Christchurch City Council is seeking public feedback on a raft of proposed changes to the streets around Te Kaha – Canterbury’s multi-use arena.
Planning and Delivery Transport Manager, Jacob Bradbury said the proposed upgrades will mean the streets surrounding the arena will be fit for large crowds.
“The south-eastern central city will soon have the most modern, state-of-the-art, multi-use arena in the southern hemisphere, and it will frequently host events that will attract an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 people to this part of the city,” says Mr Bradbury.
“Our experience with Orangetheory Stadium and Lancaster Park has taught us that the surrounding streets need to be designed for these large influxes of traffic and pedestrians, and we’re planning some significant street upgrades in the area.”
An image of how Lichfield Street could look after the upgrade.
The stretch of Lichfield St between Manchester Street and Madras Street is expected to see the largest influxes of pedestrians as people walk from the Bus Interchange and nearby car-parking buildings to Te Kaha’s main entrance.
“We have two options for upgrading this stretch of Lichfield St; our preferred option is to do a full redesign to create a safe, attractive and enjoyable experience for pedestrians moving between the city centre and Te Kaha. This will also minimise the need for expensive and potentially disruptive event traffic management plans,” says Mr Bradbury.
“The other option is a minimal redesign that retains some on-street car-parking but will be more expensive to manage and will be disruptive during most events.”
Major changes – including widening footpaths, slower speed limits, pedestrian crossings and changing the travel direction of some streets – are proposed for Lichfield, Madras, Tuam and Barbadoes streets.
These proposed upgrades are estimated to cost a total $33 million for both transport and three waters works. This entire package of work was approved as part of the Council’s Long Term and Annual Plans, and is separate from the $683 million budget approved for the construction of Te Kaha.
The Council is also seeking public feedback on its plans to upgrade the southern end of High Street, between Tuam and St Asaph streets.
The planned upgrade will include wider footpaths, more vegetation and simplifying the High Street’s intersection with Tuam Street, with a right-turning lane onto St Asaph Street to improve traffic flow and allow drivers to more easily access the St Asaph Street carpark.
