Boulcott/Hutt Stopbank project "tees-off"

Today marks a significant step towards greater protection from flooding for residents and businesses in the Hutt City central area.

Greater Wellington Regional Council Chair Fran Wilde and Hutt City Mayor Ray Wallace celebrated the “tee-off” of the Boulcott/Hutt Stopbank project, turning the first sod at the Boulcott’s Farm Heritage Golf Club in Lower Hutt this afternoon.

The $11.4 million stopbank closes the gap in the Hutt River flood defences between Hathaway Avenue and Fairway Drive. A major failure at this point could result in approximately $1.6 billion worth of damage to the Hutt City central area. Interim work was carried out in 1998 after flood defences on the Hutt River came close to failure but the Boulcott/Hutt project will soon provide an even greater level of protection for residents and businesses.

The project is part of an $80 million upgrade being undertaken by Greater Wellington Regional Council. Combined with future channel works in the City Centre reach area, the upgrade will bring the level of protection in the Hutt CBD and central residential area up to a 1-in-440 year return period flood standard.

Greater Wellington Regional Council Chair Fran Wilde referred to the project opening as “a momentous day for Lower Hutt”.

Hutt City Mayor Ray Wallace said “the turning of the sod represents peace of mind for downtown Lower Hutt.”

The early stages of the project involved many different groups within the community and Chair Wilde thanked local residents, the wider community, and the Hutt City Council for their input into the process. Chair Wilde also thanked the Boulcott’s Farm Heritage Golf Club for their cooperation and agreement regarding land access to construct the stopbank.

The project will be completed in three stages, beginning with the Connolly Street realignment and construction of the southern end of the stopbank. The final stage is scheduled for completion in September 2014.