Media Release – 7 June 2013

Rebuild Zone cordon now removed north of Gloucester Street

Another huge step has been taken in the progressive city cordon reduction project with the area north of Gloucester Street now open.

This section of the city is the first in the four-week reduction programme, at the end of which the majority of the central city roads and footpaths will be accessible and safe for the public to use. Areas that will continue to have restrictions are subject to specific site works or traffic management systems as work continues to repair infrastructure or demolish buildings.

CERA, Christchurch City Council, SCIRT and other key agencies are working together to complete the work.

CERA chief executive Roger Sutton says the work load is demanding as there is much to do and the public needs to understand that it is not as simple as moving the fences.

“So I’m grateful to my team for pushing hard on this. Opening the city as much as we can, as fast as we can, gives everyone a boost. I expect the city will be very busy tonight and over the weekend as people explore those areas that they haven’t seen in two years.”

Christchurch City Council Transport and Greenspace Unit Manager John Mackie agrees, and says the city streets will remain busy as repairs are carried out.

“Work hasn't started until now because we didn't want to slow down the demolition by closing roads to allow for infrastructure rebuild work to be carried out. The City Council will continue to coordinate traffic management around the remaining building demolitions and infrastructure rebuild projects in the CBD and we'll keep road users updated on progress.”

Mr Mackie says the council supports the opening of the cordon even through the work has not yet all been completed.

“We wanted to give as much access to people as soon as possible, albeit with some closures and detours."

Owners of property in the cordoned city area have already been contacted to remind them of their responsibilities for fencing off sites that have yet to be repaired or that contain any hazards.

CERA’s cordon map which outlines the remaining cordon can be accessed here http://cera.govt.nz/cbd-rebuild-zone/cordon-map

ends

© Scoop Media