NZ Transport Agency funding supports Christchurch in making streets safer and more welcoming

Christchurch City Council has advised that two of its projects aimed at making streets safer and more people-friendly have won funding support from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

Waka Kotahi introduced its Innovating Streets for People pilot programme in 2020-21 to accelerate projects aimed at creating safer, healthier and more people-friendly streets. Street change projects it supported during the trial included cycleways, parklets, low traffic streets, community spaces, and safer school crossings.

Waka Kotahi is now building on the most successful aspects of its trial by supporting Councils across the country to make public spaces more vibrant and safer for people biking, walking, and scootering.

The agency has agreed to provide funding through its $30 million Streets for People 2021-24 programme for:

Haeata Connections, a project centred around the Haeata Community Campus and surrounding community in Aranui. The project aims to deliver community-led initiatives that open streets to the community, particularly students, with a focus on local ownership and delivery of active transport opportunities.

Gloucester Street Shared Space, a project focused on enhancing the stretch of Gloucester Street between Colombo Street and Manchester Street. It will build on previous adaptive projects in the area and trial a unique space that provides for people while supporting the Performing Arts Precinct and local businesses.

Christchurch City Council General Manager Infrastructure, Planning and Regulatory Services Jane Davis notes “these two projects are about putting people at the heart of our streets and we are delighted that Waka Kotahi has selected them to receive funding.

“The funding means that we can push on and work alongside the community to make our streets safer and more welcoming for everyone.”

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Urban Mobility Manager Kathryn King says she is very excited that Christchurch City Council is on board to participate in the Streets for People programme 2021-24.

“Our new programme, Streets for People, builds on the solid learnings and experiences from the Innovating Streets programme, and it will help us move towards a healthier and safer future for us all, by putting people and place at the heart of our streets.

“Streets for People enables councils to partner with their communities more easily, to create more welcoming spaces for people quickly. Letting towns and cities across Aotearoa see the difference, and enjoy the advantages of low-cost improvements now, while working towards more permanent solutions.’

“It’s becoming clear that our communities across Aotearoa New Zealand want safer and healthier streets that cater for everyone, and Streets for People is a step in the right direction to help achieve that.”

Engagement with the community will begin in the next couple of months for the Gloucester Street Shared Space, and Haeata Connections is likely to take place early in the New Year.

More information on Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Streets For People 

Image: Colourful cycle connection on Ferry Road was funded through Waka Kotahi’s Streets for People pilot programme in 2021. Credit: Christchurch City Council