A major investment in a new coastal pathway along Marine Parade in New Brighton is expected to play a key role in transforming the area.

Coastal Councillor Celeste Donovan is thrilled with the decision, which covers the stretch between Hawke Street and Bowhill Road and reflects strong community feedback.

“New Brighton beach has become a top city destination, even surpassing Sumner in popularity,” Donovan said.

“The He Puna Taimoana hot pools, which recently attracted 500,000 visitors, truly showcase the area’s growing appeal.”

Community-Driven Design: Option C

The chosen design, Option C—a shared coastal pathway—was shaped by public input.

“This pathway reflects what the community asked for during the first round of consultation,” Donovan said.

“We received strong feedback that people wanted us to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians while keeping on-street parking and upgrading the road surface.

“It’s an example of what’s possible when different perspectives are considered, and practical solutions are found by engaging with the community.”

Option C was developed as a hybrid solution, avoiding the typical conflict between parking and active transport.

It was widely supported, with 88.7% of submitters backing it, alongside endorsements from nine local businesses and community organisations.

Donovan said the improvements will play a key role in New Brighton’s ongoing transformation into a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.

“Option C makes the shared path safer and easier for walkers and cyclists while keeping on-street parking and upgrading the road surface.

 

“Other improvements include a new asphalt road renewal from Hawke Street to 187 Marine Parade, increased landscaping along the section from Lonsdale to Bowhill Road, and safer crossing points for locals accessing the beach,” she said.

“We wanted to give New Brighton locals something to feel proud of—a space where residents and visitors alike can come together and enjoy the outdoor lifestyle we all love. This new coastal pathway will also allow us to accommodate more visitors during large events like the Coast to Coast, where spectators line the streets of Marine Parade to cheer on competitors.”

The upgrades complement ongoing investments in the mall, large events, and new developments, ensuring New Brighton remains a premier destination for everyone.

Long-time resident and business owner Esther Perriam highlighted the importance of community involvement in shaping Option C. “Option C was created by CCC staff who took the opportunity to learn from information gathered during an initial consultation. They really listened and considered the many viewpoints and opinions offered,” she said.

Perriam applauded the balanced approach. “Most of all, they tried to find wins for everyone. Option C is better for walkers, cyclists, parents pushing prams, people who might have mobility challenges, people who drive cars, people who live here, and people who visit here. Of course, not everyone got everything they wanted, but everyone got something! My wish is that Option C is only the beginning of CCC developing the foreshore area.”

She noted the broader impact of the project: “It builds on the investments made in the Beachside Playground, the pier, the library, and He Puna Taimoana. It recognises that individuals and businesses are making investments in New Brighton through commercial activation and residential development. Having a better, safer, more attractive roadway will enhance this area further.”

Local parent Faye White also welcomed the new design, saying it brought a sense of safety and relief. “The new design will mean that when I walk to the end of my road to shop or walk to the beach, I can now cross safely,” she said.

White shared how the changes will impact her daily life. “I walk along Marine Parade almost every day. The changes will mean that I can see the traffic first without needing to step onto the road to know when it is safe to cross with my baby in the pram. It means that the elderly man across the road with mobility issues and every resident on my street can now cross safely too. It will mean that when my son is older, I feel safer and excited about teaching him to cycle on and near the roads because we will have a safe space to do that in. As a result, we will have a safer and more cohesive community, one which I am really proud to be a part of.”

The project is funded through the Christchurch Regeneration Acceleration Facility (CRAF), a government grant established to support recovery and regeneration in earthquake-impacted communities like New Brighton.

With the decision finalised, detailed design work will begin in February/March 2025, incorporating additional community feedback.

Construction is expected to start in September/October 2025, aligning with other significant projects near the foreshore, such as the Pierside development, which is set to open in stages from 2025 onwards.