City to Sea East Pathway is ready for summer

A new 3.5-kilometre shared pathway through Christchurch’s Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor has been finished by Citycare Property, marking the end of the second stage of the City to Sea Pathway. Delivered on behalf of Christchurch City Council, City to Sea East came in on time and within budget.

The pathway runs from Porritt Park through Avondale to SH74 and forms part of the wider Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor Regeneration Plan.

Citycare Property created a four-metre-wide asphalt shared path for walking and cycling, complemented by lighting, native planting, safer access across Avondale Road, breakout and resting areas, two drinking fountains, and two nature play and activity areas.

Citycare Property Structures, Landscapes and Projects Manager Brendon Spicer says the successful delivery reflects the hard work of teams across the business, including the project, landscaping, structures, and ecological teams.

“Delivering City to Sea East on time and on budget is a fantastic result for everyone involved. Our internal teams worked incredibly hard to deliver on the design for this section, and there’s been a real collective effort to create a high-quality pathway for the community,” Brendon says.

Designing a journey through the landscape

The design responds to the existing landscape, giving people opportunities to stop, explore and experience more of this part of Christchurch.

RMM Landscape Architect Matt Lester says retaining the existing character of the corridor was an important design consideration.

“The idea was to keep as many trees as possible, so the pathway was designed with that consideration,” he says. “My favourite part is that people get to see more of the city. I think they will enjoy the whole experience of going through this path and the new stories it creates.”

Accessibility was also central to the design, with accessible gradients, clearly defined entry points and resting opportunities at intervals of no more than 200 metres.

The pathway features locally sourced Teddington chip alongside saw-cut grooves through sections of recycled asphalt. Recycled timber and repurposed telegraph poles have been given a new purpose in the nature play areas as balancing logs and timber steps, reducing the need for new materials while creating features that reflect the character of the landscape.

Matt says the approach was to “use as much recycled material as we can”, while creating places where people can engage with the landscape and its stories.

Repurposed telegraph poles now form balancing logs in one of two nature play areas.

More than 50,000 native plants

Landscaping was another major component of the project.

Supported by the Ecological Services Team, Citycare Property’s Landscaping Projects & Maintenance team planted more than 50,000 native plants and trees in just three months. Citycare Property’s executive leaders also rolled up their sleeves to help with the planting effort.

Craig Taylor, Acting Chief Operating Officer, joins the team planting along the pathway.

Wetland-specific planting included carex, phormium, juncus and cyperus species. These plants are naturally suited to wet conditions and provide ecological benefits including water filtration, erosion control, habitat creation and weed suppression.

As the vegetation establishes, the extensive planting will help the pathway settle naturally into its surroundings.

Katrina Ede, Chief People & Safety officer, gets stuck in with the planting crew.

“There are a lot of different Citycare Property skills represented in this project, from project management and construction through to landscaping and ecological services,” Brendon says. “Bringing those skills together has been a real strength and helped us achieve a great outcome for the community.”