30 Apr 2018

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Work to transform the Oxford Gap - the short section of Oxford Terrace between Christchurch Hospital and the new Outpatients building – will start next week.

The work will require the 117 metre section of Oxford Terrace between Tuam and Antigua streets to be closed from 7 May until December. 

The Oxford Gap

The 117 metre section of Oxford Terrace between Tuam and Antigua streets - known as the Oxford Gap - is about to undergo a transformation.

When constructed, the Gap will form a shared space drop-off and pick-up area for the Health Precinct and will connect to Te Papa Ōtākaro/Avon River Precinct.

“Oxford Gap, even prior to the earthquakes, was used by multiple forms of transport,” says Ōtākaro Limited Chief Executive Albert Brantley.

“The Gap has been designed to accommodate the needs of everyone, including light and commercial vehicles, walkers, joggers and cyclists.”

Because the Gap is critical to the effective operation of the surrounding buildings, the design has been developed in close consultation with the Canterbury District Health Board and was subject to road safety, accessibility and crime prevention through environmental design reviews.

Careful consideration was given to the safety of vulnerable users, including the mobility and vision-impaired.

Features of the Gap include:

  • A 12-metre-wide raised central crossing between the main entrance of the Outpatients building and the main Hospital campus. The width is designed to provide clear lines of sight and allows for pedestrians to take the most direct route between the two buildings.
  • A 4.8-metre-wide shared path (for both cyclists and pedestrians) on the west side of the street, adjacent to the Hospital.
  • A 2.5-metre-wide dedicated pedestrian footpath on the west side of the street, between garden beds and car parks.
  • A 3-metre-wide dedicated pedestrian footpath on the east side of the street
  • Changes in paving and textures (of surfaces) to signal to users that they are entering shared-space areas.
  • Tailored lighting (crossing areas will be brighter). 
  • Indigenous and exotic plants.

While construction is under way signage will direct pedestrians to a detour through the Hospital campus. Cyclists will be able to use Antigua Street.