A $26 million mitigation plan has been approved for one of the Christchurch's most flood-prone areas.
The Flockton mitigation plan. Photo: Christchurch City Council
Following community consultation, three options were presented to the city council aimed at returning the Flockton Basin area to pre-earthquake flood risk levels.
Councillors voted for a piped bypass and channel works affecting Stapletons Road, Petrie Street and Randal Street.
It is expected the work will reduce the flood risk to at least 585 properties.
Community feedback favoured another option which included a piped bypass through the residential redzone.
The council said this option was ranked low during a multi criteria analysis as it had higher construction costs and with uncertainty around the future of the residential red zone, it might not be complete by 2017.
Properties in the Flockton Basin have been repeatedly flooded. Photo: RNZ
Council infrastructure rebuild general manager John Mackie said it was an incredibly important decision for both the council and the people living in Flockton/Dudley Creek area.
"We carefully considered feedback provided through submissions, though the option selected has the added advantage of enhancing the landscape in the long term.
"The ecology of the creek along Stapletons Road will also be improved, providing a healthier habitat for fish and invertebrates," Mr Mackie said.
Councillor Ali Jones said residents sent a strong message about getting work under way as soon as possible, and she's delighted there's now a clear way forward.
The bypass is expected to be finished by winter 2017.