Safety concerns with Rangiora cycle route
By David Hill, local democracy reporter
A proposed cycle way in Rangiora has been approved for further consultation, despite safety concerns.
The Waimakariri District Council’s utilities and roading committee has chosen Railway Rd as the preferred route over Southbrook Rd, as it looks to link the Passchendaele Pathway (between Kaiapoi and Rangiora) with the Rangiora town centre.
The proposed route would head up Railway Rd, along Torlesse and Coronation streets and up Ellis Rd.
But Pak’nSave store owner James Flanagan and Foodstuffs South Island Ltd property development manager Rebecca Parish said following Railway Road past the supermarket was ‘‘the wrong option’’.
In a deputation to Tuesday’s (April 18) committee meeting, Flanagan said up to 10 large, 2.9 metre wide trucks made deliveries to Pak’nSave each day via Railway Rd.
The lack visibility for truck drivers made it unsafe for cyclists, he said.
‘‘The council is making a decision over funding, rather than safety.’’
The project was being funded through the Government’s Transport Choices funding package, which required all works to be completed by June 2024.
But senior engineering adviser Don Young said the safety concerns could be mitigated.
He suggested making Railway Rd one-way, widening the road, and installing signage and flashing lights to warn cyclists of trucks.
The only other viable route would involve crossing the railway line at Marsh Rd and crossing back further up, but this would require agreement from KiwiRail, he said.
Council staff had approached KiwiRail and been advised it could take ‘‘years to complete’’, following KiwiRail processes due to staff shortages.
‘‘We don’t have that timeframe with the funding we have, but we could look at it for the long-term plan,’’ Young said.
Councillors voted to authorise staff to proceed with detailed design and consultation with businesses in the area and other stakeholders.
A road safety audit will be completed and a report will be presented to the utilities and roading committee in July.
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Heritage gem or dangerous burden? Bowling club’s dilemma with historic pavilion
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A Rangiora sports club is frustrated with the increasing maintenance and insurance costs of its 113-year-old pavilion, which can't be demolished due to its historic importance.
The Rangiora Bowling Club approached the Waimakariri District Council last year for help, but was yet to find a satisfactory solution for the pavilion.
It is registered with Heritage New Zealand and listed in the Waimakariri District Plan, leaving the club with few options.
The club’s ex-president Norman Hewett said the pavilion on Good St, north of the town centre, is unsafe and no longer fit for purpose.
Hewett said the council has been supportive and Heritage New Zealand has offered advice, but no funding.
‘‘Everybody thinks the building is worth preserving, but there is a cost and it shouldn’t be put on the bowling club.
‘‘As far as we are concerned it is not fit for purpose and we want to know how we can get round that.
‘‘We want to know what the community thinks and if they want to retain it, are they willing to pay for it?’’
The club has formed a sub-committee to explore what options are available.
Sub-committee member Rodger Wilton said the club has been unable to find any record that the club had a say when the building was given heritage status.
Built in 1911, the pavilion served the Rangiora Bowling, Tennis and Croquet Club, which originally shared the site.
It cost 945 pounds and was opened on October 28, 1911.
The three clubs purchased 1.25 acres on the corner of Blackett and Good streets in April 1905, but later parted company, with tennis and croquet moving to new sites.
While no quotes have been sought, Hewett believed it would cost more than $1 million to bring the pavilion up to code.
Ideally the club would like to demolish the pavilion so it can upgrade its main building and remain on site.
The stairwell was non-compliant and there was no wheelchair access, meaning the club was unable to use the upstairs facilities.
There are loose tiles on the roof which need replacing.
An attached building behind the pavilion is sufficient to meet the needs of the 140 members and for hosting the largest bowls tournament in North Canterbury, Hewett said.
He said the club is open to all options, including a land swap or selling to a developer with the expertise to restore the pavilion.
Waimakariri District Council community and recreation manager Chris Brown said the council is working through various opportunities with the bowling club as part of a feasibility study.
‘‘There are a lot of options to consider. Each have various financial, social and operational implications.’’
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga said it had ‘‘expressed support for the adaptive reuse of the building and supported the club’s intention to investigate options for the pavilion and the associated land parcel’’.
The Rangiora Bowling Club is keen to hear the views of the community. Email rangiorabowling@gmail.com.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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