New use for bridge ‘disrespectful’
An earthquake-twisted bridge could become part of a new mini golf course in central Christchurch, but some residents say the move is disrespectful.
The Medway St bridge was damaged in the September 2010 earthquake and in 2013 was cut into three pieces, removed and put into storage at Ferrymead Heritage Park. The bridge was expected to remain there until a permanent home could be found for it to become a memorial.
Gap Filler and Serious Fun Partnership now want to use one section of the bridge in a heritage-themed 18-hole mini golf course being built on the corner of Madras and Armagh streets.
The course is a temporary project with a four-year lease and Gap Filler intends to return the bridge section once the lease expires. Fletcher Living plans to develop the land for housing in 2021.
Gap Filler co-founder Ryan Reynolds said a mini golf course would be the ideal temporary home for one section of the bridge while plans for a permanent memorial were worked on.
‘‘It will be much more available to the public than in its current storage location and signage will be produced so all visitors to the course will be able to read the story of the ‘twisty bridge’.’’
The golf course, which was expected to be open by the end of this year, would be Christchurch heritage themed and would pay homage to the history of the area.
Heritage New Zealand was supplying stories to be told through the hole designs and signage. Gap Filler needed to get approval from Christchurch City Council before it could use the bridge.
A staff report, to be discussed at today’s council meeting, said a small number of former Richmond and Avonside residents opposed the proposal.
‘‘To them, any use of part of the structure, even on a temporary basis and especially in the CBD, would be very disrespectful – both to the history of the bridge and to the eastern suburbs.’’
The report said the residents fought long and hard to have the bridge retained in storage for a commemorative structure once the long-term designs for the Medway St area were established.
Reynolds said he was not aware until he read the council report that there was any public opposition to the bridge being used.
He said he would like to talk to those residents so he could address their concerns.