Draft plan - Stuff

Distinctive City
Strengthening the grid
The grid of the city is a strong feature of
Christchurch and one that is made possible and
accentuated by the flat landscape in which it sits.
The grid is typical of colonial
settlements as it was easy to
survey and its rectangular sections
facilitated land sales.
The rigid grid is relieved by several
features, including the Avon River/Ōtakaro,
Cranmer and Latimer Squares and two
diagonal streets cutting across the grid –
one originally leading to Papanui Bush
(Victoria Street), the other to Ferrymead
near the base of the Bridle Path (High
Street/Ferry Road).
Despite some relief, the formality of the
colonial grid creates enormous spaces,
both between and within its 100m x 200m
blocks.
Three large squares provide generous
public open spaces within the Central City,
in addition to the vastness of Hagley Park.
Christchurch’s wide streets permit distant
views to the Port Hills and Southern Alps.
While these qualities are important to the
identity of Christchurch, and should not
be compromised, there are opportunities
to complement this with a fine-grained,
plot-based approach to building design and
the creation of different types of laneway
and courtyard spaces within blocks. This
ensures the scale of the city becomes more
people-friendly and accommodates a
diversity of activities and experiences.
Before and after benefits of lanes and courtyards:
Existing City Grid
One Route
Active frontages
Similar types of Spaces
City Grid Retained and Added to
Choice of Routes
Hierarchy of active frontages
Variety of Spaces
Variety of tenancies
Variety of experiences
Above: Christchurch’s street grid was laid out by
Edward Jollie in 1850 and is an essential part of
Christchurch’s identity and character - it’s how we
know and find our way around the Central City. It
is part of the ‘core architecture’ of a city.
Strengthening the city grid
project
Life on the street
Life on and off the street
What: Council will encourage good
urban design principles to reinforce
the city’s street pattern
When: Ongoing
Who: Through the Council’s own
projects and supporting building
owners, developers and designers
Creating views along main streets Enclosed lanes Creating courtyards for
events and activities
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Draft Christchurch City Council Central City Plan