Transport Interchange Details Announced

Details of the new transport interchange have been announced by the Christchurch City Council, and it would seem like they are onto something that will be a great asset for the city. The main point's of the press release are;

• The buses and bus waiting lounge will be located below ground
• The surface area will form an urban park with a 'large glass dome at it's heart'
• Land purchased will be all that is bounded by Colombo, Lichfield, Durham and Tuam Streets
• Everything will be cleared off this land for the project
• The passenger lounge will be six metres below ground (with the glass dome letting in natural light)
• Passengers will reach the lounge from escalators off Colombo Street
• Buses will enter the interchange from ramps off Tuam and Lichfield Streets
• The Interchange will cope with 370 buses in and out an hour by 2040
• Space on the land will eventually be developed with hotels, office buildings or apartments and the interchange will be strengthened to allow tall buildings built on either side of it
• The project will be completed in 2014
• The total cost of the project will be $119 million
• 33 per cent of costs are covered by the central government

So, there we have it. There are no pictures as yet and I'm sure there will be more details forthcoming as there are a few things that were conspicuous by their absence. However, what we have here is very promising and is certainly the most exciting civic project undertaken in my lifetime (in fact the article states that it is the most expensive council project undertaken, more expensive than the new civic centre). The under grounding of the buses is a good idea. It removes the mix of pedestrians and buses which is good. This is what kills the current 'bus exchange' for me, particularly the dreaded platforms on Colombo Street. Buses will access the underground interchange via ramps on Tuam and Lichfield and will merge in with traffic while passengers will enter off Colombo via escalators, a very good idea which separates passengers and buses. The idea of the glass dome lifts my hopes for something of architectural merit, hopefully something that will become a city landmark for years to come.

Planning the interchange to cope until 2040 is very good, I just hope that plans for further development (rail?) are also accounted for and that forecasts for growth in public transport aren't Conservative. The idea to develop the space above is excellent, it will render new life in this part of the city (and the entire CBD as well) and will help recover some of the costs of the project (the article also states that the proposed new central library may be built on the site).

Although it is good to see central government contributing to development of public transport infrastructure in Christchurch I do think that 33 per cent is still poor considering that Auckland and Wellington have had substantial government contributions in recent years (both are getting new trains 100 per cent funded by central government). Once again I just don't think New Zealand's second largest city is getting it's fair share of investment.

As I have said, it seems as though there are to be a few more details to be released in coming months (years?) so I will wait and see on a number of issues I still have. I would love to know what is being planned for light rail, remembering that the current planned tram extensions will be completed by 2013. Perhaps my idea of a CBD loop light rail may just come to fruition. I would also love to see a bottom level excavated for rail allowing space for a few platforms in the hope that one day an underground link to the main line south of Moorhouse Ave is made. In my opinion such an opportunity cannot be missed to safeguard a central city rail site. All in all I'm particularly happy about what is planned. The idea of a new central city park is also exciting and I can't wait to see the first renders of the development. Until then though, keep your powder dry.