Hitting fast-forward on city centre living

One of the key matters considered in Nelson City Council’s Annual Plan consultation document involves bringing forward substantial three waters infrastructure upgrades in the city centre and the Bridge Street Linear Active Transport Corridor by using funding received through central government’s Infrastructure Acceleration Fund.

Once completed, the upgrades would support the potential development of approximately 1000 homes in Nelson's city centre.

Group Manager Infrastructure Alec Louverdis says Nelson has a housing crisis with a lack of appropriate, affordable housing. 

“This significantly impacts community wellbeing and our economy because local businesses struggle to attract staff as they can’t find somewhere to live.” 

Council applied to government’s Infrastructure Acceleration Fund and was allocated $36 million in October 2022 following evaluation. This funding is supported by $32 million already allocated in the Long Term Plan. 

Louverdis says this is a one-off opportunity to make transformational change for our city. 

“There are many people in Nelson who require secure, affordable housing. They may be older adults looking to downsize, newcomers to the area looking to start work, people with insecure employment or low income, or young people just starting out in life. 

"Providing the infrastructure for up to 1000 extra dwellings in the city centre gives developers the opportunity and certainty to increase housing supply and alleviate some of the pressure on people looking for a place to live.” 

The project’s benefits include:

• Using IAF funds to fast-track major infrastructure upgrades and housing capacity improvements
• Supporting the viability of significant housing developments
• Regenerating our city centre by making our streets busier for longer and more foot traffic on Bridge Street and in the city centre
• Supporting Council’s August 2022 severe weather event recovery effort by delivering three waters infrastructure to improve resilience in Nelson’s city centre
• Assisting in reducing Nelson’s carbon emissions by encouraging active travel (travelling by foot, bicycle, scooter etc).

What is the Bridge Street Linear Active Transport Corridor?

• The Bridge Street Linear Active Transport Corridor will run between Rutherford and Collingwood Streets and includes:
• A new road layout to promote safe mixed use (for people and different modes of transport)
• Appropriate short-term parking for those who require it
• Access to high quality green public spaces, and a possible new space for families to relax and play.
• Opportunities to offset any loss of parking elsewhere in the city will be explored as part of this project.

Cost

Council is proposing to bring forward $3 million from future years to 2023/24 to facilitate feasibility work, initial design and engagement. $1.9 million of this cost will be recovered from central government in future years.

• $365,000 to begin the design of a water supply ring main from the trunk main on Bridge Street near Tasman Street along Bridge Street, Rutherford Street, Halifax Street and Collingwood Street
• $125,000 to begin the design of a new stormwater main along Bridge Street and associated green infrastructure, and a new flood gate for the Halifax Street stormwater outfall into Saltwater Creek
• $435,000 to begin the design of a pump station upgrade around Paru Paru Road and renewal/upgrade on Rutherford Street, Achilles Avenue and Bridge Street wastewater infrastructure
• $2.1 million to begin the design of the Bridge Street Linear Active Transport Corridor between Rutherford and Collingwood Streets.

Tell us what you think

Do you agree we should be accelerating infrastructure upgrades in the city centre to enable central city living and receive central government funding? 

Visit nelson.govt.nz to make a submission.