LFBIT Opens New Bridge and Advances Christchurch Disability Housing Development
This bridge honours the Trust’s first resident and marks a major milestone in New Zealand’s first comprehensive disability and rehabilitation hub
On Friday 14th August 2026, the Trust celebrated a major milestone toward the development of our new accessible housing build with the official opening of our new bridge connecting the site at 126 North Parade across Dudley Creek.
The bridge, which provides direct access between our North Parade property and the Richmond community, represents the first completed stage of the Trust’s vision for New Zealand’s first comprehensive rehabilitation, recovery and supported housing hub.
The development addresses an increasingly urgent need as New Zealand faces a growing prevalence of people with multiple disabilities and complex health conditions, and an aging population within a fragmented health and disability service.
“There is a significant lack of housing for people with complex disabilities in New Zealand. We’re building five, six-bedroom homes, purpose-built for accessibility and community connection to help address this need,” says Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust Chief Executive Kathryn Jones.
Mana Whenua led the ceremony as Rt Hon Chris Hipkins officially opened the bridge at a community celebration attended by residents, families, supporters, and community partners.
The bridge was opened in honour of Trish Fox, the Trust’s first-ever resident, in recognition of her lifelong connection to the Laura Fergusson community.
The completion of the bridge is a significant milestone in the Trust’s long-term development project, which will ultimately provide purpose-built homes for 30 residents with high and complex disability needs as phase one, and specialist rehabilitation and clinical services in phase two.
The wider development will replace the Trust’s recently sold, ageing residential facility at Ilam Road with modern, purpose-designed housing and support services that better meet the increasingly complex needs of people living with brain injuries, spinal injuries and other disabilities.
Bridge Dedicated to Founding Resident Trish Fox
Born on 16 March 1962, Trish Fox moved into the newly established Laura Fergusson Trust Home at 279 Ilam Road on 21 February 1978 at just 16 years of age, becoming the Trust’s first Canterbury resident.
She often shared memories of that day, recalling volunteers working tirelessly to prepare the new home for the 15 residents arriving to begin a new chapter in their lives.
The Ilam Road facility had been purpose-built to provide residential accommodation for young people with physical disabilities and when the home was officially opened on 3 March 1979 by Lady Laura Fergusson and her husband Lord Ballantrae, Trish was chosen to present Lady Fergusson with flowers on her arrival.
Trish remained part of the Laura Fergusson family for the rest of her life, living at the Ilam Road home until her passing in November 2024. It was her home for nearly 47 years.
When asked at her 60th birthday celebrations what the highlight of her life had been, her answer was immediate: “The day I moved into Laura Fergusson.”
“Dedicating this bridge to Trish is a privilege,” says Jones. “Trish was a passionate advocate for disability rights and a much-loved member of our community. She was respected and loved by all who knew her. Naming this bridge after her ensures her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.”
“People with complex disabilities deserve homes and support environments that enable them to thrive,” says Jones. “This milestone honours where we have come from, while helping us build a future that will support generations to come.”
