28 Jun 2016

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Three generations of the Hay family have gathered to mark the completion of earthquake repairs to the Hamish Hay Bridge in Victoria Square.

The historic cast iron bridge, which dates back to 1864, was damaged in the February 2011 earthquake but has been repaired by the Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team.

The bridge is the oldest of its kind in New Zealand and was renamed the Hamish Hay Bridge in 1989 to honour the outgoing Mayor, who remains the longest serving Mayor In Christchurch’s history.

Sir Hamish Hay was knighted in 1982 and passed away in 2008, his wife Lady Judith Hay passed away in 2014. They are survived by five children and seven grandchildren.

Sir Hamish Hay’s identical twin brother, Sir David Hay, two daughters Diana and Gill, and two of his grandchildren Eliza and Nico Evans were at the bridge on Tuesday to observe the end of repairs.

"As a family we are delighted to see this historic bridge repaired and we are touched that it will still bear Dad's name and mark his long service to Christchurch. The location of the bridge alongside the Christchurch Town Hall held a special significance for him,’’ said Gill Hay.

Deputy Mayor Vicki Buck met with the Hay family as she had met with Sir Hamish 17 years ago in her capacity as incoming Mayor to rename the bridge after her predecessor.

“Sir Hamish always loved this bridge and I can understand why. I think it is gorgeous and it’s really great to see it repaired for future generations to enjoy,’’ Deputy Mayor Buck said.

SCIRT Executive General Manager Ian Campbell said additional steel had been installed to reinforce the existing bridge beams and the concrete had been renewed on sections of the bridge.

“Extra care was essential during the process due to the bridge’s heritage status to ensure the structure’s character was retained while it was strengthened to a modern standard,’’ Mr Campbell said.

Hamish Hay Bridge is one of eight heritage bridges in SCIRT’s repair programme. SCIRT has rebuilt or repaired more than 120 earthquake damaged bridges across Christchurch in its programme of work so far with 98% of SCIRT’s bridge repair programme now completed.