Thanks to everyone who submitted feedback on this project

We received a total of 104 submissions about the proposed Kerrs Reach Plan Change. We heard your feedback on several key points, and here are some clarifications.

Maintaining public access along the corridor remains a priority. We’re refining the design to improve visibility and reduce congestion, ensuring that boat and pathway users can safely share the space. The City to Sea Pathway won’t pass through the new development, however the circulation paths shown will be accessible to the public at all times.

The river widening and flatwater sports hub projects are separate, allowing the club development to move forward without delays related to river widening investigations.

Early concept designs showed river access from Wainoni Landing, but this is no longer included due to safety and ecological considerations. Apologies for any confusion from the initial concept images. We are investigating more appropriate locations to create water access along the river.

Some feedback questioned if Wainoni Landing is the best location, with suggestions to consider less busy areas further down the river. While many of the landings will be in relatively quiet areas, this location was chosen for its proximity to the interesting activities associated with the hub.

Community input has helped shape concept designs to better align with the area’s character. Council will continue to consider feedback as the project progresses into the next design phase.

To clarify funding arrangements: clubs will cover costs related to their buildings, including consents for the same. Council will cover landscaping, site services and ground improvements. This is consistent with other club partnerships, such as the Netsal Centre at Nga Puna Wai.

During the earthquakes, the land at Porritt Park was some of the worst performing in the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor. Geotechnical investigations indicate that the proposed site offers more stable land conditions, that can be made suitable for lightweight structures. Geotechnically, no land in the Corridor is perfect, but the boats need to be near the river, so some tradeoffs in this regard are required.

Other options outside Kerrs Reach were considered, but they were found to be less suitable, difficult/not possible to consent, potentially more expensive, and less preferred by the clubs.

While some feedback highlighted river overcrowding as the main issue, the proposed relocation aims to provide a solution that balances club growth needs with existing space constraints along the river.