We're upgrading infrastructure in Papanui to help meet increasing demand from our growing city.
Trucks are currently moving material to the future development site as part of a trial. Truck movements occur approximately every second week – averaging four trucks per hour during active weeks and very few or no movements during quieter weeks. Truck movements take place between 7.00am – 5.00pm.
Sign up to receive the latest news on the project
A work programme of three waters projects is underway in Papanui to address existing infrastructure issues and support the development of around 1400 new homes between Grassmere and Cranford streets.
The work programme includes a number of projects, with some delivered by the Council and some led by the developer – Grassmere Estates Ltd – as part of the new housing development.
This collaborative approach ensures that essential infrastructure is in place to support future growth and enable new homes to be built sooner.
Council-led projects
We're upgrading pipework at the Pump Station and connecting into the existing pipework within Grassmere Street to meet current and future demand in the area. The upgrades will increase capacity in the area.
Status: The project started in June 2025 and is progressing well, with work expected to be complete by the end of August 2025.
We're improving the local water supply pump station to better serve the area and reduce pressure issues in the network. We're upgrading the station's discharge pipe and installing a new pipe between 43 Grassmere Street and the intersection of Rutland Street and Mays Road. This new link will connect the Grassmere and Mays pump stations, helping support future development.
Status: Construction is nearly complete, with final connections to the pump station expected to be finished by the end of August 2025.
Design is underway for a new wastewater storage facility on Grassmere Street, at the southwestern corner of the undeveloped land bounded by the Dudley Creek Diversion and the Papanui Parallel Cycleway.
The new facility will address wastewater overflow issues and allow for growth in the area.
Status: In the design stage with construction expected to start early 2026.
Why we need a new wastewater storage facility
On several occasions during the past decade, wastewater has overflowed to the Dudley Street diversion stream more frequently than permitted under Council’s wet weather overflow consent (CRC188203) due to excess stormwater entering the wastewater network during heavy rainfall.
These overflows can pose health risks, pollute the environment, damage property and infrastructure, and disrupt community activities.
A city-wide wastewater optimisation study completed in 2020 identified a wet weather storage facility as the most cost-effective means of addressing potential overflows for the area.
How it works
The facility will screen and collect highly diluted wastewater flow during significant wet weather events, temporarily storing it in a tank until there is capacity in the wastewater network for release.
What it looks like
The facility will consist of a large tank and supporting infrastructure, as shown indicatively below.
Provisions will be included to manage and reduce any impacts. These include:
· minimizing the visual impact through reducing the height of the structure.
· ensuring that the structure is setback from existing properties.
· cleaning the facility between operations to mitigate potential odour.
- planting that will help to soften the appearance of the facility once mature.
What to expect during construction
Construction is due to begin in early 2026 and take about 12 to 18 months to complete. While the facility is being built, measures will be in place to minimise impacts from pile driving, dust, and noise.
We're working through the requirements for a new water supply pump station to increase network capacity.
Status: We’re in the early planning stages and will provide more information as we confirm plans.
We’re looking into options for a new road in the area to minimise effects on the local road network as a result of new housing construction in the area. This project will include land acquisition, design and construction phases.
Status: We're in the early stages and will provide more information as we confirm plans.
Developer-led projects
A trial is currently being undertaken by the developer. The trial helps us understand how the land will respond during the building process. It involves bringing material to the site to test and confirm the ground conditions and is required under the resource consent for the new development.
Truck movements
The material is transported to site by trucks travelling down Grassmere Street and entering the site via the existing gate opposite Ngaio Marsh Retirement Village at 57–59 Grassmere Street.
It will take about six months for the material to be moved to the site. Truck movements will occur approximately every second week – averaging four trucks per hour during active weeks and very few or no movements during quieter weeks.
The Council is currently investigating an alternative temporary access point to avoid traffic accessing the site via Grassmere Street.
The Council is working with the developer to improve flood management in the area and create better outdoor spaces for the community.