OUR SPECIAL 'HIGH VALUE AMENITY SPACE'
As such a unique part of our identity, there was an ardent desire to see our iconic Ōtākaro/Avon River accentuated as a central city feature when decision-makers held the open forum ‘Share an Idea’ following the earthquakes.
The urban planners responded with a blueprint for a ‘high-value amenity space’. They would enhance the natural environment in and around the waterway, embrace the indigenous and colonial history, improve access along and down to the river, and simply make the area more attractive for us all and, consequently, hospitality and other businesses.
The resulting Te Papa Ōtākaro/Avon River Precinct, a 120-million-dollar programme of central Government-led initiatives, will draw to a close early next year with the completion of the North Frame pedestrian bridge.
We now have the ever-busy Margaret Mahy Family Playground and a much quieter, reflective space in the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial. Long-standing city features that mean a lot to us, like the Bridge of Remembrance and Victoria Square, have been restored.
Probably the most popular new amenity is the City Promenade, the conversion of two kilometres of Oxford Terrace on the city side of the river into an attractive area predominantly for pedestrians and cyclists. Fastly becoming an iconic part of our new city, the bustling Riverside Market as well as other cafes, bars, and restaurants now front this broad paved thoroughfare.
The city side of the river has been more extensively developed with solid steps and paved paths, while the western side is more natural with some aggregate paths and enhanced plantings. Flora has flourished, with more than 750 trees and over 50,000 other plants have been added to the river surrounds.
An array of artworks now adorn the area, including literary pieces, set into the paving and etched into the terrace steps. The 13 whārirki mats of welcome tell historical stories of the river.
Most recently, construction of the Avon Loop pathway was completed in February. In the past month, the section has become abundant in life as 17,000 plants have been established on the banks along this sweep in the river.
The last piece in the puzzle, the new 32-metre-long North Frame Bridge, will connect significant future developments planned for either side of the river. With convenience and safety being essential for cyclists and walkers alike, pedestrian- friendly horizontal infrastructure is vital to a flourishing city, and this bridge is also at a natural crossing point. The wrought-iron Hamish Hay bridge in Victoria Square is well used, despite being adjacent to road bridges, because it’s convenient and free of vehicles.
Our river has so much to offer, and this is just a quick summary of some of the key features of the award-winning Te Papa Ōtākaro/Avon River Precinct development – New Zealand’s largest urban regeneration project.
Why not get out and about this winter and take in what it has to offer?