Marine Parade in New Brighton is set for significant upgrades following community calls for improvements to the road.

After consulting the public on two initial options, a third alternative was developed and approved earlier this week by the Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board.

The approved plan includes resurfacing a section of Marine Parade with asphalt, renewing the kerb and channel, enhancing pedestrian safety, and upgrading bus stops between Hawke Street and Bowhill Road.

Additionally, a bi-directional cycleway and shared path will be installed from Hawke Street to Lonsdale Street, with a shared path continuing to Bowhill Road.

Community Board Chair Paul McMahon said the solution reflects the diverse input from residents.

“This option is the best synthesis of what different views from the community had asked for—a compromise between improving safety for cyclists and pedestrians, as well as keeping on-street parking and upgrading the road surface,” McMahon said.

“It’s a great example of the Board and Council working together to come up with a new solution which also didn’t fall into the debate between parking versus active transport.”

The project is being funded by the Christchurch Regeneration Acceleration Facility (CRAF), a central government initiative supporting transport projects.

The Community Board will recommend the upgrades to Christchurch City Councillors for a final decision in early 2025.

If approved, construction is expected to begin later that year.