A major upgrade to one of Christchurch’s most treasured heritage streets is a step closer with a contractor appointed by Christchurch City Council to carry out the work.
The makeover of High Street, between Cashel and Tuam Streets, will create a more attractive area for people to enjoy, safer spaces for pedestrians, and an improved tram journey as it will include an extension of the tramway, says Council Acting Head of Transport, Lynette Ellis.
Fulton Hogan has been appointed to complete the significant project.
“The work will start in mid-July, with the most disruptive work expected to be completed in late November/early December. We’ll also be completing the section of Cashel Street between High Street and Manchester Street if this is approved as part of our Long Term Plan at the end of June,” said Ms Ellis.
“High Street and some of the pipes underneath are in substandard condition and we’ll be bringing it up to a standard that supports the vibrancy of the central city. We’re aiming to make High Street a more attractive place to visit and do business.’’
Key features of the upgrade include:
- A safer 10 km/h speed limit;
- Level paving across the road and footpath between Lichfield Street and Tuam Street, with a new paving pattern incorporating a Ngāi Tahu design;
- Short-stay parking for shoppers and deliveries – P60 spaces, loading zones, mobility parks, motorcycle parks, and cycle parks;
- A safer cycling connection between Tuam Street and the central city;
- A simplified intersection at Tuam/High streets;
- Feature lighting and new street furniture;
- More trees including new planted areas at the corner of High Street and Cashel Street, and around the Manchester Street, Lichfield Street and High Street intersection;
- Upgrading stormwater pipes along High Street;
- Replacing the sewer pipe in some places along High Street between Cashel Street and Manchester Street, and round into Lichfield Street.
The tram extension will run from High Street along Lichfield and Poplar streets and then back up High Street. The new route means the High/Tuam intersection can be simplified, reducing the number of traffic light poles from 20 to six.
“With the tram not going across Tuam Street, this intersection now requires fewer traffic lights,” Ms Ellis said.
As part of the High Street upgrade, the life-sized bronze corgis that were first installed in High Street in 2003 to mark the Queen’s golden jubilee will be relocated closer to Poplar Street, beside a new tram shelter.
