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Lookout planned near Sign of the Bellbird, in Christchurch's Port Hills
A proposed lookout to take in the "best view" from Christchurch's Port Hills has just over half of the $370,000 it will cost to build. 

The Summit Road Society wants to upgrade the car park at the edge of the Ohinetahi Reserve, opposite the Sign of the Bellbird, by adding a lookout area, stone wall, and native plantings. 

A concept picture of the proposed John Jameson Lookout, near the Sign of the Bellbird in the Port Hills, Canterbury.

The lookout will be named after John Jameson, the environmentalist grandson of Harry Ell who founded the Summit Road Society. He died in 2018, aged 97. 

So far, 55 per cent of the expected costs have been funded, including $150,000 from a city council grant. Society president Bill Woods said he was confident they would be able to raise the rest of the funds needed. The society is asking for donations from the public and intends to set up a Givealittle page. He hoped the project could be finished in about 18 months.

Woods said the lookout would be attractive to tourists and locals. 

"We think it is the best view of the Lyttelton Harbour and out to the heads that you can get on the Port Hills."

The existing car park is owned and managed by the council. The proposed lookout will be on land owned by the society. 

Those wishing to donate can do so by going to the Summit Road Society website. 

Stuff  Michael Hayward