Real estate agent wants better roads for North Canterbury

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

North Canterbury's growing housing market needs greater infrastructure support, a real estate manager says.

Bayleys Rangiora and Hanmer Springs manager Ross Ditmer said the Woodend Bypass, the proposed Rangiora Eastern Link Rd and the Skew Bridge upgrade (west Kaiapoi) are vital to the region’s prosperity.

‘‘We’ve got Rangiora opening up, with the Bellgrove subdivision underway, but we need that road treatment.

‘‘It is chicken and egg stuff. We’ve got to future proof it otherwise it is going to become a nightmare.

‘‘The Woodend Bypass is huge, and for Amberley it will make it easier and more attractive to commute to Christchurch for work.’’

The Government has promised to build the Woodend Bypass, which would divert highway traffic away from the Canterbury township.

Stats NZ's high growth scenario suggested Waimakariri could grow from 70,000 to 100,000 over the next 30 years, with the bulk of the growth expected in Rangiora and Kaiapoi.

The proposed Waimakariri District Plan, which is expected to take effect later this year, is set to open up 200 hectares of land for housing in Rangiora and 97ha in Kaiapoi.

Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon said the Eastern Link Rd and Skew Bridge upgrade will be included in the 2024-34 long-term plan.

The Eastern Link Road has been designated in the Waimakariri District Plan and the council has applied to Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to share the $37.9 million bill.

‘‘We will be giving ratepayers the choice if they want us to get on and fund it without NZTA funding, or whether we should wait,’’ Gordon said.

Without NZTA funding, the full amount would be loan funded and cost ratepayers $30.67 per property per year, over approximately 30 years, compared to $15.03 with the subsidy.

The Skew Bridge upgrade is estimated to cost $11 million price tag and would cost ratepayers about $10 per year without NZTA funding, Gordon said.

‘‘The bridge is at the end of its life and it will make a huge difference to our community when it is upgraded and it will help address congestion.’’

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.