Ballarat Street Stormwater Upgrade, Outfall and Footpaths - Queenstown
Our civil construction team has been hard at work upgrading vital stormwater infrastructure along Ballarat Street in Queenstown — a key project designed to improve water quality, reduce surface flooding, and enhance community connectivity.
The team recently completed the replacement of 90 metres of aging stormwater pipe between the Village Green and Stanley Street. The newly installed pipe has a 900mm diameter — nearly twice the size of the previous one — allowing it to carry significantly more runoff during heavy rain events. This upgrade is a major step in helping Queenstown adapt to the more intense and frequent rainfall patterns linked to climate change.
A new outfall structure has also been constructed to safely discharge treated stormwater into Horne Creek. The team carefully connected this structure to the upgraded network, so it can play an important role in filtering the initial runoff — which typically carries the most pollutants — before it reaches Horne Creek and ultimately Lake Whakatipu.
To support this new system, the team installed two 2.3m-diameter manholes at the Stanley Street/Ballarat Street intersection, along with a large underground inspection chamber. This allowed for full connection of the new network, which was carefully backfilled and restored on schedule — with all roads reopened in time for the King’s Birthday weekend.
This complex work involved overnight shifts, demonstrating the dedication and skill of the crew. Alongside the stormwater improvements, the team completed pavement preparations and laid new footpaths. These now connect the stairway from Melbourne Street all the way down to the outfall, improving accessibility and safety for pedestrians. The finishing touches included landscaping and the installation of new light poles, helping create a more welcoming public space.
This project is part of a broader effort to upgrade Queenstown’s infrastructure, supporting both the environment and the local community for years to come.
