Alexandra’s proposed Riverside Park development has bumped up to an estimated $3.2 million, but stage one could be scheduled to start in December this year.

The Vincent Community Board will consider a proposal by the Riverside Park Trust today, that has been working on rejuvenating lower Tarbert St and opening up access to the Manuherekia River, since 2017.

A report to the board by Parks and Recreation Manager Gordon Bailey, said the trust sought to integrate the two rivers and adjacent riverside with the pedestrian heart of Alexandra. 

In 2019/20, the Central Otago District Council undertook an investigation into the land ownership of the site. The investigation highlighted that it was subject to several encumbrances and easements in favour of Contact Energy. 

These could potentially complicate any future developments on some of the land. 

Council obtained legal advice on the potential effect they could have on the project. The advice received resulted in the project being refined to only using the lower part of the proposed site. 

Therefore, the Miners Village concept was removed from the project and what remained was the development of a cycle hub and community events space with river views and access. 

Through the 2021-2031 long term plan, council consulted on options to fund the enhancement of lower Tarbert St and subsequently allocated $650,000 to plan and construct the project.

In 2021, council and the trust signed a memorandum of understanding that detailed how both parties would work together on the project.

A draft concept plan was developed for the site along with early engagement with Aukaha who have a significant cultural interest in this site, being the meeting point of both the Clutha/Mata-au and Manuherekia rivers. 

In December 2022, all necessary resource consents for the project were granted and the concept plan that was consulted on with the public in 2022 developed into a new design. 

The main feature of the plan is the walkway from a viewing platform at the end of Tarbert St to a wooden platform on the river that is within an area where native plants will replace the willow and poplar trees currently on the site.

New cost revisions

Stage 1: Plaza and river access cost estimate: $1,460,000.

Completion: End Dec 2024.

Key points of change from original developed design: Plaza area reduced in size.

Stage 2: Ongoing enhancements cost estimate: $1,360,000.

Completion: 2025 – 2028.

Once the essential infrastructure proposed in stage 1 is completed it is envisaged ongoing enhancements in line with the original design will be made by the trust as funding allows.

These will include: Increase in the plaza size, more plaza trees, bench seats, bike racks, and planting, bespoke balustrade, river track upgrade to perforated steel boardwalk with rest areas to be fully compliant and a pontoon. 

Stage 3: Play area cost estimate: $400,000.

Completion: 2028 – 2029.

It is proposed the play area will be the final stage and would be developed after the completion of council’s Play Strategy.

At the time of writing, $200,000 towards a playground is included in year four of the draft long-term plan, along with ongoing operational costs of maintaining the plaza and river access grounds and public toilet. 

All external funders approached were in support of this staged model. The updated proposed funding of this project is as follows: 

Central Otago District Council $650,0000, funding approved via the long term plan 2021-31.

Tourism Infrastructure Fund $325,000, council managed application. Funding approved.

Central Lakes Trust $250,000, council managed application. Funding application to be made in Jan/Feb 2024.

Lotteries – Otago/Southland Regional Community grant $50,000, trust managed application. Tagged to the Mana Whenua Art Installation. Application to be made early in 2024.

Otago Community Trust $185,000, trust managed application. Funding application to be made in April 2024 for remaining funds.