New Brighton Pier to reopen

Christchurch’s New Brighton Pier will reopen on Saturday following a 16-month, $8.5 million earthquake repair.

All of the pier’s 17 support columns have now been fixed.

Work on the popular attraction began in February 2017.

It was initially hoped the pier would remain open throughout the repairs, but large sections had to be closed to the public during the work.

The pier had been expected to reopen in March, but was delayed following damage to its temporary works during former Cyclone Gita in February.

Christchurch City Council city services general manager David Adamson said the project was complex and faced a number of technical challenges, including disruption from two former cyclones.

Earthquake damage had left the pier’s support columns vulnerable to rust and in a marine environment that was the biggest threat to the pier having a long lifespan.

‘‘We now have everything patched up and strengthened and it means this instantly recognisable landmark will be around for generations to come,’’ Adamson said.

He said the repair process involved contractors building watertight caissons, which were segmented watertight tubes, Christchurch City Council city services general manager David Adamson

around each column and doing work in the dry environment inside.

The repair cost has come within the budget of between $8m and $9m.

STACY SQUIRES/STUFF Repair work which started on January 30 last year and focused on the support columns at seabed-level along with additional earthquake damage to the deck and railings. It is due to be completed this weekend.