The Lyttelton Port of Christchurch (LPC) today released its long term vision – and is looking for feedback.
LPC chief executive Peter Davie says he is delighted to be able to share the company’s future plans, which have been fast tracked due to the significant earthquake damage the port sustained.
It is estimated that the project cost will be in the order of NZ $1b and could take up to 30-years to be completed.
“It makes sense to plan to do things right and to do it once,” says Davie. “To simply repair or rebuild what was there would be a failure on our part – we must ensure that we are able to continue to meet the needs of the region now and in the future.”
The plan includes:
• Movement of some general cargo activity east, away from the township. This addresses some of the impacts of a 24/7 operation on neighbouring residential areas.
• Preparing for increased container volumes with further land reclamation east of the existing port, allowing for the relocation of a new larger container terminal.
• Staged repair of the port’s earthquake damage and new building activity while remaining fully operational.
• Opening up and enhancing public access to the waterfront at the western side of the port.
The plan will give the port the ability to manage much larger ships so that New Zealand remains a primary freight route – as well as the recently announced management of truck-to-train cargo logistics planned for Rolleston.
“Over 99% of imported and exported goods enter or exit New Zealand via a port and volumes are growing rapidly. It is essential that we grow to meet the demand,” says Davie.
“We simply don’t have enough room and the only logical solution is moving east.”
Upgrades and repairs will also be completed on inner harbour wharves and a new dedicated Diamond Harbour ferry terminal, which links to other public transport, is proposed.
Feedback can also be provided on the website – or by completing the feedback form which can be requested by calling the port.
