$2.5 billion boost for Hutt

The biggest project in Lower Hutt’s history has reached the design stage, despite serious doubts over a key component – the interchange.

Regional councillors this week signed off RiverLink, which economists estimate will add $2.5 billion to the Hutt economy.

The plan includes upgraded stopbanks, a new Melling bridge and station, and an interchange. However, the interchange is not part of the New Zealand Transport Agency’s 10-year plan to 2028.

Without a new bridge, the level of flood protection is significantly reduced, with engineers estimating the stopbanks would cope with a one-in-200-year flood rather than the preferred option of one-in-400.

Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace said damage to the central city caused by flooding would cost the city ‘‘billions’’ and take decades to recover from.

A breach of the stopbanks would flood 3200 homes, 730 businesses and five schools.

The combination of new stopbanks and planned urban design changes, which include a river promenade with apartments, would create 1300 homes, and up to 2700 jobs.

A report to councillors on the impact of the project said its importance to the future of the city could not be underestimated. ‘‘Quite simply, RiverLink is the most significant initiative and project ever embarked on for Hutt City. It aspires to deliver a more resilient, accessible and liveable city that will make Hutt City an unbeatable place to live, work and play.’’

Hutt-based regional councillor Prue Lamason said getting the project to the detailed design and consent stage was a huge milestone.

Work on flood protection started in the mid-1990s and when it was finished it would have transformed the city.

Councillors discussed the issues around the Melling Interchange and were aware there was a possibility that it might not happen, Lamason said. ‘‘It would be a disappointment but the flood protection will still go ahead.’’

One of the advantages of building the interchange at the same time as the other work planned, was having a co-ordinated design and only one consent.

That would result in major savings and provide the best result for flood protection, she said.

Although the project had reached the consent stage she expected it would be at least two years before construction began.

The final cost of the project and who will pay is yet to be finalised and will be influenced by NZTA’s decision on the interchange which is expected by early next year.

‘‘Quite simply, RiverLink is the most significant initiative and project ever embarked on for Hutt City.’’ Report to Lower Hutt councillors