Christchurch's First Rebuild Anchor Project

Watermark

The Avon River Precinct (ARP) Project - ‘Watermark’ - was the first Anchor Project to be developed for the Christchurch Rebuild. This project was intended to demonstrate the options and possibilities for the development of the entire ARP Project to the people of Christchurch. Encompassing various workstreams, ‘Watermark’ is an excellent example of Citycare’s ability to manage multidisciplinary construction projects. The project included:

• In-river construction
• Excavation and site works 
• Underground services
• Retaining wall construction
• Hard and soft Landscaping: installation of street furniture, construction of boardwalks, paving and planting
• Street and decorative lighting

A project with a high profile

Due to the location of the site within one of Christchurch’s best tourist attractions, the final product needed to be of a very high standard. Citycare also needed to consider the construction methods utilised during works due to the close proximity of the Christchurch Public Hospital.

Cultural & historical significance

The Avon River (Ōtākaro) holds great significance for Ngāi Tahu, having been their commercial vein, transport route, source of mahinga kai, (food gathering) and the place by which they lived and traded. Citycare took pride in showing respect towards Ōtākaro, ensuring we achieved the desired outcomes of this project for all stakeholders, whilst at the same time protecting this culturally significant landmark. This was demonstrated through feedback given by ECAN, stating that “the work has been completed with minimal environmental impact, partly due the contractor’s experience and appropriate and site specific use of erosion and sediment control measures.” As part of Watermark, Citycare also worked closely with the onsite New Zealand Historic Places Trust approved Archaeologist.

Environmental needs met through innovation

As in-river works were required, Citycare was able to use our AquaDam - a highly innovative and environmentally-effective alternative for controlling the flow of water. This piece of equipment allowed Citycare to undertake the in-river works without the need to contruct any type of earthen barrier (usually done by digging or trenching) which can cause long-term situation damage to the water environment.