Lyttelton Port of Christchurch release 30 year vision

Lyttelton Port of Christchurch release 30 year vision

The Lyttelton Port of Christchurch (LPC) today released their long term vision –the Port Lyttelton Plan and is actively seeking feedback from interested parties.

LPC Chief Executive Peter Davie is delighted to be able to share the company’s future plans which have been fast tracked due to the significant earthquake damage the port sustained.

It is estimated that the project cost will be in the order of NZ $1b and could take up to 30 years to be completed.

“It makes sense to plan to do things right and to do it once. To simply repair or rebuild what was there would be a failure on our part – we must ensure that we are able to continue to meet the needs of the region now and in the future. To do that the port will need to grow and therefore continue to support the economic vitality and recovery of Canterbury”, said Mr Davie.

“Our long term vision includes achieving a long-held community desire to bring people back to the waterfront in Lyttelton. It is our wish to see a vibrant waterfront, somewhere where people can come and safely access the water. We are very keen to hear from the public and potential partners as to what the Inner Harbour could and should become”, said Mr Davie.

Key components of the plan are:
• Movement east of some general cargo activity east, away from the township. This addresses some of the impacts of a 24/7 operation on neighbouring residential areas.

• Preparing for increased container volumes with further land reclamation east of the existing port allowing for the relocation of a new larger Container Terminal.

• Staged repair of the port’s earthquake damage and new building activity whilst remaining fully operational.

• Opening up and enhancing public access to the waterfront at the western side of the port. Possible concepts for this area include a new marina, a commercial development that compliments the Lyttelton Township and places where visitors can sit and enjoy the view. Safe links to existing cycle and walking tracks are also envisioned.

The Port Lyttelton Plan outlines a number of areas that are critical to the port maintaining its position as a key piece of the region’s infrastructure and an enabler for the New Zealand economy. This includes the ability to manage much larger ships so that New Zealand remains a primary freight route. As well as the recently announced management of truck to train cargo logistics planned for Rolleston.

“Over 99% of imported and exported goods enter or exit New Zealand via a port and volumes are growing rapidly. It is essential that we grow to meet the demand.

We simply don’t have enough room and the only logical solution is moving east”, said Mr Davie.

Upgrades and repairs will also be completed on Inner Harbour wharves and a new dedicated Diamond Harbour ferry terminal, which links to other public transport, is proposed.

“The Port Lyttelton Plan is still very much a work in progress. Detailed feasibility, assessment of effects and planning are underway. It is vital to the port that we understand what we are proposing and how it will impact on the harbour and our communities. It’s a large and long term project. Therefore it needs to be viewed holistically to truly understand the possible effects it may have”.

To encourage feedback LPC is opening ‘Port Talk’ an information centre on the corner of Oxford and London Streets where people can ask questions, and provide feedback. The port is particularly interested to hear what people think about access to the waterfront and what amenities they would like to see.

Feedback can also be provided on the website www.portlytteltonplan.co.nz or by completing the feedback form which can be requested by calling the port. The port will also be directly seeking feedback from some stakeholders.

LPC is optimistic that the Port Lyttelton Plan will mark a new era of partnership and contribute to making the port an asset the people of Christchurch are proud of.

A copy of the Port Lyttelton Plan can be downloaded from the website.

ENDS

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