Jetty opens
After 12 long years, the rebuilt Governors Bay Jetty is now open, and once again accessible to the public.
Closed to the public since the February 2011 earthquakes, the 300-metre long jetty was rebuilt as a community-led project, and opened at the end of September 2023, in time for summer.
Historically, the Christchurch City Council deemed the jetty unable to be rebuilt due to cost, at which stage the community gathered support to save it, and the Governors Bay Jetty Trust was formed in 2015. The trust purchased the jetty for $1 from the council, and has led the ongoing community fundraising efforts, in addition to working through the design and procurement process.
Council came to the party in 2022, committing to funding 50% of the total project cost, which was estimated at that time to be $3.5million. Financial backing by the council allowed the trust to sign fixed-price contracts for construction and materials, at a time when prices were increasing every week.
The trust has raised around $1.5 million of its share of the total project cost, but still needs to raise another $350,000. Currently it is seeking sponsors for the remaining 120 planks, with donations of $600 recognised with the donor’s name or short message affixed to a plank of jetty.
The original jetty was first built in 1874 and extended in 1913 to 300m in length. Built for transportation of produce and holiday-makers between Lyttelton and Governors Bay, its use eventually changed to that of a promenade and for access to the sea for leisure activities.
The new jetty includes modern additions,
such as three ramps, two ladders, and a platform to meet the needs of those using it for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and other water sports.
HEB Construction and subcontractor, Parfitt Construction, rebuilt the jetty, with Australian hardwood for the sub-structure supplied by local timber merchant – LMA Timber. Some of the deck and all the balustrades are locally sourced hardwood from Little River.
The trust is also working to move an historic boat club house, previously used as the
Lyttelton Sea Scouts den, to the jetty site. This will provide an indoor area for training, an information centre, an artists’ studio, and storage for small boats such as kayaks, paddleboards, and dinghies.
For more information visit the website.
