EV space in new $31.3m Christchurch parking building

Ten electric vehicle charging bays are just a start in a $31.3 million 805 space parking building opened in central Christchurch.

The Christchurch City Council owned eight-storey building is wired so almost all the parks can be converted to electric charging spaces if needed, Stuff reports.

A fleet of 30 Yoogo shared-use EVs are also likely to be based there.

An hour’s free parking will be available over summer at the Lichfield St facility, built by Clearwater Construction and involving about 11,000 tonnes of concrete, 980 tonnes of steel and more than 40km of electric cable. The building has its own power substation and 953 square metres of retail space.

The opening is a “massive milestone” for a city that had been struggling with gravel pits for parks and relying on on-street spaces”, council transport operations manager Aaron Haymes says.
Space and lockers are also provided for 96 bikes, while 24 disability access parks are offered.

It’s the third large parking building to open in the retail precinct, following the 400-park Crossing and 580-park Hereford St buildings. Another large car park will be built on Hereford St next year.