One of our largest planned infrastructure projects over the next two decades has taken another step with the purchase of a block of land at Appleby.
The Richmond South Stormwater Programme is a massive infrastructure project, not only in terms of budget but also in terms of the massive physical works that will be required when construction rolls around. It will involve the construction of more than 10 kilometres of open environmental channels from Richmond Foothills to Waimea Inlet.
We have now bought land that was formerly Waimea Estates Vineyard on Appleby Highway.
This site is a particularly complex section of the overall project due to multiple infrastructure requirements, alongside those of NZTA Waka Kotahi and Network Tasman.
It enables power lines to be moved in connection with the works and has secured a section of land for a Hope Bypass, which can be transferred to NZTA Waka Kotahi.
This gives us much-needed land for stormwater drainage purposes and will allow the construction of a new bridge on the Appleby Highway.
We will also be able to use the buildings on site and some of the land as a depot to support construction projects.
All equipment from the former winery is being decommissioned by Waimea Estates.
The new stormwater corridor will eventually be developed to look like the Borck Creek area with landscaping, shared paths and plantings.