Kerrs Reach is a key hub along the 602-hectare Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor (ŌARC).

Overcrowding on the river at peak times has been an issue for many years, and the facilities at Kerrs Reach are crowded and many are no longer fit for purpose. Earthquake land damage has made the club’s current location unsuitable for expansion.

The proposed solution is to relocate the clubs from their current location on the east side of the river to the opposite side (west). This will provide the clubs with more space to expand, improve accessibility for both members and the public, and reduce overcrowding.

However, the land on the west of the river does not have the right zoning in the district plan for this type of development, so for any work to take place, a District Plan Change is required.

We're gathering early feedback on the plan change. Pending Council approval, a proposed plan change will be formally notified and subject to further public consultation.

A new riverside landing is being proposed to replace the relocated flatwater sports clubs on the east side of the river. The landing will be restored with ecological planting and community spaces for events, markets and recreation. The landing is expected to become the most well used landing in the Corridor due to its location on the upcoming City to Sea Pathway, and proximity to the nearby flatwater sports hub.

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Concept plans for the relocated flatwater sports clubs from the east side of the river to the west. Please note that these plans are subject to change based on further consultation.

What the relocated flatwater sports hub will mean:

• The new location will include a new road linking Gayhurst Road to Halberg Street with an exit onto McBratneys Road. This may become a parks road with gated access outside club operating hours.
• Carparks will be provided for the flat water sports hub and the public including overflow carparking for larger sporting events
• Flood mitigation and storm water management are within the project scope.
• This area will need to be functional for the clubs while public access is retained through links to the City to Sea pathway and shared paths.
• There will be minor river edge modifications so boats can be launched safely (pontoons).
• Council has committed to providing the site works component of the project, which includes the roads, carparking, pathways, planting, underground services, storm water and stop banks.
• The clubs will fund their own clubrooms and facilities.

Concept plans for the proposed Wainoni Landing on the east bank of the Ōtākaro Avon River following the relocation of the flatwater sports clubs. Please note that these plans are subject to change based on further consultation.

If the Plan Change is approved, it would enable the establishment of Wainoni Landing

As part of the ŌARC Regeneration Plan which was adopted in 2019, Wainoni Landing is one of eight proposed landings designed to reconnect Christchurch residents with the Ōtākaro Avon River.

Drawing inspiration from the success of Dallington Landing, which opened in 2022 with features like a water fountain, shelters, picnic tables, and seating, Wainoni Landing aims to create a welcoming and accessible public space to connect people with the land and river.

Facilities from the relocated flatwater sports clubs, such as car parks, footbridge, lighting, and power supply, can be repurposed to support the new landing which will be acccessible from Kerrs Road and via the footbridge at Avonside Drive.

The City to Sea Pathway, a pedestrian and cycling route connecting Fitzgerald Avenue to Pages Road will pass through the landing area, providing a direct link to Snell Bridge and the ongoing redevelopment of Avon Park.

Key features of the proposed Wainoni Landing include:

• A small commercial kiosk
• A pavillion that can be booked for events
• Outdoor spaces for markets, gathering and eating
• An event space
• River viewing platforms
• Boardwalk access to areas of the rivers edge
• Cultural design elements
• Features that encourage play and exploration
• Planting along the river edge to improve health of the waterway.