First stage of Addington Brook renewal complete

The first stage of the Addington Brook renewal project has been completed and stage two will get underway next year.

Spring-fed Addington Brook runs through industrial land before entering South Hagley Park and flowing into the Ōtākaro-Avon River beside the Botanic Gardens.

It has been one of the most polluted waterways in Christchurch and suffered from slumping banks, limited drainage capacity, poor biodiversity and trees causing blockages in the waterway. 

The narrow brook is also difficult to distinguish in parts with a three-metre-high drop, creating a hazard for pedestrians and cyclists using the park. 

In January this year, Christchurch City Council began work to flatten and stabilise banks in the first stage of the project .

Addington Brook before the banks were stablised and planted to prevent future erosion.

Once the banks were stabilised, native riparian strips have been planted on either side to protect against future erosion, filter contaminants and make it easier for park users to see the waterway. 

A number of trees have been removed as part of the stage one works and further removals will be needed for stage two alongside and within the brook. While the removals are necessary, there will be approximately 500 new trees planted once work is complete, which will allow for a range of tree species of various ages and heights along Addington Brook. In addition, 25 existing healthy trees have already been retained and transplanted.

The project will have multiple benefits, such as improved safety for park users, improved water quality and biodiversity, increased stormwater drainage capacity and enhanced landscaping.

It’s expected stage two work will take around nine months to complete. Stage two will mainly involve bank regrading and stabilisation and planting new landscaping and trees. During that time access to South Hagley Park will still be available.