14 Jun 2023

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A walking and cycling track that runs from South New Brighton Park to the end of the spit in Southshore, coastal native planting, a nature play area, and new ramps and jetties all feature in new landscaping plans for the estuary edge.

In 2020, the Christchurch City Council approved a $12.5 million programme of work to mitigate erosion and flooding in Southshore and South New Brighton. 

“It’s taken us longer than we’d like to get to this point, but we now have a landscape plan we’d like to share with the community, to get feedback on some of the things we’ve proposed,” Red Zone Manager David Little says. 

The landscape plans work together with the technical designs already agreed for the estuary edge.  

“It will mean the project is not only an important piece of infrastructure for the community, but also an attractive area for residents and visitors to enjoy," says Mr Little. 

The project has experienced a series of delays due to consenting challenges. Ecological mapping of Southshore identified areas where the design encroached upon existing saltmarsh, sea meadow, sea grass, as well as at-risk coastal bird population, while in South New Brighton Park middens (archaeological sites) have been identified close to the estuary edge.  

“We’re at a place now where this has all been worked through and we’ve mitigated risk to local flora and fauna. We’re also retaining as many significant trees and bushes as possible,” says Mr Little. 

See the plans and give your feedback here. 

Or come along to see the plans and talk to the project team at The Bridge (51 Bridge Street) on Saturday 17 June from 12.30 - 4pm.