Design ideas needed for Governors Bay jetty

Community input is being called for as plans for a new Governors Bay jetty reach the design stage.

The Governors Bay Jetty Restoration Trust will soon ask design engineers to start work on plans for a replacement for the old jetty. Before taking that step, it is holding a consultation event on Sunday to get input from the community. 

The historic Governors Bay jetty has been closed since 2011.

The existing historic jetty is 150 years old and has been closed to the public since 2011 because it was deemed unsafe following the earthquakes.

A group of local volunteers committed to restoring it formed the Trust and the Christchurch City Council agreed to sell the jetty to the group for $1.

The Trust consulted marine structure experts and it became clear that repairing the jetty was not an economic or effective option. A plan was made to build a new jetty, although some of the old materials may be re-used.

At Sunday’s event the Trust will ask what people want to use the jetty for, what features they would like to see provided, and what kind of materials should be used. They will also discuss fundraising options and how people can help.

The full cost of the project has not yet been determined.

Trust Chairman Simon Mortlock wants the meeting to attract up to 1000 people. “We are hoping for a big turnout, not just people from Governors Bay, Lyttelton, Diamond Harbour, and the bay area, but from wider Christchurch.

“Attending the event will give people the chance to have their say about the jetty and its design and to ask questions. But more than that, it’s a way of expressing their support for the jetty.”

The community consultation meeting will be held on Sunday July 30, 3pm to 5pm at Governors Bay Community Centre, 1 Cresswell Avenue.