Annual Report 2010 - Christchurch City Council

p12. Annual Report
Christchurch Otautahi
2010
Highlights
Our achievements
Our achievements
In the past financial year, the Christchurch City Council
has continued to provide those essential services necessary
to keep the city running smoothly such as rubbish
collection, water supply and the operation of libraries and
leisure centres. At the same time, a number of new projects
and services have been introduced to help achieve our
vision of becoming a world-class boutique city. Highlights
are set out below.
Ocean Outfall
Christchurch’s biggest construction project to date – the $83.3 million
Ocean Outfall pipeline – was officially opened in March 2010. The
outfall system includes a new pump station at the Christchurch
Wastewater Treatment Plant oxidation ponds and a five kilometre
pipeline. The system carries highly treated wastewater out to sea.
Previously the wastewater was discharged into the Avon-Heathcote
Estuary.
City Mall
The revitalisation of City Mall was completed and officially opened
by the Mayor in December 2009. The pedestrian shopping precinct
in the heart of the city underwent a major renovation to create an
exciting new destination for visitors and residents. The project was
part of the Council’s strategy to revitalise the Central City.
Bus priority
The Council continued its programme of bus priority in 2009/10,
with the introduction of bus lanes and other priority measures on the
Papanui/Belfast, Colombo Street South and Queenspark via Hills
Road routes. The measures have helped improve bus travel times and
have resulted in an increase in passenger numbers.
Graham Condon Recreation and Sport Centre
Construction of the Graham Condon Recreation and Sport Centre
started in June 2010. The $13 million complex, which is being built on
Papanui High School land, will boast an eight-lane, ramped 25-metre
indoor swimming pool, a ramped spa pool, a ramped learners’ pool,
a separate toddlers’ pool with wet deck and water toys, a 300 square
metre sports hall and a new fitness centre.
Tram extension
Work started on the extension of Christchurch’s Central City tram
route in 2010. The Council approved the extension of the Christchurch
tram route on 30 June 2009 and included funding for the project
in its Long Term Council Community Plan 2009-19. The first stage
of the tram extension, to the corner of High and Tuam streets, is to
be completed in time for Rugby World Cup 2011. Tram tracks have
already been laid in City Mall as part of the revitalisation of the
Central City pedestrian precinct.
Ellerslie International Flower Show 2010
Christchurch’s second Ellerslie International Flower Show was
held in 2010, with thousands of visitors once again enjoying the
show. The success of the second event helped cement the show’s
new home in Christchurch, with visitors commenting on the
improvements over the 2009 show and looking forward to next
year.
Belfast Area Plan
The Council adopted the Belfast Area Plan in June 2010. It is
the second area plan specifically developed by the Council to
sustainably manage development in key greenfield areas around
the city; the first was the South-West Christchurch Area Plan
adopted in April 2009.
Aranui library
Resource consent for the new Aranui Library project was granted in
June 2010. The eagerly awaited new library facility will be built on
land in Aldershot Street, bordering on to Wainoni Park, and is due
to open in the middle of 2011.
A city for people
The Council in February 2010 adopted A City for People, the action
plan for the implementation of the Public Space Public Life Study
developed by Danish urban designer Jan Gehl. The work includes
developing a concept plan for a high-quality walk along Colombo
Street from Victoria Square to the new Transport Interchange, and
investigating a change for Colombo Street to one of shared priority
for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport.
Akaroa Museum storage facility
The new Akaroa Museum storage building was officially opened
in February 2010. The new storage space, which is linked to the
existing museum, will enable the collection of precious objects for
the community to treasure well into the future.