Thursday, 31 July 2014

Key decisions from today’s Council meeting

Christchurch City Council met today and made the following key decisions:

Floor-raising proposal
Homeowners in flood-affected areas with insurance-funded rebuilds underway may get $20,000 from the Council towards the cost of raising their floor levels where this is not covered by insurance. Staff will report back on the legal implications of this proposal and the likely costs and benefits at the 14 August Council meeting.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens Tea Kiosk to be repaired
The Council agreed to repair and strengthen the closed Christchurch Botanic Gardens Tea Kiosk, with the facility expected to re-open in time for the 2014/15 summer season. The Council set aside $110,000 from its Building and Infrastructure Improvement Allowance to go ahead with the work. It is expected work will begin once detailed design work is complete, a contractor appointed and consents are issued.

Demolition of closed Linwood Library
The Council approved the demolition of the closed Linwood Library in Cranley Street. The library is earthquake and fire-damaged. A working party, comprising elected members and Council staff, will be set up to consider long term options for the site. A temporary Linwood Library and Service Centre continues to operate in Eastgate Mall.

Cycleways construction approved
Final design and construction of sections of the Council’s Major Cycleways has been approved to begin this year. Among work approved today was an off-road cycleway along Matai Street East from the railway to Deans Avenue, part of the Uni-Cycle route. A signal-controlled crossing will connect Matai Street East to Hagley Park over Deans Avenue. Further intersection improvements to increase safety for pedestrians and cyclists will be done at the intersection of Harper Avenue, Fendalton Road and Deans Avenue on the Northern Line Cycleway.

New policy gives base isolated foundations "wiggle room"
To support the recovery and rebuild of the Central City and improve building safety, the isolators from base isolated foundations on private lots will be allowed to be constructed or retrofitted to move underneath public footpaths during a major quake. Any infrastructure above or below the ground has to be protected, and entrances to buildings will be protected with a sliding plate-type system.

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