A small off-road cycle link from Kāmoanahaehae – Riverside Park to the Linger and Die Reserve in Alexandra will be constructed this week.

The project is being funded by Wairoa Manuherekia, a project of the Manuherekia Catchment Group and funded by Ministry for the Environment.

The group came onboard to be part of the rejuvenation project in downtown Alexandra last year, joining Alexandra Riverside Park Trust, Central Otago District Council and Aukaha.

The new trail link will take people off Rivers Street and along the toe of the bank beside the Manuherekia River - which then led to the Shaky Bridge.

It was understood the $3.46 million plaza area and walkway at the end of Tarbert Street was taking longer than expected because of challenges to ground stability.

However, a retaining wall has been constructed, the toilet facility will be connected at the end of the week, and new fencing installed along the vehicle access ramp.

Native trees would soon replace the poplars removed from the site, and the Wairoa Manuherekia funding of $120,000 for the trail, would cover the cost of the planting as well.

Manuherekia Catchment Group general manager Clare Hadley said it was exciting to see that part of the project come to life.

Stage One of the proposed Alexandra Riverside Park, estimated at $1.46 million, included a plaza area with trees, seating and toilets, with a river access pathway leading off a viewing platform, overlooking the confluence of the Manuherikia and Clutha Mata-Au rivers.

Stage Two was estimated at $1.36 million, and included more plaza trees, bench seats and bike racks, a bespoke balustrade and river track upgrade to a boardwalk.

Stage Three was $400,000 and involved a new play area, also using council’s $200,000 budgeted funding out of the Play Strategy.

Funding has come from a range of sources (CODC $650,000, Tourism Infrastructure Fund ($325,000), Central Lakes Trust $250,000, Otago Community Trust $100,000 and Lotteries $50,000).

Read more: Riverside Park will mark significance of rivers

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