Darren Moses, who is managing the project for Christchurch City Council, says the waterway and wetland development is an essential feature of the park and work is expected to begin within a month.

"Local residents can expect to see some rapid progress on the construction of this scheme, now that the consents are through," Mr Moses says. "The Council's plans to rehabilitate the Woodhill site will mitigate health and safety concerns. Even if no-one was to build on that site, it would still be remediated as part of our plans for the park." The Council and the Tamaki Group are eager to begin work on their various projects as soon as possible, Mr Moses says.

"The Tamaki Heritage Experience forms a key part of the park concept. Now that the Council application has been granted, we can start the rehabilitation work on Woodhill so the Tamaki Group can get their project under way pending their consent approval."

The commissioner who heard the Tamaki Group resource consent application is due to release his decision shortly. Meanwhile, the resource consent application for the adjacent golf course and driving range has been put on hold.

More information about the park development is online, at www.ccc.govt.nz/HeathcoteValley/