The RiverLink program of works aims to improve connectivity, flood resileince and urban livability in Lower Hutt and Melling on the banks of the Hutt River near Wellington.
The RiverLink program is comprised of three projects:
- Melling transport improvements - NZ$420 million
- flood protection - NZ$145 million, and
- urban revitalisation - NZ$138 million.
Melling transport improvements main works includes:
- a new Melling interchange and overbridge connecting directly to Queens Drive
- the relocation of Melling Station, including a bus hub, cycle storage, and park and ride facilities
- a pedestrian and cycle bridge over the river, and
- improved walkways and cycle paths.
Flood protection main works includes:
- heightening the stopbanks by one metre at the Te Awa Kairangi Hutt River
- widening the river channel to 90 metres, and
- constructing a wetland in Belmont within the river corridor.
Urban revitalisation main works includes:
- a riverbank park
- upgrades to traffic intersections near river
- pedestrian pathways and outdoor dining areas
- improved lighting, and
- street-based markets.
In June 2023, Mana Whenua gifted the name of Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi – The Soothing Waters of Te Awa Kairangi to the Alliance that will deliver Riverlink. Elements of the RiverLink programme being delivered by the Alliance will be delivered under the new name.
Key Dates
| Dec 2015 | Project Announcement |
| Oct 2022 | RFP Open |
| Apr 2023 | Contract Award |
| 2024 | Expected Construction Commencement |
| 2028 | Expected Construction Completion |
Procurement
| Procuring Agency: | A partnership of Greater Wellington Regional council and Hutt City council and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency |
| Successful Tenderer: | AECOM and Fletcher Alliance |
PROJECT HISTORY
| Aug 2021 | Resource consents applications lodged. |
| Oct 2022 | RFP opens for Alliance contract to deliver the Melling transport improvements, as part of the RiverLink program. |
| Nov 2022 | The Environment Court of New Zealand granted the RiverLink project the final resource consents. |
| Mar 2023 | The preferred alliance was selected on 31 March 2023 ahead of formal announcement in April. |
| Apr 2023 | Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency announced an AECOM and Fletcher Construction Alliance as the preferred bidder for the design and construction of the whole RiverLink program. The interim phase is expected to last six months, with the contract expected to be signed upon the agreement of the final design, cost and construction approach. |
| May 2023 | Interim Project Alliance Agreement with AECOM-Fletcher signed. |
| Jun 2023 | Mana Whenua gifted the name of Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi – The Soothing Waters of Te Awa Kairangi to the Alliance that will deliver the project referred to as RiverLink. Elements of the RiverLink programme being delivered by the Alliance will be delivered under the new name. |
Estimated Total Cost
(2021)
Sector
Other
Procurement approach
Alliance |
Location
New Zealand |
Resources
