Hearings panel makes High Street upgrade recommendations
Christchurch City Council Newsline: 27th February 2023
A Hearings Panel will recommend Christchurch City Council proceeds with a proposed $2.25m upgrade to the southern-most section of High Street between Tuam and St Asaph streets.
After last week’s deputations, the panel has recommended the Council’s preferred design – which includes a right-turning lane onto St Asaph St to reduce unnecessary traffic on Madras St and allow vehicles at access to the St Asaph carpark – be progressed, with some minor additions.
Hearings panel chair Dr Melanie Coker says the upgrades will create a vibrant and attractive High Street that’s safe, accessible and welcoming to all.
“This section of High St is rich in heritage and widely used by a range of people, so we want to ensure that it’s not only attracts pedestrians, but supports the needs of local businesses,” Dr Coker says.
“The project will support the growth of the local economy and ensure that High Street remains a thriving link between Ara Polytech, the Heathcote major cycle route and the central city.”
Improvements include widening footpaths to increase safety for pedestrians and cyclists, a 10km/h speed limit, a simplified intersection at Tuam and High streets, accessible parking and improved loading and unloading acilities, motorcycle parking, and a link from the central city cycleways with the Heathcote Expressway major cycle route.
Head of transport, Lynette Ellis, says Council staff are grateful to the 17 organisations and 115 individuals who provided their feedback during the consultation period.
“We want to thank both the local business community and the public for their valuable feedback, and the hearings panel for their careful consideration of the options,” says Ms Ellis.
The hearings panel recommendation will now go to Council for approval before it progresses to detailed design and construction.