New Brighton Ground Breaking
The New Brighton foreshore development has begun with a ceremonial sod turning and blessing of the land. Select Contracts is proud to have provided the design work for the New Brighton Beachside Playground and Splash Park and now managing the construction of it – an exciting project with an array of unique components the whole community will enjoy. The following press release has been provided by our client, Development Christchurch Limited (DCL).
7 August 2017
Work is underway on New Brighton’s Beachside Playground, signalling the start of a series of projects to revitalise the seaside suburb. A blessing and sod-turning was held this morning (Monday 7 August 2017) to kick-off works on the new playground, located between the existing play area and the library. Community Board Chairperson Kim Money and Coastal Ward Councillor David East were assisted by local school children in breaking ground on the project. Cr. East says he is absolutely delighted to see the project get underway. “The playground design is based on the ideas of the community, following a great consultation process which engaged young people in the area and local schools to ensure we have the right themes, equipment and the support of the local community.” “This is an integral step in the revitalisation of New Brighton and I have confidence in DCL to lead and deliver the project and the wider programme of work. I’m looking forward to seeing the playground completed, and then see work get underway on the next stage – development of the hot salt water pools,” Cr East says. Ms. Money says that today is “the beginning of a new New Brighton”. “The new playground will bring new life into the area and is a wonderful, fun way to shape the future of New Brighton.” Ms. Money says. The playground will feature a mixture of dry and wet play equipment, a new splash pool and the much-loved New Brighton whale. Children will discover new equipment to climb, swing, push, pull, and create. The playground’s design is based on ideas gathered from the community and local school children, which were presented to the community as a concept design in July. Feedback from that process is now being worked into the final design, while initial groundworks get underway. DCL Chief Executive Rob Hall says this has been a true community-led process. “It is fantastic to get on with the first phase of construction in New Brighton. The new playground will be an excellent attraction for visitors and Christchurch residents, and will kick-start New Brighton’s regeneration. “Local residents have told us they are keen to see action on this project, and this is just the first stage in a wider plan for the suburb’s revitalisation. We’ll have consultation underway soon on the Council-funded Hot Pools development, and our team continues to work on plans to support the revitalisation of the commercial centre. We need all of these projects – and other community-led initiatives – to come together for the successful regeneration of New Brighton,” Mr Hall says.
Most of the playground will be completed and open to the public before Christmas so it can be enjoyed throughout summer. The existing paddling pool will remain open during the holiday period, while the final pieces of play equipment and finishing touches are made to the new playground over the rest of the summer season. Concept designs provided by Select Contracts may be viewed here.