Preliminary work on the Alexandra Riverside Project will begin next week, marking the start of a major redevelopment to transform the riverside area into a vibrant public space. 

The first phase of the project in lower Tarbert St will be the establishment of a new entrance into The Warehouse carpark.

This will be followed later in the week with the removal of a number of willows and poplars on the riverbank at the junction of the Clutha/Mata-Au and Manuherekia rivers, in a joint exercise between the Central Otago District Council (CODC) and Otago Regional Council (ORC).

Alexandra Riverside Trust chair Rory Mclellan is stoked to be reaching this stage.

“This is a project a long time in the making, and we are very excited to see it finally happening, to rejuvenate a part of Alexandra that has always had so much potential.

“Our aim has always been to help integrate the rivers and riverside with the pedestrian heart of Alexandra, so that it becomes a space for family-friendly recreation and community events, as well as being a destination for cyclists and walkers using the network of local trails.”

An artist's impression of what the new development will look like once complete. IMAGE: Supplied 

The project has had the support of the Central Lakes Trust, Otago Community Trust, Lottery Grants Board, Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Aukaha, Anderson Fencing and Earthworks, Heritage New Zealand and ORC, as well as CODC.

It was hoped that the initial work could begin the week commencing Monday, September 16 weather depending and would involve closing the carpark at the rear of The Warehouse while the work was carried out, for about three weeks.

Logs will be removed from the site. Some will be donated for firewood and the smaller limbs chipped for mulch.

This will allow phased development to begin, which will include the creation of a plaza and river access, enhancements including, seating, toilets, information panels and the creation of a bike hub to transform the area.

Vincent Community Board member and project champion Jayden Cromb is also thrilled to see the rejuvenation of this historically and culturally significant site get underway.

“The design and aims of the project honour the past, the present and the future, and we’re all looking forward to seeing it progress.”

To keep up with the project and to subscribe to stay informed, go to Let’s Talk: Alexandra Riverside Project | Let’s Talk Central Otago (codc.govt.nz).

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