16 Aug 2024

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The future for street upgrades around Te Kaha will be decided next week.

The first stage of the $34 million Te Kaha Surrounding Streets package of works which involves upgrading the water infrastructure that supplies the new stadium and growing neighbourhood in the south-east of the central city, is underway.  

At their meeting on Wednesday 21 August, Christchurch City Councillors will consider a report recommending stage two - upgrading the streets around the stadium, and Lichfield Street West - starts immediately. 

Read the Te Kaha Surrounding Streets - Construction Sequencing report here. 

 City Infrastructure General Manager Brent Smith says carrying out transport upgrades at the same time as the water upgrades is the most efficient way to get the job done.  

“Getting the city ready for the new stadium is a huge job. It will take around 18 months to complete the water and transport works, if we can do them concurrently. Starting now will mean we’re ready to go when the stadium opens its doors in April 2026,” says Mr Smith. 

The report also outlines options to either delay the transport works until after NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has released its decision around funding a portion of the transport works or proceed with the water elements only. 

The Council has applied for funding from NZTA to support some of the roading elements of the Te Kaha Surrounding Streets project, however the funding decision was deferred by NZTA and is now expected around October 2024.   

“The total $34 million needed for this project has been ringfenced in the current Long Term Plan, so the full amount is available. If a funding subsidy from NZTA does not come through, the impact would be on future projects, which may need to be rescoped or deferred,” says Mr Smith.  

If the staff recommendation is approved, works on critical elements of the transport works will commence on Tuam, Barbadoes and Madras Streets, immediately around the stadium, as well as on a portion of Lichfield Street (from Madras Street to Manchester Street). 

“Contractors will be widening footpaths, adding pedestrian crossings and changing the direction of travel for some streets,” says Mr Smith. 

A third stage of less urgent transport works will be considered once NZTA’s funding decision has been released later in the year. 

The full Te Kaha Surrounding Streets package of work was approved by the Council in June 2023, after feedback from more than 1214 people and businesses were considered.   

Learn more about the Te Kaha Surrounding Streets project here, and sign up for text alerts about the works from contractors Isaac Construction.