The path runs behind the buildings and carparks, not along the road edge, so walking, cycling and scootering to the water feels safe for all ages – away from the trucks heading to the port. It is built first on purpose: it costs the least, everyone can use it straight away, and it opens up the whole waterfront for everything that follows.

It would be about four metres wide and run from Collins Street to the Nelson Yacht Club carpark, with grades and crossings that work for wheelchairs and mobility scooters, good lighting, and links to bike parking, bus stops and crossing points.

Building it is not just laying concrete. The sheds beside the Anchor Building come down, a new structure is needed at the NCC Electricity Building, and at Custom House the path passes to the north, on Port Nelson land. The route is largely fixed by the land and who owns it, so we are not asking where the path goes – we are asking what it should be like to use.

Greening and shade

Trees and planting along the route

The waterfront has little tree cover today, and its hard surfaces make it hot in summer. Planting strips and raingardens would also filter stormwater before it reaches the sea. How much greening should come with the path?

Art and stories

Narrative along the way

The path is a chance to tell the stories of this place – through artwork, design, planting and naming, developed with iwi partners.

Somewhere to leave the bike

Bicycle parking shelter

A sheltered bike park sits beside the path near the heritage buildings, so you can arrive on two wheels and carry on by foot.