WAINONI SCHEME

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32077, 27 August 1969, Page 14

WAINONI SCHEME

River Work Approved

Proposals for widening and deepening the Avon River along the south bank from Wainoni Road were approved In principle by the Christchurch Drainage Board last evening, but it agreed that conditions to be imposed should be made after an inspection of the area by the works committee.

Writing on behalf of Cedarwood Estates, Ltd, Davis, Ogilvie and Associates said that because of the shortage of fill material on their cheat’s land it was proposed to deepen the river up to 7ft in the middle and to widen it from 100 ft to a maximum of

To ensure stability of the banks and reduce the hazards for children, they proposed to build a permanent embankment and proposed an area alongside the future bridge as a children's playground with a beach area and a ramp for launching small boats. The proposal would improve the general appearance of the riverbank, save the board initial costs in maintaining the riverbed and bank protection. Mr P. J. McWilMam. the chief engineer, agreed that the general appearance of the area would be improved, but said the suggested savings to the board would not be large and could even result in extra expense. It was understood that there was already a one-chain road reserve along the river frontage and the proposals suggested this should be reduced to 25ft, carrying a 6ft footpath, and landscaped. Mr Me William said the width of the reserve was more a matter for the City Council, but be thought a width of 33ft was necessary to ensure sufficient space for any future dragline and silt-removal operations.