A proposal for a suspension bridge for walkers and cyclists, using the 133-year-old piers, will be explored by the Vincent Community Board, subject to funding.
At its meeting on Tuesday, the board agreed Beca Ltd should be the consultant for the feasibility study. Beca was one of three firms that registered an interest in the proposal.
The firm quoted $73,160 to carry out the study and the board resolved to seek funding from the Central Lakes Trust and other external funding providers.
''This project has been on the go for a while and now we need to say: is this going to be a goer or not,'' board chairwoman Clair Higginson said.
Board member Barrie Wills was ''a wee bit surprised'' at the quotes for carrying out the feasibility study, which ranged from $63,600 to $96,700.
''Considering the feasibility studies for the cycle trails were in the range of $30,000, that seemed rather expensive,'' he said.
Central Otago District Council infrastructure services manager Jon Kingsford said because the piers were such an old structure, part of the feasibility study would be an analysis into the structural integrity of the piers.
A feasibility study would be an important document for pricing the project, board member Malcolm Topliss said.
A 2011 conservation plan said re-use of the piers as part of a pedestrian and cycle bridge would safeguard the structures.
The Central Lakes Trust had indicated it supported the project in principle and would be prepared to consider funding the piers feasibility study.
There was public support for the proposal and the bridge would provide a safer option than the existing bridge for pedestrians and cyclists, council property and facilities officer Christina Martin said.
