With the Christchurch Northern Corridor set to open next year, the suburb is in for some major roading changes.
So a group of Canterbury University geography students decided to ask residents what they want for their area in a three-month study.
The residents said they want people and safety to be a priority, rather than cars, when the Christchurch Northern Corridor opens next year.
Said Canterbury University student researcher Matt Stent: “In response to some of the major changes and work being planned within the suburb of St Albans and the surrounding area, we were interested in finding out what some of the positives people saw in their streets and what could be improved,”
Mr Stent said the students findings will not be implemented by them, but the information will be available to the St Albans Residents Association to use in the future.
“We are working to help the residents association understand the wishes of the local community so they can keep pressuring for the best outcome for the residents of St Albans,” he said.
Mr Stent said the project was a good opportunity to be involved with the community through a challenging time, given the predicted 48,000 vehicles per day set to travel through the suburb after the corridor opens.
“We are hoping that a more positive outlook will be beneficial for the local residents, compared to the current council plans and the flow-on effects.
“This course has reminded us of the importance of this kind of work to communities, as well as the consequences when the process doesn’t work for people.”
The students have already presented their findings to more than 80 members of the community, and will receive a grade on the project next month.
