The river entrance on Albert Street is being upgraded

Published on 21 June 2022

Palmy residents and visitors can soon rest their legs along the Manawatū River shared pathway following an upgrade to the entrance on Albert Street.  

The new entry will boast a wide concrete pathway, flower gardens, bollards, lighting, and a deck area with seating.

Our contractors are setting up site this week and construction is expected to take about two months – but that is weather dependent as the work relies on some dry days.

This is the third river entrance to be upgraded in Palmy, alongside Victoria Esplanade and Ahimate Reserve. In total, there are six to be upgraded under the Manawatū River Framework.

Parks and Reserves Manager Kathy Dever-Tod says we are upgrading the entrances to make it easier and safer, and more accessible for more people to spend time at our awa.

The seating is designed in the shape of an eel – a design that came from Rangitāne to represent the cultural significance of the nearby Hokowhitu Lagoon as a historical source of eel for Maori.

Ms Dever-Tod says the project was due to start in summer, but was delayed by contractor availability. It has been funded from our previous year's rates, not the rates year we’ve recently consulted on as part of the Annual Budget.

“We’re keen to get this work done in winter, so the new entrance is ready for everyone this summer. We know this upgrade will make the entrance more functional for everyone, as well as making it safer by lighting the area.”

Ms Dever-Tod says we are working with our contractors to ensure access to the river pathway during construction.

The upgrade does not extend to the car park, so you can still park your vehicles and take a stroll during the construction period.

Residents in the area can still access their homes, and rubbish and recycling services will operate normally.