Dunedin surfers get safer access to St Clair Beach

The Dunedin City Council is installing new stairs at St Clair Beach for surfers, as existing access can be dangerous.

There have been concerns about a life potentially being lost due to the existing stairs from the Esplanade often getting battered during large swells and high tide.

The new stairs would be installed further along the beach near the St Clair Hot Salt Water Pool and Long Dog Café.

Dunedin City Council transport group manager Jeanine Benson said the new stairs come following consultation with St Clair Action Group, the St Clair Surf Club, Long Dog Café and Aukaha.

"Surfers at St Clair often access the water via the existing stairs from the Esplanade and this can be a dangerous area during large swells and high tide," Benson said.

"These groups have given us valuable information so that we've been able to design a safe route for experienced surfers that is located alongside the Long Dog Café. This is to provide access in a safer, sheltered area of the sea, ideal for experienced surfers.

"Safety has been paramount in designing a stairway that meets the needs of our surfing fraternity but also keeps the public safe, particularly young children. For that reason, we will install a new safety gate that has a mechanism designed to prevent young children from being able to gain entry."

The concrete stairs were constructed off-site to minimise disruption and access to the Long Dog Café would be maintained.

Work will begin on 30 May and cost $230,000.

It was expected to be completed by the end of June.