Better streets & spaces, Council updates, Neighbourhood news  |  Yesterday

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A plan to upgrade the mall in New Brighton has just got the go-ahead.

The Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board approved the plan on Tuesday, which will see Christchurch City Council roll out a variety of long-awaited changes and improvements. 

The $4.2 million project will take about 12 weeks and is scheduled to be completed before the end of 2026. It will include:

  • New paving along the mall that incorporates the newly gifted name for the mall, Te Ara Kuaka, which means “the pathway of the godwit”.  
  • Creating a central gathering area in the mall, adjacent to the Village Green with bespoke seating, planting, irrigation and LED feature lighting.  
  • New streetlights, feature lighting of the palm trees and central gathering area,  and crime prevention cameras.   
    Upgraded drainage with increased capacity.    
  • Cultural artwork in the central gathering area.  
  • New bespoke seating, rubbish bins, drinking fountain and signage.  

The Board also voted to change the mall's designation from Pedestrian Mall to Shared Zone, which will make it easier for people to access the mall in different ways, like cycle or skateboard. Although the mall remains open to service and emergency vehicles only, the Board also voted to lower the speed limit on the mall from 30 kilometres per hour to 10 kilometres per hour. Both of these decisions will now go to the full council on 6 May.  

“The Council has had this refresh in the works for a decade now, and this decision to actually go ahead is coming at an exciting time for New Brighton,” says Waitai Board Chairperson Paul McMahon.

“New Brighton is in a period of regeneration – big projects are coming together, like He Puna Taimoana, the City to Sea Pathway, Marine Parade, and the New Brighton Beachside Playground, alongside private developments like the Village Green Project and Pierside. 

“The mall acts as a sort of gateway between these developments, beach, the pier and local businesses, so upgrading it is a central part of New Brighton’s overall regeneration. The end result will be improved feel, safety, and connectivity.” 

The Council developed the plans in consultation with the community, and is working with Martini Investments, the Greater New Brighton Charitable Trust and ChristchurchNZ to make sure private and public developments integrate.