Tweaks in Riverside Park design approved
Turning the first sod on the Alexandra Riverside Park has got a whole lot closer, with the Vincent Community Board (VCB) approving some adjustments to the developed design phase of the project.
At the meeting today (Tuesday 30 July 2024), the VCB was updated with progress on the Alexandra Riverside Park Trust’s plans to rejuvenate lower Tarbert Street in Alexandra by creating a new family-friendly recreation and public space at the junction of the Clutha River / Mata-Au and the Manuherekia River.
CODC Project manager Christina Martin presented a report with the amended design, which shifts the plaza area into the carpark and reincorporates the pontoon. The adjustments would also result in improved public safety, less disruption to the public during construction, and would meet construction costs within the $1.46 million budget, she said.
CODC Group Manager - Community Experience David Scoones, said the project team was conscious of the current economic environment and committed to keeping the project within budget.
Alexandra Riverside Park Trust chairman Rory McLellan commended everyone involved for their contribution to not only the beautification of the area but to give the lower Tarbert Street area “a good shot in the arm”, which had always been the aim of the project.
“I’ve been impressed with the CODC and how it’s all come together […] We appreciate everything that has been done to make it happen.”
Aukaha representative Kitty Brown, who gave a detailed description of how Māori legends would be incorporated into the design, said manuwhenua from throughout the Otago/Southland district were interested in the project, and would be following it with interest.
Chair Tamah Alley said it was evident from amendments that the original design objectives were being met and congratulated everyone involved.
The immediate next steps for the project would include securing the final funding. To date, a total of $1,273,948 funding of the $1.46m required has been secured, with half from external funding such as the Tourism Infrastructure Fund, Central Lakes Trust and Lotteries Heritage and Environment funding. The Council had previously approved $650,000, consulted on in the 2021-31 Long-term Plan.
Anderson Fencing and Earthworks together with landscape architect Neville Stewart Landscaping as Construction Partner will take the developed design to detailed design, and then complete construction, which is expected to start later in the year and be finished early 2025.
Local businesses, property owners, key community groups and interested people who want to be kept updated on the project can provide their email address via the Let’s Talk page, in conjunction with smaller updates in the media.
For more information go to: https://lets-talk.codc.govt.nz/alexandra-riverside-park.
For a full report go to: Agenda of Vincent Community Board - Tuesday, 30 July 2024 (infocouncil.biz)
