As chair of the New Brighton Residents Association and co-chair of the New Brighton Project, I make an effort to get out around, not just central New Brighton, but the wider Coastal area as well.
What is noticeable is the vibrancy and resurgence over the whole area. For some years I lived at 411 Estuary Rd (that house was taken by the quake), and for all the trips past over the years, had never been into the South Brighton Tennis Club just up the road.
I rectified that oversight this week and was stunned to find all top grade weather courts and brand new lighting for twilight tennis, putting this club up with the best in the city.
One of my favourite runs was down Rockinghorse Rd, and like my house, many down this way copped a hiding from the shakes. Well things are changing here with new houses and quite a few repairs, and it is great to see the high pile foundations.
The City Council are nearing the end of installing a replacement water mains pipe down the entire length of the street and that is a vote of confidence in the Southshore and another step bringing the services infrastructure up to speed.
In central New Brighton, the food outlets are just loving the large number of tradesmen operating close by at the school, church and surf club, and this has been good for locals in respect to work. Try getting a plumber, electrician or builder at the moment.
Despite this the Seaview housing development old school demolition is well under way, the surf club completion is on the home straight, and the $2 million dollar St Faiths Church repair is bang on schedule.
The Coast is not coasting.