The Lyttelton Port of Christchurch (LPC) has released its “long-term vision” for the earthquake-damaged facility, which does not include a commitment to the rebuilding of a cruise terminal unless it is externally funded.
Estimated to cost NZ$1billion, the Port Lyttelton Plan acknowledges the positive impact of cruising on the local economy but includes no investment in a dedicated cruise berth.
“On current financial returns it does not work,” LPC chief executive Peter Davie told TD Cruise Update this morning.
But he said a final decision had not been made, and the company had a “place holder” for a berth.
“We will engage with the industry to see how it could be funded,” Davie said.
Now available online, the plan states: “We are considering how to cater for cruise ships in a commercially sustainable way that does not significantly impact on the port’s core services.”
Part of the proposal involves “looking at Inner and Outer Harbour development options” as Cashin Quay is no longer an option due to its full-time use for container ships since the 2011 earthquake.
Expected to take up to 30 years to complete, the proposed project would see the port reclaim land to the east for a larger container terminal, while the western side could provide a marina and commercial development open to the public.
“To simply repair or rebuild what was there would be a failure on our part – we must ensure that we are able to continue to meet the needs of the region now and in the future,” Davie said.
LPC is actively seeking feedback from the public and key stakeholders, with concerns already raised by local tourism bodies such as Cruise New Zealand and Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism.
The NZ tourism industry is expected to present an economic report to the port & Christchurch City Council in coming weeks.
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