These frequently asked questions explain how Stage One of the Lincoln Town Centre Upgrade is being delivered to support Lincoln’s growth from a rural township to a thriving town centre.  The town centre remains open for business, and we encourage everyone to support local businesses throughout the works.

Stay informed: Check out the Start Work Notices for upcoming work and timings, and subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates.

Visiting the Lincoln Town Centre

Where can I park?

Lincoln Town Centre is open for business, with two new off-street car parks a short walk from local stores and services. During Stage One, all public car parks in the town centre are available for all‑day parking. Our aim is to provide plenty of safe, accessible parking while the upgrade work progresses.

The north car park is located between Lyttelton Street and William Street, and has:

  • 61 regular car parks
  • 4 accessible parks
  • 4 EV parks
  • 4 motorbike parks

The south car park is off Gerald Street and Maurice Street, and has:

  • 41 regular parks
  • 2 accessible parks
  • 4 EV parks
  • 4 motorbike parks

Decorative photo

How do I access the car parks? 

To reach the northern car park, the easiest approach is from Lyttelton Street or William Street via North Belt. This route brings you directly into the car park without needing to navigate the busiest parts of the town centre.

To reach the southern car park, the easiest approach is to head from Tauhinu Avenue onto West Belt, then follow South Belt through to Maurice Street, which leads straight into the car park area.

Please allow a little extra time and follow the temporary traffic management signage.

How long can I park for? 

All public car parks in the Lincoln Town Centre are now available for all-day parking for the duration of Stage One.

When are works happening? 

Stage One is underway and is expected to be completed by the end of September. For the most up-to-date details on upcoming activities, traffic changes and timings, visit our Start Work notice page here.

We’re continually working to minimise disruption. While construction can be inconvenient, we’re taking steps to reduce impacts wherever possible. Safety comes first - the wellbeing of our workers, residents and road users is our top priority throughout the project.

How can I stay updated? 

We share regular updates across multiple channels, including our regular newsletters. Sign up here.

You can also view Stage One progress updates here.

Who can I contact? 

Fulton Hogan is the contractor delivering Stage One. They hold drop-in sessions between 11am - 2pm on a Tuesday or Thursday, at 6/14 Gerald Street (next door to the Property Brokers). Your questions matter – we welcome feedback and are committed to responding with care and clarity.

Call: 0800 ROAD FH (Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm)

Email: cant.info@fultonhogan.com

You can contact the Council’s project team by:

Email: lincolntcplan@selwyn.govt.nz

Call: 0800 SELWYN (735 996)

General

What is the history of this project?

Following public consultation, the Council adopted the Lincoln Town Centre Plan in 2016. The plan is focused on building for the future of Lincoln. The plan reflected public desire for a safer town centre, wider pedestrian paths and increased parking. 

The Lincoln Town Centre upgrade was confirmed in the 2018–2028 Long-Term Plan with a tentative start date of 2020.  Due to focus on other major projects, the plan was rescheduled in the 2021–2031 Long-Term Plan to begin in 2028.

The plan has been brought forward in the current Long-Term Plan, to begin in 2024.

The plan was adopted in 2016, is it still relevant?

The plan was reviewed in 2023, prior to the beginning of the design phase, to reflect the growth changes in Lincoln. 

The traffic surveys show Gerald Street currently has around 10,000 vehicle movements per day and this is likely to go up to 16,000 per day by 2045.  Approximately 7% of traffic on Gerald Street is heavy and medium commercial vehicles.

Household growth in Lincoln is expected to increase from 3,500 (2022) to 6,000 (2040).

Is the Council accepting feedback and suggestions on the design?

Consultation was completed in 2016 when the Council adopted the Lincoln Town Centre Plan, and detailed design work has been developed using that as a basis. Feedback from the October 2024 public drop-in sessions has been shared with designers and will continue to inform refinement within the scope of each stage.

In August 2024, the Council unanimously approved the Stage One design to move forward to detailed design and construction. Stage One is now underway.

The project provides infrastructure not just for today, but for future generations – supporting Lincoln’s growth with smart planning, safe parking, and spaces where people can connect.

What are the objectives of the plan

The plan has been designed around five key elements, which together create the built environment. They affect the way that the public uses a site or the surrounding area and can be thought of as the components of development. The five elements are

  • Building lines and active frontages: Encouraging buildings to be placed close to the footpath with transparent facades to create a lively street scene.
  • Public space: Developing attractive public areas for markets, events, and relaxation.
  • Moving (walking, cycling, and driving): Designing the town centre to provide connected and safe options for pedestrians and cyclists, while accommodating vehicular traffic.
  • Car parking: Ensuring adequate and well-managed parking within the town centre.
  • Use of streets: Designing streets to suit their intended purposes, balancing the needs of all users.

Why are the sewer lines being upgraded?

The sewer lines were at the end of their life and needed replacing. The Council took the opportunity to renew the assets as part of the preparation works to reduce the need for repeated roadworks later and to help minimise disruption to residents and businesses.

When will Stage One be completed?

We’ve updated the Stage One timeline to allow for the extra stormwater work and to account for expected winter weather delays, along with the days already lost to bad weather.

The majority of construction will now be finished by the end of September 2026 with final landscaping planned for spring.

Find out more here.

When will all four stages be complete?

The project will be progressed as funding is made available in the Long-Term Plan. The final stage (Stage Four), signalisation of the James, Edward, and Gerald Streets intersection is due to be completed by 2030.

How are you supporting businesses in the town centre? 

We’re onsite meeting with businesses regularly to discuss how we can help. That has led to some changes in how to access the town centre, additional parking options and pedestrian access. We will continue to work with businesses, as work progresses. Lincoln Town Centre remains open for business, and we encourage everyone to continue supporting local businesses.

Rates Relief for Businesses in Stage One

Why is the Council offering rates relief to businesses?

The Council recognises that the ongoing Lincoln Town Centre redevelopment has created real financial pressures for some local businesses. While disruption is expected during a large construction project, we understand that reduced access, changes to foot traffic, and altered customer patterns have had a significant impact in the particular circumstances of this project.
Providing rates relief for businesses during stage one of the Lincoln Town Centre project is one way the Council can work alongside our business community, acknowledge those challenges, and help ensure these businesses remain a vibrant part of Lincoln as the upgraded town centre takes shape.
Affected Businesses can make a rates remission application under cl 1.1-1.4 of the Rates Remission Policy.

Who can apply for a rates relief?

Rates relief is available to businesses within the Lincoln Town Centre project area that have been significantly affected by stage one of the Lincoln Town Centre Project redevelopment works.

How do I know if my business is considered 'affected'?

An affected business is one located within the Lincoln Town Centre stage one designated project area that can show a measurable impact from the construction works. This may include reduced customer access, lower foot traffic, or a noticeable decrease in turnover during the construction period.

How much rates relief might businesses receive?

The level of rates remission will depend on the level of impact demonstrated by each business.
A demonstrated decline in turnover of 25-50% could warrant a 50% Rates Remission, and a demonstrated decline in turnover of >50% could warrant a full Rates Remission

When can property owners apply?

Applications are now open and you can apply using the online application form.

How do businesses apply?

Applications must be made by the property owner.  If a business is a tenant, the property owner will need to apply on their behalf but must commit in writing on the application form that the full benefit of the remission will be passed on to the affected business.

You can apply using the online application form.

What information will businesses need to provide?

Applicants will need to provide supporting evidence to show the impact of construction on their turnover or operations.
*Comparison of turnover figures from the relevant period
*Evidence of reduced foot traffic or customer access
*Any other information that shows how stage one of the works has affected business activity
These items can be uploaded with the online application form.

How long will the rates relief be available?

The relief programme is designed to support businesses during stage one of the Lincoln Town Centre construction period which is October 2025 to September 2026.

Is this relief automatic?

No. Businesses or their property owners will need to apply and provide evidence of the impact so the Council can assess each case fairly and consistently.

How long will it take to make a decision on my application?

If you meet the criteria and are able to provide all the supporting evidence.  Our rates team will review your application and be in touch with you to confirm the outcome within 10 working days. We might also contact you if we need further information.

If you would like to discuss your application in person, please contact the rates team on rates@selwyn.govt.nz to make an appointment to do this.

Why isn't the Council offering compensation instead of rates relief?

We understand that the ongoing works are creating real challenges, and we genuinely appreciate the strain this places on businesses. While we empathise with the disruption, the Council is not able or liable to offer financial compensation or cover any loss of income related to construction activity in the road corridor. This includes any form of compensation or liability for financial impacts related to the activity. This approach is consistent with how councils across New Zealand operate, the liability framework and reflects the legislation that guides how public funds can be used.

Is the Lincoln Town Centre still open for business?

Yes. All local businesses remain open, and we encourage the community to continue supporting them throughout the redevelopment.

How is the rates remission applied?

Rates remission is managed on a case‑by‑case basis, depending on the individual circumstances of the property. It may be applied as a credit to the property’s rates account or, where appropriate, provided as a refund to the property owner.

If you have a question about how a rates remission applies to your property please contact rates@selywn.govt.nz

Car parks

Have the carparks been designed with accessibility in mind? 

Yes. The car parks were audited by Barrier Free New Zealand and designed using recognised accessibility and inclusive-design principles and relevant standards. The site will also be reviewed by Barrier Free New Zealand.

Please explain the change in Gerald Street parking spaces. Why remove the angled car parks in front of the shops?

With Gerald Street traffic volumes expected to increase from 11,000 vehicles per day to 16,000 per day by 2045, the existing angled parks need to be removed as they pose higher safety risks because drivers have to reverse into live traffic. Removing them improves safety for people driving, walking and cycling through the town centre.

Instead, the town centre plan provides more, safer parking through new off-street car parks. The north and south car parks opened in August 2025 and provide 124 new parking spaces, read more here.

Removing angled parking also creates space for a wider, more people-focused streetscape – landscaping, seating, lighting, outdoor dining and trees – helping to build a vibrant town centre where people can connect and spend time

Studies have also shown enhanced urban amenity supports a town centre that feels welcoming and helps create opportunities for local business to thrive.

Could angled parking outside shops on Gerald Street be changed to parallel parking?

With the traffic volumes expected to increase from 11,000 vehicles per day to 16,000 vehicles per day by 2045, manoeuvring to and from the existing angled parks close to the main traffic lane will become less safe, making their removal more necessary.

Replacing these with parallel parks is not possible as space is tight and parked vehicles would interfere with the safety of cycle lanes e.g. opening car doors etc.

Likewise, the time needed to manoeuvre into parallel parks will disrupt main traffic lane flows. By removing on‑street parking along this part of Gerald Street and providing new off‑street parking nearby, the plan improves safety and access while continuing to support local businesses.

How can we ensure staff can get to their vehicles safely at night?How can we ensure staff can get to their vehicles safely at night?

Safety is a priority, including after dark. There is plenty of on-street parking within the belts for those working in the area. In terms of the lighting, this requires the Council to explore what other options are available to upgrade lighting in these areas, considering the recent upgrade to LED.

A comprehensive LED street lighting upgrade was completed in these areas in early 2025. The project involved replacing older lighting infrastructure with modern, energy-efficient LED luminaires across the side streets and main approaches to Gerald Street.

The new lighting system was designed and installed to fully comply with all relevant New Zealand standards, including AS/NZS 1158 for road lighting. This ensures that illumination levels, uniformity, and safety requirements are met for both pedestrians and vehicles. The upgrade also aligns with Selwyn District Council’s broader sustainability and safety objectives, providing improved visibility, reduced energy consumption, and lower maintenance costs.

If you have any concerns related to lighting please email lincolntcplan@selwyn.govt.nz or call 0800 SELWYN (735 996).

Traffic and traffic lights

What are the current traffic volumes for Gerald Street and what are the projected volumes?

Gerald Street has a dual function: it provides the main arterial route through Lincoln and also access to destinations within the town centre.

The number of households in Lincoln is expected to increase from 3,500 (2022) to 6,000 (2040), with the completion of the eastern development areas and the South Lincoln Plan Change.

Approximately 11,000 vehicles per day are currently using Gerald Street of which up to 7% are heavy vehicles. Recent traffic modelling has indicated up to 16,000 vehicles per day would be traveling on Gerald Street in the next 20 years.

A 2016 report noted the traffic volume on Gerald Street was approximately 6,000 vehicles per day, including approximately 5% heavy and medium commercial vehicles. Surveys conducted in 2024 have found this has increased to 11,000 per day, with projections suggesting up to 16,000 in the next 20 years. Traffic surveys have shown that most vehicular journeys in Lincoln have their origin, or destination, in Lincoln - meaning Gerald Street is less commonly used as a through route for motorists.

Further traffic counting and modelling was carried out in 2022 to assess the validity of the previous analysis. Recent data indicates traffic numbers on Gerald Street will grow to 16,000 vehicles per day by 2045.

What about a bypass for heavy vehicles?

Up to 7% of traffic on Gerald Street is heavy commercial vehicles.   

Council has previously investigated a Lincoln southern township bypass but found that the high cost to construct it, compared to the relatively low use it would receive was not viable. There were other technical and practical issues that made it difficult, including needing private land for key parts of the route, which was not obtainable. Council decided it was a better use of any ratepayer funds to fully upgrade Gerald Street to cater for the traffic expected.

With the planned changes to Gerald Street, it is expected some heavy vehicles will choose alternative routes (such as Tancreds Road).

Why does Gerald Street need traffic lights?

Traffic lights help future-proof the network by improving safety and providing more predictable access from side roads as traffic increases. They also create safer crossing opportunities for people walking and cycling. Without intersection upgrades, safety risks and delays are expected to increase as volume grows.

What’s the plan with the traffic lights?

The plan includes four sets of traffic lights installed in this order at the intersections of Gerald Street intersections with:

  • West Belt, (Stage One)
  • Vernon Drive (at the New World), (Stage Two-Three)
  • Springs Road, Ellesmere Junction Road (by the Lincoln University) (Stage Two-three)
  • James Street and Edward Street (Stage Four)

The West Belt traffic lights are within the Stage One construction area and are being completed first. These will improve access to and through the town centre and include pedestrian crossing features to help people cross Gerald Street more safely.

The traffic lights at the Vernon Drive intersection will be constructed as part of Stage Two and will help with managing traffic around the New World supermarket and the new commercial areas nearby.

The traffic lights at Springs Road intersection will be built as part of Stage Three, to help manage the traffic increase predicted at the intersection including from the new Earlsbrook Development south on Springs Road and Lincoln University.

The final works (Stage Four) will be to add the traffic lights at the James Street and Edward Street intersection to improve safety and traffic flow through this intersection and connect cyclists across the Liffey Culvert to Gerald Street.

Why not install a roundabout at the Gerald/James/Edward intersection instead of traffic lights?

Traffic lights were chosen because an appropriately sized roundabout would require land acquisition, which is difficult and expensive. Signals are also better suited to managing peak flows and improving safety for people walking and cycling, including connecting the Rail Trail and key pedestrian routes.

When will the traffic signals at the intersection of West Belt and Gerald Street be activated?

We plan to switch on the traffic lights as soon as it is practical to do so. However, the intersection is located very close to where construction for Stages 2 and 3 of the Lincoln Town Centre Upgrade will begin. During construction, temporary traffic management with portable traffic signals is expected, and having both sets of lights operating so close together, could create confusion and potential safety risks.

To manage this, the permanent traffic signals will be activated at the most appropriate time once construction staging is confirmed. Selwyn District Council is currently procuring the Stage 2 and 3 construction contract, and a detailed construction programme will be developed as part of this process. The contract is expected to be signed in August 2026, which will help confirm the timing for when the traffic lights can be safely brought into operation

Trees

What is the plan for trees in the town centre area?

The upgrade will increase the tree canopy in the town centre, helping create greener, more vibrant public spaces.

Council engaged an arborist to assess all the trees in the work area and we will be designing the work to keep trees wherever possible. However, some trees will need to be removed where they are damaging infrastructure or for safety of the new road layout.   

The project will plant more trees than it will remove which will increase the overall tree canopy. Stage 1 alone will introduce more than 50 new trees.

More details can be found here, Selwyn District Council - Lincoln Town Centre upgrade planting more than 50 new trees in tree swap for new town centre design.

Why are trees being removed as part of the Lincoln Town Centre upgrade? Which ones and when?

Five trees along Gerald Street are being removed due to their impact on underground infrastructure, safety concerns, and to align with the new town centre design.

The trees to be removed include three London Plane trees at the Gerald/Robert/William intersection and one London Plane and one Norway Maple at the Gerald Street and Lyttelton Street intersection.

How many new trees will be planted, and where?

More than 50 new trees will be planted around Gerald Street and the new plaza area to enhance the town's green canopy.

More details can be found here (scroll down) and here.

Were the existing trees assessed before deciding on removal?

Yes, an independent arborist conducted an Arboricultural Impact Assessment to evaluate the effects of the proposed design on existing trees and vegetation.

Will any trees initially marked for removal be retained?

Yes, through design modifications and mitigation strategies, seven trees initially conflicting with the design will be retained.

What types of trees will be planted?

A variety of tree species and sizes of both natives and exotics, including some more mature trees, will be planted to provide an established feel upon completion.

More details can be found here (scroll down) and here.

If you have any further questions on the Lincoln Town Centre upgrade, please email lincolntcplan@selwyn.govt.nz

Speed limits

Why is the speed limit being reduced to 40km/h?

The speed limit on Gerald Street was planned to be reduced to 30km/h, but will now be 40km/h, between West Belt and the Liffey Stream. 

In 2024 the Government released new guidelines on how Councils should set speed limits, which means the Council is required to change the speed limit on Gerald Street to 40km/h. We will have further updates on this if changes are required. Council staff will consider changing the speed limit to 30km/h if the guidelines change in the future. 

A low-speed environment through the retail core will increase safety and improve the number of crossing opportunities for pedestrians to access businesses.

Cycle lanes

Why do we need cycle lanes?

Cycle lanes help make the town centre safer for everyone. Cyclists already use Gerald Street and will continue to. The cycle lanes will reduce the risk of crashes between cyclists and cars or cyclists and pedestrians. These will also provide a more sustainable way to move around the township. 

Including cycle lanes on both sides of Gerald Street linking the Liffey Stream to Lincoln University was identified as a priority by submitters during consultation on the original town centre plan.   

The Gerald Street design has separated cycle lanes (known as Copenhagen style) east of Springs Road to west of West Belt where the road then is expected to become a 40 km/h zone. The separated cycle lanes then transition to painted on-road cycle lanes to the Liffey Stream culvert where wider paths will connect to Edward Street.   

Once completed, the cycle lanes will allow safer cycle access between Lincoln University and the township area to the east, improving cycle access to schools as well as providing a connection with the Christchurch to Little River Rail Trail on the east side of the Liffey, allowing trail users to come into town and use the shops.

Consultation in 2016 also showed that top priorities identified by the community included the establishment of cycle lanes. Gerald Street is observed to be a critical commuter route and as such it was anticipated that cyclists would use the road regardless of there being alternative options. To facilitate a dedicated link and improve the safety of that connection to align with future traffic growth, dedicated on road cycle lanes were seen as a preferred option for the west and eastbound directions.

Why not a shared path?

Shared paths were considered, but they would mean having cyclists and pedestrians sharing the same space. Different speeds can create conflicts and make some people feel unsafe. Providing dedicated cycle facilities helps improve safety and comfort for everyone.

Why not a two-way separated cycleway on one side of the road?

Two-way facilities can be more hazardous at side roads and driveways as drivers not expect cyclists to be approaching from the opposite direction. Keeping cycleways on both sides of the road, supports predicable movements and safer intersections – especially alongside the new traffic signals

Are the cycle lanes safe for cyclists?

Yes. Reduced speeds and dedicated cycle space will improve safety for cyclists and other road users. The design provides separated cycle lanes through key sections and connects to wider paths near the Liffey Stream to link into the wider network.

Bus stops

What is the plan for bus stops on Gerald Street?

The bus stops between the Liffey Stream and Springs Road will be reduced from four to three in each direction. This supports a safer, more efficient layout through the town centre while maintaining convenient access to key destinations.

The existing bus stops by the Liffey Stream will remain. The kerbs, landscaping, and footpath around this bus stop will be renewed as part of the project. The existing bus stop by New World will remain.

The two stops near Murray Place and West Belt (by the library) will be removed and replaced with one located about 100m west of the West Belt intersection. The bus stop by the library needs to be removed due to the traffic signals being installed at the West Belt intersection. We’ll provide timely updates before any stop changes take effect.

Why are the bus stops by the library being moved?

The Gerald Street bus stop near West Belt is being shifted to the west to allow for the installation of traffic signals in the West Belt and Gerald Street intersection. This change also helps improve safety and traffic flow around this busy area.

This bus stop will also replace the stop west of Murray Place, reducing the number of bus stop along Gerald Street from four to three.

The three bus stops will be in the most prominent spots close to community services. The distance between them will not exceed 500 metres.

Costs

How much is this going to cost?

The Lincoln Town Centre was reconfirmed in the 2024 Long-Term Plan, with planned costs of $46.3 million.

Why did it increase from $15.6 million in the 2016 summary report to $46 million in the 2024-2034 Long-Term Plan?

The upgrades to the Lincoln Town Centre were adopted in 2016. The estimated costs in 2016 were $15.6 million, this included undergrounding power lines, traffic signals at key intersections, and the reconstruction of Gerald Street, including cycle lanes.   

The upgrade was reconfirmed in the 2024 Long-Term Plan, with planned costs of $46.3 million. The cost for all infrastructure projects has increased significantly, at greater than the rate of inflation in the past three years, which has increased the cost, but the Council remains committed to investing in a safer, more connected and future-ready Lincoln town centre.

Stormwater

What are you doing to improve the stormwater system in Gerald Street?

As part of the town centre upgrade, Gerald Street is receiving a new stormwater treatment system that cleans the water before it reaches local rivers. This is a new and important step for our community.

The system uses rain gardens placed along Gerald Street and nearby side streets. When it rains, water flows into these planted gardens where soil, plants and natural filtration help remove sediment and contaminants. Cleaner water then continues through the network and into our waterways.

The benefits:

Improving stormwater quality brings real environmental benefits such as:

  • Cleaner waterways to support native plants, fish and birdlife
  • Rain gardens reduce pollutants entering streams and rivers
  • Natural filtration helps manage flooding during heavy rain
  • Greener streets make the town centre more attractive

Why are you installing a stormwater detention tank in a public car park?

The works on Gerald Street, next to The Famous Grouse Hotel, involve the installation of an underground stormwater detention tank.

The stormwater system for Gerald Street is being upgraded to meet the current Selwyn District Council requirements (including climate change) as part of the Lincoln Town Centre project. The tank will detain stormwater and release it slowly to balance the peak stormwater runoff. This will protect the downstream network (Liffey Stream) from erosion in larger events.

Once construction is complete, the site will be fully reinstated as a car park, including new asphalt surfacing

What is stormwater?

Stormwater is what we call the rain that runs off roads, footpaths, roofs and driveways. It flows into gutters, through the stormwater network and then into streams, rivers and wetlands. Because it is not treated, anything it collects along the way such as litter, dirt, oil or other pollutants also enters our waterways.

If you have any further questions on the Lincoln Town Centre upgrade, please email lincolntcplan@selwyn.govt.nz