New school of thought aids Redcliffs sites

Both past and future school sites in Redcliffs will benefit from proposed improvements now open for public consultation.

Suggested traffic changes to Main Road and nearby streets aim to make it easier for parents and children to access Redcliffs School, which is set to open at a new site in January 2020.

Meanwhile, a proposed landscape plan will help redevelop the old school site into a community park suitable for sports and play.

Have your say on the Draft Landscape Plan.

Have your say on the Redcliffs Transport Project.

Christchurch City Council Head of Transport Richard Osborne says providing safe and easy passage to the new school site is essential for the local community.

The site of the new Redcliffs School.

“Under the proposed transport plan, a school speed zone and traffic congestion solutions will ensure a safer road corridor to and from the new site,” Mr Osborne says.

“Any road changes will be made with minimum disruption to motorists, with a final decision due early next year following extensive community consultation.”

Under the suggested changes, the right turn into Beachville Road from Main Road will be removed to lessen congestion.

However, motorists will still be able to turn right into Main Road from Beachville Road.

A 40kmh speed limit will be introduced in Main Road, starting near the causeway and covering sections of Beachville, Road, Celia Street and McCormacks Bay Road.

Pedestrian refuges and a zebra crossing will also be installed, along with a new footpath for a section of Celia Street up to Beachville Road. Repairs are planned for the Main Road safety barrier.

Council Acting Head of Parks Kate Russell says the draft landscape plan for the former school site includes a new football field, toilet and furniture to complement the refurbished play area.

Space has also been allowed in case the Linwood-Central-Heathcote Community Board decides to locate the Bays area skate park in this location.

“We are also seeking feedback on a new name for the park, along with the proposed landscape plan,” Ms Russell says.

“Following the sale of land to the Ministry of Education, $1.2 million is available for the redevelopment.

“A new perimeter path will be installed while buildings and services will be repaired and refurbished.

“We plan to create a great space that can be used by the whole community.”

The four-week consultation period for both draft plans opens on 19 November and closes on 17 December, with a decision meeting planned for February.

A drop-in information session will be held on Tuesday 27 November from 4pm to 6pm at the Redcliffs Bowling Club, 9 James Street, Redcliffs.