Bold plan to renew coastal suburbs
LOIS CAIRNS
Play SlideshowPause SlideshowResume Slideshow
–>
VARIETY: Collage showing a lively McCormacks Bay area.
REVAMPED: Spruced up Redcliffs shops proposed.
RENEWAL: Artists impression of Beachville Rd, Redcliffs.
0 of 0
The reopening of the causeway linking Ferrymead to Sumner this week could be the first step in a multimillion-dollar makeover for the coastal suburbs.
The Christchurch City Council is seeking public feedback on its draft master plan for the area from the Ferrymead Bridge to Marriner St, Sumner under bold plans to rejuvenate Christchurch’s quake-damaged suburban centres.
The bay suburbs were among those hardest hit by the quakes.
Roads and bridges were severely damaged, while rockfalls and landslides destroyed many homes, businesses, and community facilities.
The Main Rd causeway has been closed for repairs since April, but is expected to reopen to traffic on Friday. Since the quakes, the number of people living in the Mt Pleasant, Moncks Bay and Sumner area has fallen by about 15 per cent, and the local workforce has dropped by 20 per cent.
Many local businesses and sports clubs have reported a noticeable decline in patronage as a result of the population decline and concerns remain about the potential economic and community implications should Redcliffs School not reopen.
Separate master plans have already been produced for the Sumner Village and for the Ferry Rd corridor through to Ferrymead bridge.
This draft master plan proposes redesigning Scott Park for windsurfing and watersports, redeveloping the two local shopping areas, building a new community centre, and improving public access to Moa Bone Cave.
It also incorporates the first stage of the Ferrymead to Sumner coastal pathway, for which the council has earmarked $9.9 million in its three-year plan.
“We have a clear steer from the community that people are keen to see the potential of the estuary and the beach enhanced through accessible, open, well-designed spaces,” said Christchurch City Council urban design and regeneration unit manager Carolyn Ingles.
People have also said they want to see the two local shopping areas developed as safe, welcoming places to visit and shop, with improved parking, transportation networks and streetscapes.
“The draft plan reflects these ideas by proposing streetscape enhancements such as landscaping and integrated seating to unify the Redcliffs village centre,” said Ingles. Through the plan it was also proposed to reinforce the role of Soleares Ave/McCormacks Bay as a community hub for the hill suburbs around Mt Pleasant.
“One of the suggested actions is to rebuild the Mount Pleasant Community Centre and kindergarten on their existing sites, but repositioned to create a centralised, multi-use place for the community to access a range of social and recreational activities.
“This initiative will also promote dual use of the forecourt space for parking and events, such as the farmers’ market,” Ingles said.
Fulton Hogan has already built a separated four metre-wide sealed path for pedestrians and cyclists along the causeway, which will be incorporated into the 6.5-kilometre coastal pathway.
Elements such as lighting, street furniture and more extensive planting will come once the coastal pathway concept designs are finalised and construction begins.
The public will then have until November 22 to lodge submissions on the draft master plan with the council.
INFO SESSIONS
Drop-in sessions where people can find out more about the draft master plan are being held next Monday, November 4, from 3.30 to 6.30pm, at Christchurch Yacht Club in Moncks Bay and next Wednesday, November 6, from 3.30 to 6.30pm, at the Mt Pleasant Yacht Club in Scott Park.
– © Fairfax NZ News
Sponsored links
Speak Your Mind