​Pathway platform plan persists despite set back

The Coastal Pathway Group is still planning to proceed with viewing platforms along the $26.25 million trail, despite push back from the public, a Christchurch city councillor and an MP.

It comes after The Star readers opposed the proposed viewing platforms on the Moncks Bay causeway due to the cost.

Among those who disagreed with the funding for the platforms was Heathcote Ward city councillor Nathaniel Herz Jardine and Banks Peninsula MP Vanessa Weenink.

Said Weenink: “While the platforms in the concept designs look great and would be nice to have, we need sound economic management from the council.

“Spending this money on viewing platforms doesn’t add up to me.”

But her opposition in the upcoming November General Election, Labour List MP Tracey McLellan, said the platforms would enhance the pathway if done well.

The group will be exploring alternative avenues for funding at its next meeting on Tuesday.

Group treasurer Tim Lindley and chair Hanno Sander are asking for the original $720,000 budget – set aside in the city council’s three-year capital plan for 2027/28 – to be reinstated after it was reduced to $120,000 in the draft Annual Plan 2026/27.

They also want half ($360,000) of the budget brought forward into this year’s Annual Plan to allow planning to start for two stopping platforms with wind shelters.

Lindley said the public backlash was not surprising, considering the amount of other things requiring attention in the city.

"We still believe at least one (platform) would be a valuable addition to the pathway, so we’re going to keep pushing for it,” he said.

Herz Jardine has withdrawn his initial support for the platforms, due to the public’s clear stance against the project.

He said he has notified the group he will not be “going into bat” for the project in this year’s Annual Plan.

"They’ve done a pretty good job of fundraising in the past, if they’re able to get the money for it elsewhere, then that’s brilliant,” he said.

Lindley, who represents the Heathcote Ward on the Waihoro Spreydon-Cashmere-Heathcote Community Board, said he told Herz Jardine he “would not be upset” if he did not support the platforms.

Lindley said funding the platforms will be more of a challenge if it is without city council’s support. The Annual Plan will be finalised on June 23.

The city council own the Coastal Pathway. The group would require its approval for the platforms to be built.

The 6.3km pathway from Ferrymead to Scarborough Beach opened in November 2023.