Work to transform Oxford Gap, a short section of Oxford Terrace between the Christchurch Hospital and new Outpatients building, starts on 7 May 2018.

This will see the 117 metre section of Oxford Terrace between Tuam and Antigua Streets closed from May to December, weather permitting.

When constructed, the Gap will form a shared space drop-off and pick-up area for the Health Precinct and will connect to Te Papa Ōtākaro/Avon River Precinct.

“Oxford Gap, even prior to the earthquakes, was used by multiple forms of transport,” says Ōtākaro Limited Chief Executive Albert Brantley. “The Gap has been designed to accommodate the needs of everyone, including light and commercial vehicles, walkers, joggers and cyclists.”

Because the Gap is critical to the effective operation of the surrounding buildings, the design has been developed in close consultation with the Canterbury District Health Board and was subject to road safety, accessibility and crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) reviews.

Careful consideration was given to the safety of vulnerable users, including people with impaired mobility and vision.

Features of the Gap include:

A 12-metre-wide raised central crossing between the main entrance of the Outpatients building and the main Hospital campus. The width is designed to provide clear lines of sight and allows for pedestrians to take the most direct route between the two buildings.
A 4.8-metre-wide shared path (for both cyclists and pedestrians) on the west side of the street, adjacent to the Hospital.
A 2.5-metre-wide dedicated pedestrian footpath on the west side of the street, between garden beds and car parks.
A 3-metre-wide dedicated pedestrian footpath on the east side of the street
Changes in paving and textures (of surfaces) to signal to users that they are entering shared-space areas.
Tailored lighting (crossing areas will be brighter).
Indigenous and exotic plants.

While construction is underway pedestrians and cyclists will be able to use Antigua Street.

“We thank everyone for their patience while this work is carried out,” says Mr Brantley.

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