A revised design for Bridge Street has been released as part of the Bridge to Better project, incorporating changes informed by feedback including cycle links, parking and cultural design elements shaped by local iwi.

This stage of the design builds on the developed design released in late 2024, and incorporates greater detail to the layout, materials, and cultural expression that will feature in the redesigned Bridge Street, as shaped through a co-design process with iwi and extensive engagement with local businesses, property owners, and stakeholders.

The design is guided by the concept of tai timu, tai pari (the ebb and flow of the tides), a narrative gifted by the eight iwi of Te Tauihu. It speaks to the natural cycles that have shaped this place through time, while expressing our identity as a coastal city. This theme is expressed through the street via a unifying Aramoana paving pattern, symbolising waterways shaping the layout of spaces and features across the project.

City Centre Revitalisation Taskforce Chair Rohan O’Neill-Stevens says the design embodies a distinctly local identity.

“This is about designing a street that truly belongs to this place — shaped by our shared stories, unique identity, and diverse ecology.

“What makes this design special is how everyday elements have been given meaning. From the paving to the drinking fountains, every detail is an opportunity to express who we are — bringing a sense of place to even the most functional parts of the street.”

New proposed design features include:

An Aramoana pattern that will feature throughout the street, tracing the transition from estuary to forest, celebrating the relationship between people and water

Taiao markers will be small, playful sculptural features that create curiosity and intrigue, reflecting local plants and wildlife that once thrived in the area

Street furniture inspired by traditional forms, bringing cultural expression into everyday functional elements to create a distinct local identity for the street

Featured stone will showcase the rich diversity of the mineral belt that is unique to this region, featuring locally sourced stone in the street for the first time.

Group Manager Infrastructure Alec Louverdis says this stage of design also includes a range of changes shaped by community feedback, saying the amendments made reflect a genuine attempt to respond to what Council has heard and make practical changes, while staying true to the project’s vision.

Changes include:

Two additional carparks at the western end of the street near Red Gallery

Improved cycleway connections northbound along Haven Road towards Anzac Park

Consideration to changing parking limits to mostly P60 (1-hour) to encourage vehicle turnover, with some P10 short-term spaces and time-restricted loading zones.

Construction staging is being planned with Isaac Construction, Council’s preferred contractor secured under the Early Contractor Involvement tender process. To reduce disruption, Council is looking at a holistic staging process, considering all projects within the inner city and surrounding area and exploring options to complete early works ahead of the busy Christmas period, although exact timing is yet to be confirmed.

“We know construction brings disruption and now that we’re getting closer to the final design, we’re working closely with our contractors and businesses on timing, staging and access to minimise and mitigate the impacts of these works as much as possible. Our focus is on delivering a street that works well both during construction and long after completion,” Alec says.

The design is now undergoing peer review to confirm it meets technical and construction standards.

The Bridge to Better project includes significant major upgrades to underground infrastructure beyond Bridge Street, ensuring Bridge Street is ready to support future housing and population growth. This includes new water, stormwater and wastewater reticulation, designed to improve resilience and service reliability in the city centre.

Early watermain upgrade works on Halifax/Collingwood and Bridget Street East are underway now and are expected to be completed by mid-year. These works were brought forward to minimise disruption ahead of the larger pieces of work.

Council is currently seeking feedback on proposed parking time limits, one-way laneway access to increase footpath space, and any final observations on the overall design.

“This is a living design process, and we’re still listening,” says Alec. 

“We’re keen to hear further feedback — particularly around parking limits and laneway access — and our team is continuing to work directly with affected businesses and property owners to ensure the final design works for those who use the street every day.”

Feedback on the detailed design can be given via Shape Nelson by 13 June, 2025.

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