Revamped river entrance enhances access from Albert Street

Published on 23 November 2023

Exciting news for joggers, cyclists and dog walkers, as the refurbished Albert Street river entrance is open to the public. The fences have come down from the site and everyone can now enjoy the new seating, decking area and wide concrete pathway.

Council's Group Manager of Parks, Kathy Dever-Tod, says the space is now accessible to all.

“As the warmer months are here, we’re pleased that everyone can finally enjoy the revamped space. This upgrade has made the entrance more functional for everyone and it’s made it safer by lighting the area.”

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 Māori.

This marks the completion of phase I of the project. The next stage of the project will see bollards installed and new driveway tar seal.

Mrs Dever-Tod says this work on stage II will take off in the new year, once Horizons Regional Council finishes its riverbank work.

“They’ve been very busy doing their rock lining work and benching of the banks along the shared pathway – this is all to give us greater flood protection. We’ll start phase II once their trucks and diggers are out of the area.”

The reopening of Albert Street river entrance closely follows the opening of the brand new Hokowhitu Lagoon river entrance, off Kanuka Drive.

“We’re looking forward to seeing more and more people along our awa this summer, and even better now that they’ll have a nice spot to rest their legs.”

Find out more about accessing our Manawatū River shared pathway.