The Summit Road Society is currently consulting the public on a proposal for a finalised option for the lookout over Lyttleton Harbour, opposite the Sign of the Bellbird in Kennedys Bush.
The finalised option would then be put forward to the Christchurch City Council for consideration.
The society has secured more than half of the funds needed to build the lookout through a combination of its own money and a $150,000 grant from the city council.
Options for gaining the rest of the funding are being investigated, which includes setting up a Givealittle page in the near future.
Said the society’s secretary Marie Gray: “What we’re proposing is a low stone wall which is in the style of Harry Ell’s rest houses . . . some steps, a lookout platform, all complemented by native planting and also disability access around the side.”
Harry Ell was a city councillor and member of Parliament in the early 1900s.
He was famous for promoting Summit Rd and conservation work around the Port Hills.
His grandson, John Jameson, founded the Summit Road Society in 1948 and the lookout would be named after Mr Jameson if it is approved.
"If you stand at the edge of that car park, you’re just like, wow, it takes your breath away.
"It’s such an amazing view. But it’s pretty rough up there at the moment if you’ve been up there.
“We want to enhance that area, to encourage increased knowledge and enjoyment of the area . . . we want people outside enjoying themselves on the hill [and] to maximise those views over the harbour because it is an absolutely iconic view,” she said.
Mrs Gray said naming the lookout, The John Jameson Lookout, will recognise the work he and Harry Ell did for the area around it.
The society has outlined the proposal in its current form to the Spreydon-Cashmere Community Board and consultation with the community is ongoing.
