Richmond projects

We are upgrading and renewing play elements in the Easby Park playground in Richmond.

Easby Park is the gateway to Kingsland Forest Park in the foothills above Richmond. A few years ago, a major storm caused Reservoir Creek to flood, damaging the original playground – much of that equipment had to be removed.

A lot of drainage work has been completed since then, and the area is now less prone to flooding.

An old swing set and steel giraffe structure, which no longer meet safety standards, are being replaced with a new fully accessible basket swing.

Older climbing bars are being upgraded and re-painted on site, while the seesaw and rocking duck will remain in place unchanged.

Natural play elements are being added with rock and log scrambles, along with four shade trees and some low shrubs.

Work is expected to begin in June 2026, and the playground will be closed for about a month to complete the renewal work.

This project is the replacement of multiple ageing water mains installed between the 1940s and 1970s throughout Upper Richmond. Area includes Edwards Street, Roeske Street, Wilkes Street, George Street, William Street and Gilbert Street, Richmond.

Contact: Email [email protected] for further information, reference 1507.

This project is to an additional pump-set to service the Richmond South zone independently. This will involve utilising newly installed water mains and a newly constructed reservoir at Hill Street South. Overall this will support the growth in Richmond South.

Contact: Email [email protected] for further information, reference 1506.

This project is the installation of a new stormwater pipeline within private property on McGlashen Avenue, Richmond. The pipeline will connect to an existing but unused 1350mm diameter stormwater pipe under the Richmond Deviation (SH6). The work programme is be coordinated with the redevelopment of the former bus depot site at 40–44 McGlashen Avenue.

Contact: Email [email protected] for further information, reference 1682.

Paton Reserve is a newly designated recreation reserve set to become a vibrant green space for the local community. Previously a lifestyle block, the 4.5-hectare site will be transformed into a semi-rural park offering a mix of ecological restoration, passive recreation, and community amenities. 

The vision for Paton Reserve includes accessible walking trails, picnic areas, orchards, native plantings, and a natural amphitheatre for small-scale events.

Development will be staged over time, guided by community feedback and environmental considerations, with a strong focus on preserving open space, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering partnerships with iwi, schools, and conservation groups. 

Paton Reserve is set to become a central green hub for Richmond South, supporting wellbeing, connection, and nature-based experiences for all.

Contact: Email [email protected] for further information, reference 1683.

There’s a small corner of Richmond that has seen better days, but that’s about to change with a revamp and upgrade.

Starting in April 2026, a facelift is planned for Jean Berriman Reserve, a small recreational area on Bird Street. The small park adjacent to Council cottages currently has seating, children’s play equipment, and a concrete path linking it to D’Arcy Street.

The park is named in memory of Jean Berriman, who was the daughter of Thomas and Alice Cropp and the wife of Herbert Fauchelle – names that are synonymous with Richmond.

With intensification in the area, the reserve was identified as a playground in desperate need of a revamp. A breath of fresh air has been approved for the reserve, and plans are set for a new natural play style playground to be installed.

Work is underway now with the old play equipment being removed, and shrubbery at the front being taken out to open the space up and make it more inviting.

There will be new equipment installed with the new design focusing on creating a fun and engaging space that challenges all members of the family to make their way around the reserve without touching the bark, encouraging balance and creativity.

It’s hoped the physical work will be finished and new planting can be done within the next few months.

Feedback update August 2025

Consultation on the play space began in May, which included an online survey that drew 455 responses, plus a number of workshops with schools, tamariki, whānau and stakeholders, to hear what aspects were important to our community. We continue to receive great responses – thanks to all who are contributing to the conversation.

The key takeaway so far is the huge need for a regional playspace that caters for our diverse population – not to mention security, accessibility and inclusivity for all ages using the space.

A lot of comments from the schools spoke about the desire to have a playspace that rivals some of those in larger centres, such as the Margaret Mahy Playground in Christchurch.

The survey findings showed a balanced interest in a transitional, natural, traditional, fitness-focused and immersion/themed style of playspace.

Play elements were also evenly spread, with water play, climbing, sliding/swinging and bouncing the most popular to emerge.

We aim to have the project out for tender later this year, start construction circa May 2026 and the first stage open for summer at the end of 2026.

This project is to design and install of a new inclusive and accessible playground. This $1.46 million project is just over 60% funded through the Richmond Reserve Financial Contributions, with the remaining amount shared equally between us and Nelson City Council with Saxton being a shared facility.

Contact: Email [email protected] for further information, reference 1609.

The Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) at 14 Fittal St, Richmond, is being upgraded to improve recyclables sorting and baling. The project also includes expanding the MRF building to support more efficient operations.

Contact: Email [email protected] for more information, reference 1505.

Update March 2026

• Works begin 30 March along the Easby Park access track and Cropp Place cul-de-sac. Installation will involve trenching, with underground drilling used where possible to reduce disruption.

• Working hours are 7:00am–6:00pm, Monday to Friday, with traffic management in place at all times. A road closure will be in effect, with access maintained for residents.

• Vehicle access may be temporarily restricted during works, but residents will be notified by text and can contact the Site Manager if urgent access is needed. Access will be restored outside working hours, including overnight and weekends, and pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

• The Easby Park track will be closed to the public during working hours while works are underway in that area, and will reopen once major construction activities are complete.

About the project

A new water pumping station will be constructed at the Selbourne Ave/Cropp Place reserve. The project includes upgraded mains and SCADA integration to improve system reliability and monitoring. These upgrades will help improve the stability and efficiency of the water supply for the area.

Contact: Email [email protected] for further information, reference 1513.

This project is to build a crossing (bridge) to State Highway 6 to allow connection of stormwater channel to Borck creek. The project will be starting with enabling works to relocate services out of the way and work plans for contaminated land remediation.

Contact: Email [email protected] for further information, reference 1273.

The Richmond South Stormwater Programme will support growth in Richmond South, south of Bateup Road.

This area currently floods during heavy rainfall, and the channel network being constructed will collect and convey water through Borck Creek.

The channels are designed to handle a 1-in-100-year flood event, with an additional freeboard allowance to manage river turbulence during floods. 

The network follows environmental principles aligned with cultural values under Te Mana o te Wai, incorporating native plantings, grassed areas, and paths for walking and cycling, similar to Richmond West. 

The works, delivered through a series of projects, will coordinate with development activities and land purchases. It includes bridge construction and represents a significant investment in Richmond’s growth.

Diagram of Richmond South Stormwater Programme

Update July 2025

Old grapevines have been cleared to make way for water, in preparation for one of our largest planned infrastructure projects over the next two decades. 

In 2024, we bought a block of land at Appleby which formerly belonged to Waimea Estates, next to the overbridge on the Appleby Highway near Three Brothers Corner. About 10 hectares of grapevines and their support poles have been pulled out so the land can eventually be incorporated into the Richmond South Stormwater Programme.

Once completed, the stormwater project will be one of our largest infrastructure projects, both in terms of budget and physical work. It will involve the construction of more than 10 kilometres of open environmental channels from the Richmond Foothills to Waimea Inlet.

The new stormwater corridor will eventually be developed to look like the Borck Creek area with landscaping, shared paths and plantings. We’ll be making the vineyard timber support poles into recycled fencing posts to use in the recovery from recent floods.

Projects include:

The project involves the upgrade of Section H of the Richmond South Stormwater Upgrade Programme.  This includes the installation of a section of watermain and wastewater main between Hill Street South and Cupola Crescent.  It also includes the installation of a walkway between Cupola Crescent and Hill Street South. All of this is aimed to support growth in Richmond South.

Update Dec 2025 - Contract 1317 for water and waste water will commence Jan 2026 and a separate contract for the stormwater will follow.

Contact: [email protected] for further information, reference 1317.

Update May 2026

Work starts the first week of June.

We are renewing the water main along Gladstone Road, from Oxford Street to Three Brothers Corner. This project replaces several existing asbestos cement and cast-iron pipes.

Some of these pipes have been in the ground since 1945, and in the past 10 years, there have been 12 leaks or bursts on the two mains under the road.

Donaldson Civil Construction will be replacing the existing 150mm and 100mm water mains with a single 250mm pipe.

This is part of a $2.5 million project and starts next month – it’s expected to be finished by March 2027.

There should be minimal water disruptions, except when properties are being hooked over to the new line, but there will be plenty of notice before there are any outages.

Traffic and pedestrian management will be in place for the duration of the work, but two lanes of traffic along Gladstone Road will be maintained for most of it.

During stage one of the project, temporary road closures will be needed on Oxford and Waverley Streets. These won’t happen at the same time, and we’ll give residents plenty of notice beforehand.

Vehicle access to some properties will be interrupted at times, but our contractor will work with individual properties and businesses to address any specific needs. Pedestrian access to properties will always be maintained.

Download the Antenno app to keep up to date with any roading and water disruptions.

**
About the project 
This project is the replacement and upsizing of water mains pipe from 3 Brothers Corner to the intersection between Gladstone Road and Oxford Street. This pipe replacement will enable increased demands for water services and support growth in Richmond.

Contact: [email protected] for further information, reference 1490.

This project is the widening of Borck Creek from SH60 to Reed Andrews Drain (Section C) to cater for growth in Richmond South.

First areas of work starting in Māpua and Richmond.

Contact: Email [email protected] for further information, reference 1252.

This project is the upgrade existing culvert to enable Borck Creek to be widened to cater for growth in Richmond South and reduce stormwater flooding.

As of March 2026 - This project is currently On Hold as it is likely to be impacted by the Hope Bypass. Once we have certainty around the design of the Hope Bypass, we can then access our options for the widening of the creek and the replacement of the culvert with a bridge.

Email [email protected] for further information, reference project P1251.

This project is the rework of an existing cycle trail bridge to allow for a widened Borck Creek.

Essentially Borck Creek is being widened and Tasman’s Great Taste Trail utilises the vehicle access bridge to #81 Headingly Lane.  When Borck creek is widened, the vehicle access will no longer be required, and a longer bridge will be required for cycle access.

It will be built to coincide with the Borck Creek Widening project.

Contact: Email [email protected] for more information, reference 1556.

This project is to widen and deepen Channel A of Borck Creek to increase hydraulic capacity through these sections, and consequently to improve the level of service of the network through Richmond West, while addressing the aspirations of the Council’s Urban Stormwater Strategy and the Richmond Catchment Management Plan.

Email [email protected] for further information reference 1269.

Richmond Reticulation Lower Queen Street Trunkmain Upgrade

Lower Queen Street’s trunk main from the intersection with SH6 (Gladstone Road/ Lower Queen St) to just after the intersection with Headingly Lane is a 1960's asbestos pipeline and is nearing the end of its operational life. This project is to upgrade this to modern pipe material and provide more movement and resilience in the ground, all part of moving water where it needs to go in our region.

Contact: Email [email protected] for further information, reference 1449.

As Richmond South and West grow, we’re upgrading the stormwater network to manage increased runoff, reduce flood risks, and prepare for future climate change impacts. The project focuses on Sections A and B1, which are key channels near Lower Queen Street. These sections, along with the existing road crossing, need upgrades to ensure the whole system works effectively.

The improvements include widening and deepening stormwater channels, upgrading the Lower Queen Street crossing, and ensuring the system meets future climate needs. This work supports the Council’s Urban Stormwater Strategy and will create a more resilient network for Richmond West. Design work began in 2023, and we’ll keep the community updated as the project progresses.

For most recent updates on this project, you can visit Lower Queen Street bridge upgrade | Shape Tasman

For more information, contact [email protected], reference 1268.

Update September 2024

All work is now complete except Section H - See Project Richmond South Section H on this projects page for latest information.

What are we doing?

We are installing a new water main from the Richmond water treatment plant to a new reservoir planned for Richmond south. The work is being undertaken in stages in co-operation with private land developers.

Why are we doing it?

This work will improve the resilience of Richmond's water supply and is required to service growth. There are extensive plans for new subdivisions in Richmond west and south in the coming years. This upgrade will ensure we can deliver consistent water supply to all existing and new customers.

How will it affect me?

• A short section of pipe has been installed along the roadside from Three Brothers Corner out towards the vineyard on the Appleby Highway.   
• Where possible works are being staged with other activities. For example, a new section of water main was installed as part of the Bateup Road widening project.
• Work is mostly occurring on “green-fields” land away from existing residential properties.
• There may be short interruptions to water supply during the switch over to the new pipe, but affected residents will be notified prior to work by the contractor.

There will be major growth in the Richmond South-West area in the next five years.

 Click to view a larger version in a new window.

Contact: [email protected] for further information.

Update May 2026

Richmond’s newest water supply asset is now going through tests before filling over the next few months and coming fully functional in July.

Construction is now complete on a new 2,500 cubic metre low-level water reservoir at Hill Street South near Sunview Heights.

The project is designed to help improve the resilience of the water supply by providing added storage capacity, catering for the growing community in that part of Richmond.

Construction of this 4.9-million-dollar project has been underway for a little over 12 months.

Work is now underway on a 1.3km pipeline that will connect the new reservoir with our water network and the Lower Queen Street treatment plant.

Following on from the pipeline installation work, the stormwater channel (Upper Reed Andrews Creek) will be improved, including a new walkway linking Hill Street and Cupola Crescent.

The full project is likely to be completed in autumn 2027.

Update April 2026

Update June 2025

Work is well underway on Richmond’s newest reservoir, with construction progressing quickly at the Hill Street South site near Sunview Heights.

Once complete, the new 2,500 cubic metre water storage tank will be a key part of our growing water supply network. It will connect to the existing Champion Road reservoir and help ensure a reliable supply for one of Richmond’s fastest-growing areas.

This $4.9 million project, which got underway in February, is all about future-proofing our water infrastructure. The additional storage will improve the network’s resilience and support the needs of our expanding community.

Construction is expected to wrap up early next year, and there’s more to look forward to – plans are in place to develop a shared walking and cycling path alongside the nearby Borck Creek, eventually linking through to Paton Road.

This is just one of the ways we’re investing in essential infrastructure to keep up with growth and make Richmond an even better place to live.

Update January 2025

We have the contractors on board (Fulton Hogan) and their work is set to start February 2025 with an aim to be completed at early 2026. There will be a small increase in the number of vehicles in the area, including heavy trucks and construction vehicles travelling along Hill Street South during construction hours 7am to 6pm. Please remember to take note of all the safety signage and take extra care while using the Hills Street South Road, White Road.

What are we doing and why?

Richmond is growing a lot faster than previously anticipated. The growth has seen a number of new subdivisions already constructed, and more staged development planned for the Richmond South area, such as Hart Rise and Paton Rise. 

More households mean an increased demand for water supply, so we’re planning to build a new concrete water reservoirs (tank) to meet that need.

Artist's impression of new tanks from Hill St South (after approx. ten years planting growth)

Where will the new reservoir be located?

The proposed location for the new reservoirs is on a Council owned property at 520 Hill Street South, west of Richmond’s Central Business District (refer map below).

Location of new reservoirs

We looked at a number of possible locations for the reservoir, before choosing this site.  As well as having easy access to build and maintain the tanks, an important factor was the ground height, which needed to be at 63m above sea level.  That is so the top water level of the new reservoir will be the same level as the existing Richmond Queen Street reservoir, giving us the right conditions to connect the two water supply zones.

520 Hill Street South site location map

A new water main pipe, which is already partly built, will connect the Hill Street South reservoirs to the Richmond water treatment plant. The water main pipe runs along Borck Creek, adjacent the state highway, up Bateup Road Stream, and through the new developments at Hart Rise and Paton Rise.

The reservoir could rise up to 9 metres in height from the base, but that will depend on how far we need to cut in to reach a suitable ground base to build on. Our preferred site option will require the least amount of earthworks to prepare the tank site.  It also has the narrowest profile, the smallest silhouette and the smallest site footprint of the four options.

Contact Us: Email [email protected] for further information, reference 1141.

Dec 2025 - COMPLETE

Update November 2025

There are changes to Richmond Library opening hours between Monday 17 November and Sunday 30 November as the building gets a new roof.

A major renovation of the Queen Street building has been underway since earlier this year. The $1.3 million upgrade was identified when detailed seismic assessments showed the building needed structural strengthening to improve its earthquake safety.

We’ve also taken the opportunity to tackle some long-standing issues, so the library remains a safe, dry, and welcoming place for everyone.

All that work is largely completed, on time and on budget, so now it’s been decided that while contractors are still on site, we can also get the building re-roofed. This is being paid for from the library’s existing regular maintenance budget.

So, while the work is being done, weekday opening hours will be reduced but we’re extending our weekend hours.

The new hours will be Monday to Friday 5.00 pm until 7.00 pm, then all day Saturday and Sunday from 9.30 am until 4.00 pm. We expect to resume normal opening hours on Monday 1 December.

Any borrowed items which are due during this time can be returned during opening hours or through the Queen Street after-hours returns slot – the Petrie Carpark after-hours returns won’t be available.

To renew your borrowed items, you can call the library on 03 543 8500 or renew them online. The digital library will be available 24/7, and the Wi-Fi will continue to be available outside the building.

Update August 2025

The books are back on the shelves and the doors are open, but the job isn’t quite over yet.

Richmond Library is open again after a month-long closure for strengthening and improvement work, but contractors will be on site for another few months.

The $1.3 million upgrade is needed after a detailed seismic assessment last year showed the building needed structural strengthening to improve its earthquake safety.

Alongside that, we also took the opportunity to tackle some long-standing issues like roof sagging and water tightness, so the library remains a safe, dry, and welcoming place for everyone.

But it hasn’t all been plain sailing. 

Once the cladding was off, investigations revealed that the leaking at the Petrie Carpark end of the building was worse than initially thought, so part of that end of the library will remain off limits to users until further repairs are completed.

The July storm couldn’t have come at a worse time for the project either. The rain arrived while the spouting system was being replaced, and unfortunately, one corner had some flooding.

Things are almost back to normal with most of the work now being done on the first floor in the office area, which shouldn’t get in the way of library users. 

Despite the additional challenges, the project remains within budget and is to be wrapped up by October as expected.

... And thanks for your patience while this work is being completed.

Update July 2025

Richmond Library is to close for a month while heavy construction work is done during its renovation project.

The $1.3 million upgrade is needed after a detailed seismic assessment last year showed that one part of the building needed structural strengthening to improve its earthquake safety.

Alongside that, we’re taking the opportunity to tackle some long-standing issues like roof sagging and water tightness, so the library remains a safe, dry, and welcoming place for everyone.

Earlier, some Councillors voiced concerns about closing the library for up to four weeks, however after reviewing alternative options, it was decided that a partial opening or a pop-up service during this period would present significant health and safety risks, limit services, and potentially delay the overall programme.

So, the doors will be closed from Saturday 12 July, reopening on Monday 11 August.

But some library services will remain available. Our digital library will still be available 24/7, library Wi-Fi will still be available outside the building, and you can use your Tasman Library card at our Motueka, Tākaka and Murchison libraries.

Tasman residents are also eligible for membership at Nelson City Libraries; you’ll just need to sign up for a Nelson Library card.

Any borrowed items which are due during this time will have their due date adjusted, so you don’t need to worry about getting them back until we reopen on 11 August.

Earthquake strengthening and repairs to the Richmond Library.

Contact: Email [email protected] for further information, reference 1593

COMPLETE

Update October 2025

We’re making improvements at an old trouble spot in our Richmond stormwater network.

Easby Park is located between Marlborough Crescent and Selbourne Avenue and has had a technical makeover to improve the way its drainage system copes with increased water flow during wet weather.

The work included building an extra area within the park with a secondary intake into the piped section of Reservoir Creek for when the existing primary intake is blocked.

We’ve also increased the capacity of roadside sumps in Selbourne Avenue and Polglase Street.

In other work, we’ve redesigned and modified the primary inlet structure so that it is less prone to blocking, and to make it safer and easier for contractors to clear debris.

In the future, we’ll be looking into an extra debris screen further upstream in Easby Park, which will minimise the frequency of blocking and provide additional capacity downstream.

This project is to reduce the effects of overland flow path that runs through Easby Park and onto Selbourne Ave. This will in tale some stormwater structures being installed in Easby Park.

Contact: Email [email protected] for more information, reference 1578.

COMPLETED

We are building a combined new right of way for residents and an infrastructure maintenance road. This project is part of enabling the wider stormwater improvement work for Richmond South.

Contact: Email [email protected] for further information, reference 1570.