ōtākaro, Nor’West Arc, Northern Line and South Express
• The Public Transport Futures programme, subject to any change in central government priorities
• Te Kaha streets upgrade
• Wastewater treatment plant trickling filter replacement
• Akaroa reclaimed wastewater treatment plant
• South Library and Service Centre rebuild
• Organics Processing Plant redevelopment

See the presentation to councillors here, including a summary of projects that are currently included – and not included – in the LTP.

No decisions have been made, and Councillors and staff will keep working on the draft LTP in order to keep the projected rates increase as low as possible. They’ll also be considering operating costs and how to maintain levels of service, all while keeping rates affordable.

The Draft LTP is set to go out for public consultation in March 2024.