Feedback sought on Kaiapoi station proposal

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Public feedback is sought on a proposal to permanently locate the historic Kaiapoi Railway Station building alongside the Kaiapoi River.

The building’s owner, the Kaiapoi Railway Station Trust, and local developer Jedd Pearce are working together on the project.

It is proposed to raise the building and move it closer to the stopbank.
Additional outdoor seating would be provided on a wrap around deck, which would have a ramp access.

A reconfiguration of the car park is also planned, along with a tidy up of the pathway connecting Charles St to the toilets and then on to Morgan Williams Reserve.

The council would also formalise the temporary arrangements in place, with a lease to occupy the reserve and a licence to only operate a cafe in the building.

First built in 1904, the former railway station building has a category 2 rating with Heritage New Zealand.

Now home to the Paris for the Weekend Cafe, it was moved to its present location, Morgan Williams Reserve in Charles St, on a temporary foundation in 2013.

Public consultation is open until Thursday, April 6.

Once the consultation has been completed, council staff will report back to the Kaiapoi-Tuahiwi Community Board to make a decision.