Construction starts on The Terraces

Construction will begin next week on The Terraces, a key attraction of Te Papa Ōtākaro/Avon River Precinct.

The first phase of work on Oxford Terrace between Cashel and Hereford streets will be undertaken by Fletcher Construction.

Christchurch Central Development Unit (CCDU) Director Warwick Isaacs says once completed, The Terraces will extend from Cashel to Gloucester streets and feature extensive landscaping, linking the river with public spaces, shops, restaurants and offices.

“The Terraces is an exciting new waterfront space where people can make the most of the river features,” he says.

“There will be grassed areas with trees, tiered seating, broad steps, ramps and decks leading to the water’s edge.

“We want people to come into the city and enjoy relaxing by the water’s edge, watch performances and events and play in the open, grassed public spaces.

“A new riverside promenade will form part of The Terraces and extend along the river from Christchurch Hospital to the Margaret Mahy Family Playground off Manchester Street.

“The promenade is a new type of urban street for Christchurch that will be constructed of high quality pavers and include trees, street furniture and rain gardens.

“It will be a shared space for bicycles, pedestrians, emergency service vehicles, the tram and cars, which will have a reduced speed limit of 10 kilometres an hour, giving pedestrians and cyclists right of way.

“A range of new restaurants, cafes, retail stores and office spaces are planned to open along the promenade.

“Businesses can benefit from the unique river location as people come to unwind, socialise and enjoy the river views and city landscape,” Mr Isaacs says.

Preparation works in Oxford Terrace have been underway since August by the CCDU, the Christchurch City Council and Downer, with the tram tracks having already been re-positioned.

Pedestrian access to the Re:START Mall in Cashel Street will be maintained throughout the project works.

Construction and landscaping in this first phase of The Terraces is due to be completed by May 2015 with some of the work expected to be finished in time for the Cricket World Cup in February.

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