We'd like to update you on progress with the Southshore and South New Brighton Estuary Edge Project.

It’s been a while since we’ve been in touch, because we’ve been working behind the scenes to lodge our consents for the project, and to answer questions that have come through from the consenting authorities (Christchurch City Council and Environment Canterbury). 

We’ve been able to respond to the majority of questions raised, but there are still some matters to resolve. Consequently, Environment Canterbury has let us know that they will be publicly notifying the Resource Consent for this project.

The public notification period is likely to begin early next month. There is a slight delay between now and then as Environment Canterbury recommend that notification is done jointly with the Christchurch City Council consent. We're waiting for a decision on whether the Christchurch City Council consent will also require full notification.

What does this mean for the project?

This is all part of the process, and we are making progress. We are now clear about the aspects of the project that Environment Canterbury feels need further discussion, as these will be the topics of the hearing. 

The statutory timeframes associated with public notification mean that we can now forecast a more accurate timeline for construction: 

• The statutory process for full notification will take 110 working days. 
• Assuming we are successful in getting a consent, the detailed design, procurement and tender evaluation process will take a further six months.
• We’re therefore estimating that construction could start in April next year and be completed within 12 months.
• Planting would start straight after that and will likely take a further two to three months to complete.

This programme is a mix of conservative timing (for the consent processing aspects that are out of our control) and best-case timing (for the aspects we can control, such as detailed design period). We consider this a balanced programme that we can be confident of delivering.

The timeline also includes some assumptions around the ability to work over winter (the work is weather-dependent) and that bird surveys will allow for work to proceed year-round, with suitable controls in place. Controls could include restricted hours of work during certain months, and temporary stand-downs from specific locations if nesting is discovered.

We’ll be in touch again once the public notification period starts, to let you know where you can find out more information.

Ngā mihi,

Dave, Katy and the Project Team

Got a question?

Speak to Katy McRae on 03 941 8037 or email katy.mcrae@ccc.govt.nz