Future options for the tram

27 June 2008

The Christchurch City Council is now looking at more options for extending the city’s tramway after approving the laying of tracks and allowing for trams in City Mall.

The Council, in a meeting last week, added trams in the Special Order that allows for vehicles in the City Mall but delayed a decision on some details of the proposed extension of the tram route itself, asking for more options on the course it should take heading south east from the High Street/Cashel Street intersection.

The proposed tram extension route had been out for public consultation in March following a Council resolution in 2007 which sought to look at the potential for extending the tram route to incorporate Oxford Terrace, City Mall (Cashel and High Streets), Colombo Street and Cathedral Square, joining the existing line at Cathedral Square.

The proposed route put out for consultation included the tram continuing along High to Manchester to Cashel Streets.

Decision on the route has been delayed to allow staff to look at the option of extending the route further south, and to assess the costs involved and funding options.

The Special Order was amended to allow for trams in the Mall after a Special Consultative Procedure in March. The Council also approved the laying of rail tracks while the Mall is being refurbished as there is a significant saving involved while work is being carried out.

Read report on Submissions to City Mall SCP and Tram Extension

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