24 July, 2013

Coastal Pathway project gets a boost from Fulton Hogan

The 6.5 km Coastal Pathway from Ferrymead to Sumner has received a welcome boost thanks to a $250,000 contribution from construction company Fulton Hogan.

The company is rebuilding the causeway across McCormack’s Bay and as part of that project it will carry out $250,000 worth of work to help form the section of the Coastal Pathway running from Scott Park at the foot of St Andrews Hill to the eastern end of the causeway.

The four metre wide sealed pathway catering for pedestrians and recreational cyclists will be separated from the road by a swale to filter storm water. The work to be completed in the next few months will also include construction of two ramps down to the estuary at the Mt Pleasant end of the causeway.

This part of the pathway project is a partnership between the Christchurch City Council and Fulton Hogan.

Fulton Hogan managing director Nick Miller said, “This project celebrates a major milestone in Fulton Hogan’s Canterbury Community Earthquake Rebuild Fund with over $1 million of in-kind contribution and sponsorship given to community based organisations. We’re proud to be able to assist such valuable community groups, providing support which enables them to get back on their feet and continue the great work they are doing in our city.

“This project is just one of the ways that Fulton Hogan is giving back to the communities we live and work in. As a Christchurch based business, we know first-hand that projects like the Coastal Pathway will help rebuild the heart of the local community and create an asset that future generations will enjoy.”

Acting City Environment General Manager, Terry Howes, said other elements such as lighting, street furniture and more extensive planting will follow at a later date once concept designs for the 6.5 kilometre Coastal Pathway are finalised and construction begins in earnest.

“The Council is delighted to have the opportunity to incorporate the basics of the pathway into the causeway rebuild and we are very grateful for Fulton Hogan’s generous offer.”

The Council liaised with the Coastal Pathway Group over the proposal and group chairman Tim Lindley said his organisation was right behind anything that expedited progress on the pathway.

“It makes sense to do this work during the causeway reconstruction. We’ll have to wait a little longer for some of the more exciting landscaping features, but this basic pathway will give people a bit of a lift, encourage them to get out and enjoy the stunning estuary views, and help local businesses.”

In the Christchurch City Three Year Plan the Council committed to spending $9.9 million dollars on the Coastal Pathway and over coming months it will continue working with the pathway group to finalise plans for remainder of the project.

Mayor Bob Parker said the joint approach to the Coastal Pathway was a very satisfying outcome. “This is a good example of the way private enterprise and the Council can collaborate on projects with very positive spin offs for the whole city.”

ENDS

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