North Canterbury News: May 11, 2023

NEWS
The North Canterbury News, May 11, 2023
3
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New development ...
An artist’s impression of aproposed development on the corner of High and Ashley Streets, Rangiora.
IMAGE: WAIMAKARIRI DISTRICTCOUNCIL
Proposal evokes mixed reaction
By DAVID HILL,
Local Democracy Reporter
News of anew two­storey development
in Rangiora’s town centre has been met
with amixed reaction.
The Waimakariri District Council has
announced vacant commercial land on
the corner of High and Ashley Streets
has been sold, along with the building
occupied by the BNZ bank.
The new owners, Cornershop
Investments, have released aconcept
image of atwo­storey building with
office and retail space.
But residents have taken to social
media to question the need for more
retail and office space, and raised
concern about the lack of carparks.
Mayor Dan Gordon said the sale was a
good outcome for such ahigh profile
site, on the corner of two busy streets.
‘‘We are thrilled to be working
alongside developers and shaping the
ongoing growth and development of
Rangiora.
‘‘Residents often tell us one of the
things they value the most about living
in Waimakariri is the unique character
of our townships and we are really
pleased this project will continue to
build on Rangiora’s character, look and
feel.’’
Cornershop Investments is made up of
Eileen and Murray Irvine, Bridget Hope
and Gabe Rijpma, and Andrea and Jake
Gardner.
The Irvines had been involved in
other developments in Rangiora’s town
centre including the Good Street
laneway.
‘‘We all strongly believe in the future
of Rangiora and are proud to be able to
assist in its growth,’’ Mr Irvine said.
The response on social media has
been mixed, with anumber of people
expressing support.
‘‘Amazing, very exciting for
Rangiora,’’ said one comment.
One person said ‘‘very cool!’’, while
another said ‘‘looks great, nice work
Waimakariri District Council.’’
But others raised concerns about
empty office and retail spaces already
on High Street, alack of carparks, the
loss of greenspace and high priced
leases.
‘‘Looks great, but what will go in
there? The new building opposite this
site has been empty since it was built,’’
said one respondent.
‘‘Looks nice, but is it actually needed?
Ithink anice green space with seating
would be nice,’’ said another.
Public interest journalism funded
through New Zealand on Air.
St James Cycle Trail bridge to be replaced
Anew 64­metre bridgeisplanned for the
St JamesCycle Trail, near Hanmer
Springs.
This willmean the Great Ridewill once
againberidable from MalingPass to the St
JamesHomestead.
The 34­metre­long McArthurBridge,
near thehalfway point of the 60kmloop,
was removed after rockfall badly damaged
the structure in July 2021.
Whilethe trackhas remained open, the
full trail is unable to be ridden point­topointwithoutthe
bridge, as it spanned a
gorgeand the river is unsafetocross.
Funding has now been approved for a
replacement, whichwill be positioned
slightlydownstreamofthe oldbridge.
Department of Conservation(DoC)
Operations ManagerLeeann Ellis saysit’s
expected the bridge willbebuilt and open
by the end of the year.
Detailed designwork will start soon,and
it’s hoped construction willbegin in
Spring, Ms Ellis says.
‘‘We know the Hanmer Springs
community and keen ridersacross the
country havebeen waiting for the bridgeto
be replaced.
‘‘It will be fantastic to see riders back out
completing this iconicride again in the
near future,’’ she says.
Until then, the shorter Homestead Loop
is an optiontoget ataste of what theSt
James offers.
Hurunui TrailsTrustStJames Cycle
Trail Manager MarkInglissays thestorm
in July2021 broke boththe bridge and the
trail experience.
‘‘To know the trailwill soonbezipped
back togetherwith the new McArthur
Bridgeisfantastic news for the riders
queued up to experience theBig Country
on our Great Ride,’’ says Mark.
Ms Ellis saysanyone planning to ride the
St James Cycle Trail should check the DoC
website before headingout, as the trail
status and any updates willbethere.
The St James Cycle Trail is managed by
theHurunui TrailsTrust in partnership
with DoC, which ownsand is responsible
forinfrastructuresuch as bridges on the
trail.
Beforethe bridge was damaged, about
1400 peoplerode the full trail annually.
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