Christchurch regeneration projects step closer

Three footbridges, a riverside landing and a restored band rotunda are set to appear along the Ōtākaro Avon River, after the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust approved more than $14.7 million in funding for Council-led regeneration projects

The Appeal Trust’s $18 million package of grants to the Council and community groups includes a $13,765,500 grant to kick-start infrastructure projects along the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor.

The projects in the former residential red zone include three pedestrian/cycle bridges at Medway Street, Snell Place and Aranui and a riverside landing near Dallington, as originally outlined in Regenerate Christchurch’s Regeneration Plan for the area.

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel says the Appeal Trust funding for the Regeneration Area will greatly improve the connectivity of communities and begin transforming the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor into a valuable asset for the community.

As outlined in the Regeneration Plan that the Council approved, the footbridges and Dallington landing will form part of a 350-hectare “Green Spine” running the length of the Ōtākaro Avon River from the city to the sea. It will eventually consist of seven riverside landings, formed and unformed walking and cycle trails, and regenerating native forest.

A full list of projects funded by the Appeal Trust is available here