Milestone reached on New Zealand's Christchurch recovery

An important milestone has been reached for Te Papa Ōtākaro/Avon River Precinct in Christchurch, New Zealand with completion of the concept design study.  Following the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, this priority Anchor Project, part of the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan is being designed and implemented in association with the North and East Frames.

The Avon River Precinct extends along 3.2 kilometres of the river corridor as it winds through the heart of the city. It embraces urban and natural landscapes and includes Victoria Square, the Terrace and Margaret Mahy’s Amazing Place, an exciting new family play area.
  
The project will seek to restore the health of the river and create a habitat to encourage the return of native birds and aquatic life forms to the central city. The rejuvenated landscape will represent a blend of the best of exotic and native planting and reflect the weaving together of the city’s cultures.

The area will be accessible for all with a pedestrian promenade and separate cycleway running the full length of the Precinct. Boardwalks and terracing will allow easy access to the river and feature lighting will improve safety in the evenings and enhance the natural beauty of the central city.

Construction work on Watermark, the first element of the project to be implemented, is now complete and a ‘txt an answer’ campaign will soon be launched to gauge public feedback on the project. This will ask specific questions on key aspects that will be used to inform the rest of the project. Watermark spans the area on the true left bank of the river from the Antigua boatsheds to the Montreal Street Bridge and includes significant habitat and ecological works, a boardwalk, seating, planting and lighting.

Developed and detailed design stages are about to commence with the main construction works due to start in February 2014.

BDP is a member of a consortium led by Opus International Consulting, working in association with EOS Ecology, a+urban, Royal Associates Architects and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. The consortium is appointed by CERA, the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority, working in collaboration with Christchurch City Council and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.