Christchurch Central Recovery Plan - New Zealand Listener

Ministerial ForewordHe Kōrero WhakatakiRebuilding central Christchurchis one of the most ambitiousprojects in New Zealand’shistory. The post-earthquakerecovery gives us the chance tomake a new, even better centralcity, and the Government isfully committed to realising thisvision in partnership with localgovernment, iwi, businesses,investors, non-governmentalorganisations and thecommunity. Solid progress hasbeen made to date in respondingto the earthquakes: now it is timeto extend our horizons and planfor the long term.What could a 21st century city look like ifits people were given the chance to ‘buildagain’, keeping the good and improvingthe rest? Greater Christchurch has analmost unprecedented opportunity to findout. Sitting within the overall RecoveryStrategy for Greater Christchurch: MahereHaumanutanga o Waitaha, and buildingon the work of the Christchurch CityCouncil, this Recovery Plan will drivethe restoration and enhancement of thecentral business district.International examples show that it isimportant to have a broad and flexibleplan to guide development, and to listento the voices of the community. Thepeople of greater Christchurch havesaid they want a distinctive, vibrant,green and accessible city. A compactcommercial core will be an active hubfor that city. Public spaces will enrichthe built environment. Urban living willbecome an attractive possibility withsubstantial development of a range ofdifferent residential options. The rebuiltcity will enhance greater Christchurch andbe a focal point of social, economic andcultural capital.Achieving this vision will require both boldaction up front and a long-term view.The initial steps will be taken very quickly,but it’s important to acknowledge thatthe overall planning horizon for recoveryis measured in decades, not months,and the answers for central Christchurchwill continue to evolve. This is why theRecovery Plan must be broad andflexible while also committing to specificdevelopments to start off the process.The Recovery Plan incorporates a spatialBlueprint Plan, which uses leading urbandesign principles to shape the new cityand locates anchor projects that willencourage investment and growth. Froma world-class convention centre to thecivic heart of the Square and the Papao Ōtākaro/Avon River Precinct, greaterChristchurch will have the facilities,infrastructure and cultural touchstones ofa truly international city, one that servesas ‘the gateway to the South Island’.The task ahead is enormous, but historytells us that disaster and opportunitycan lie close together. The 1906 SanFrancisco earthquake and fire, forinstance, was a devastating tragedybut from it emerged one of the mostbeautiful and dynamic cities in the world.The energy of that rebuild was incredible– over 20,000 new buildings wereconstructed in a few short years – and setthe stage for a century of growth.Success in central Christchurch dependson everyone working under a sharedvision. At first, the Canterbury EarthquakeRecovery Authority, particularly theChristchurch Central Development Unit,will provide leadership. But cities areultimately created by the people whodecide to be part of them – who chooseto invest their talent, capital and heritage.I believe this is a Recovery Plan that willreturn the investment put into it and willprovide confidence in both the centralcity’s potential and in the Government’slong-term commitment to a partnershipmodel of development. It is critical toNew Zealand’s future wellbeing that wesucceed, and I am proud to join thepeople of greater Christchurch as weface the challenges and opportunities ofrecovery together.Hon Gerry BrownleeMinister for Canterbury EarthquakeRecovery, July 2012iiiChristchurch Central Recovery Plan

Christchurch City CouncilNgai TahuThe Christchurch Central Recovery Planis a bold vision for our city. With a focuson creating a framework for investment itgives certainty to business based on thecombined infrastructure commitment of theCouncil and Government. The large anchorprojects in essence give an unequivocalspacial clarity around which private capitalcan cluster and develop with certainty.Our landscape has changed forever and weneed to embrace our new future; to createa city that attracts and retains investmentand people, particularly our own youngpeople who are our future.Contained within and around this Plan’sframework are the spaces, parks,streetscapes, educational, medical andresidential opportunities that will beessential for the renaissance of our ‘Cityin a Garden’. The Plan acknowledgesthat more work will need to be done toensure that the community vision of aCity for People with transport options andfunctioning urban communities that reflectthe real needs and opportunities of the 21stcentury will be met.What is absolutely clear through the Plan,though, is that the Government has made astrong commitment to our city and will workto help Christchurch redevelop with worldclassfacilities - a new convention centrethat will be iconic and set new standardsin design; a new stadium, a new library;new Performing Arts Centre; new indoorswimming pool complex close to HagleyPark; and a range of projects to celebratethe Avon River and green the city.We have lost much as a result of theearthquakes but this framework will ensureChristchurch rebuilds green, sustainableand low-rise - everything our communityasked for through Share an Idea, theCouncil’s internationally award-winningcommunity consultation programme.This can fulfil our community aspirationto not only make Christchurch the bestplace in which to live and work but alsohas the potential to provide a showcase tothe world of a new urbanisation based onprinciples of sustainability and good design.The responsibility now rests with ourdesigners, architects and property ownersto accept the challenge of creating a citythat reflects the aspirations set out in thisPlan.I pay tribute to the City Council team wholead and translated our community’s visionfor the future that informed and shaped thisPlan. I am extremely proud of the work theCouncil did in developing the draft CentralCity Plan, and again working with CERAand key partners, such as Te Rūnanga oNgāi Tahu and Environment Canterbury, tofinalise the Christchurch Central RecoveryPlan. Its influence can be clearly seen in thisplan of implementation.Together we have laid the foundation for acity that can be truly designed for the 21stCentury; it will be safe, modern, green andwill leave a legacy that makes Christchurchone of the best places in the world to liveand work for many generations to come.Bob ParkerMayor of ChristchurchE te rā e whiti e!Ahakoa e oioi tonu ana tewhenua,Ko Waitaha ka piritahi, koWaitaha ka haumāuiui.He toki ki te rika e paopao nei ite ara whakamua mā tātou.Me manawa tītī tātou, kia ekepanuku, kia eke takaroa.Tēnā tātou katoa.When people work together theyachieve together. Nowhere is this moreevident today than in Christchurch andCanterbury. I am struck with a profoundappreciation of humanity and what wecan achieve when we share a commonexperience and belief. My belief is in thiscity, and the place of Ngāi Tahu in this cityand this region.To be successful the rebuild ofChristchurch must have people at itsheart. It is the people that matter most.For Ngāi Tahu, one of the great positivesthat has followed the earthquakes hasbeen these new connections with peopleand organisations right across the region.Never before have we had an opportunityto value and appreciate each othermore. This is the base from which we willrebuild our city together and this is whywe will be successful in creating a vibrantcity that embraces our shared culturaland natural heritage.At the heart of all our plans must bethe people – we must continue to takecare of each other. Today we have anunprecedented opportunity to design acityscape that acknowledges our past,our shared experiences, and our commonfuture.I acknowledge the words of ourkaumātua Aroha Reriti-Crofts: “Build thewhānau and you will build the city.” I amoptimistic that the unfolding of the cityredevelopment can deliver this for all.Mark SolomonKaiwhakahaereTe Rūnanga o Ngāi TahuChristchurch Central Recovery Planiv

Section Title HereVisionTe WawataCentral Christchurch willbecome the thriving heart of aninternational city.It will draw on its rich natural andcultural heritage, and the skills andpassion of its people, to embraceopportunities for innovation andgrowth.Redevelopment will acknowledgethe past and the events that haveshaped the city, while reflecting thebest of the new.vChristchurch Central Recovery Plan

The 2010 and 2011 earthquakes struck one of New Zealand’soldest cities, a community with deep ties to the land, theenvironment and each other.The devastation was widespread, especially in the city’s centre.Some questioned whether central Christchurch could ever bethe same again.It won’t be.It will be even better.1Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

22 February 2011.Photo credit: Getty Images. Photographer: Gillian Needham.Christchurch Central Recovery Plan2

Executive SummaryWhakarāpopototanga MatuaThe Canterbury earthquakes have provided an unprecedented opportunity to rethink, revitalise and renew centralChristchurch. The area can be built back better than it was before, increasing its value to the wider city, the Canterburyregion, and New Zealand as a whole. This opportunity is too good to pass up and the New Zealand Government inpartnership with Christchurch City Council and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu is committed to making the most of it.The vision is for central Christchurchto become the thriving heart of aninternational city. It will draw on itsrich natural and cultural heritage, andthe skills and passion of its people, toembrace opportunities for innovation andgrowth. Building on the Christchurch CityCouncil’s draft Central City Plan, and onover 106,000 ideas submitted by thecommunity during the public consultationprocess, this Recovery Plan sets out howthat vision can be achieved. The Plandefines the form of the central city, setsout the locations of key anchor projectsneeded to optimise recovery, and outlinesblock plans which show what the citycould look like in the future.During the Plan’s development, advicewas sought on proposed projects fromnumerous community groups andorganisations, such as the CommunityForum. The Plan’s proposals are in linewith international benchmarks for a majorcity and make the most of the opportunityto revisit the city’s design. In support of thealready powerful Canterbury economy, thePlan also commits significant resourcesto develop central Christchurch into avibrant, well-formed centre that respondsto the needs not just of our generation,but also of those that follow.International experience shows thatsuccessful recovery from a natural disasteris heavily dependent on substantialredevelopment commencing within threeyears. One year has passed. Speed is ofthe essence.Why recovery?Christchurch is deeply woven into NewZealand’s identity, and New Zealand hasshown the depth of its commitment tothe city and its people over the past 18months.As one of New Zealand’s oldest cities andthe South Island’s largest, Christchurchis known as “the Garden City”, and itholds a special place in New Zealand’sculture and heritage. For centuries it wasa food basket for the Ngāi Tahu sub-tribe,Ngāi Tūāhuriri, and it is currently hometo around 377,000 people from manydifferent cultures.There are compelling economic reasonsto invest in a new central city. Canterburygenerates about 12 per cent of thenational gross domestic product (GDP),and the productivity of Christchurch is keyto the prosperity of the wider Canterburyregion. Historical strengths in many highvaluesectors mean the city can make asubstantial contribution to New Zealand’seconomic growth, and must continue todo so.Christchurch already has many of thefeatures of successful international cities.It is home to the South Island’s biggesthospital, two universities and sevenCrown Research Institutes. It is a keystrategic node in the national transportnetwork. Its airport and seaport – thebusiest in the South Island – play amajor role in getting goods to market,and as a tourism gateway to the SouthIsland. Despite earthquake damage theeconomy continues to perform well,and the underlying physical and socialinfrastructure remains strong. Christchurchis extremely well placed to continue itssignificant contribution to the nationaleconomy.The new city centreA well-formed and vibrant city centreproduces economic and social benefitsby bringing people together for business,cultural or social activities. The resultis greater productivity, connectedness,development of human capital, sharing ofideas and a shared identity.The city centre is also an expression of ourheritage – a reflection of where we havecome from, and a vision of what we wantto become. Greater Christchurch deservesan exciting and sustainable central citythat attracts permanent residents tolive, work and play in an environmentthat is safe, accessible to everyone andresponsive to future changes.If greater Christchurch is to achievethis vision, businesses need to be ableto operate effectively and confidently.Investors need certainty that theirinvestments will be worthwhile, andlocated in the right place to get the bestpossible results.The Christchurch Central Recovery Planprovides a framework for redevelopingthe city centre and will allow investorsto identify a range of investmentopportunities. Substantial positive actionis required to establish confidence andmomentum and, alongside central andlocal government investment, attractthe private and philanthropic investmentneeded for a successful recovery.The Recovery PlanThe design concept for the Recovery Planis the development of a greener, moreaccessible city with a compact core and astronger built identity. It will also be a cityfor all people and cultures, recognising inparticular Ngāi Tahu heritage and places ofsignificance.Defining a new central city “Core”, andproviding new green space and a range ofcommercial and residential developmentopportunities, the “Frame” will reshapecentral Christchurch. Its three components- East, South, and North – each havetheir own distinct character, while UrbanGateways in the north-west and southeastprovide vibrant entry points to thecentral city. Compressing the availablearea in this way addresses the issuesof too much space and potentiallyunconstrained development, while alsoadding high quality urban open space tothe centre. See pages 33-37 for moreinformation.Through use of the Frame, the BlueprintPlan sets out a distinctive, accessibleand connected central city. The blueprintalso lays out precincts and initial anchorprojects to catalyse investment, growthand social energy, bringing people backinto the central city.3Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

The anchor projects are:• The Frame• Earthquake Memorial• Te Puna Ahurea Cultural Centre• Papa o Ōtākaro / Avon River Precinct• The Square• Retail Precinct• Convention Centre Precinct• Health Precinct• Justice and Emergency ServicesPrecinct• Performing Arts Precinct• Central Library• Residential Demonstration Project• Metro Sports Facility• Stadium• Cricket Oval• Bus Interchange• Innovation PrecinctThe projects will reflect the community’swishes, replace facilities that have beendestroyed, stimulate other development,attract people and regenerate and improvethe urban form of the city.The Plan’s anchor projects will bedeveloped and delivered in partnershipwith a number of agencies andstakeholders, including centralgovernment, Christchurch City Council, TeRūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, the private sectorand the community. Having certaintyaround the location of these projectswill also enable the private sector toplan related facilities and invest withconfidence.RolesThe recovery of central Christchurch is anenormous task that will involve everyone.It is a journey to be taken in partnershipwith the city’s many stakeholders toensure that central Christchurch recoversand progresses as a place for thecommunity to be proud of.The Canterbury Earthquake RecoveryAuthority (CERA) is leading and facilitatingthe recovery of central Christchurch, butthe community is at the heart of the visionand success of the recovery. This is clearlyreflected in the enormous contribution thepeople of Christchurch have made to thedevelopment of this Plan. The communitywill continue to play a major part in therecovery, by providing feedback andideas, and through direct involvement inthe redevelopment and use of the city as itis revitalised.The recovery will require considerableinvestment. Government, in collaborationwith the Christchurch City Council, will getthe ball rolling, make major commitmentsand foster opportunities. CERA will worktogether with Christchurch City Counciland Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu to provideclear direction to stakeholders and thewider community. Central and localgovernment will help to restore confidencein central Christchurch by relocatingtheir offices to the city centre, providingguaranteed demand.Roles and responsibilities will change tomatch the needs of each phase of therecovery: as Christchurch comes closer toachieving the vision, central governmentwill take a lesser role and Council,Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and privateinvestment will take centre stage so thatChristchurch is able to sustain itself – mātātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei – for usand for our children after us.AcknowledgementThis Recovery Plan builds on the ChristchurchCity Council’s draft Central City RecoveryPlan, which was presented to the Minister forCanterbury Earthquake Recovery in December2011. That plan, produced quickly by a highlydedicated team with significant contributionsfrom the community, formed the basis for thisRecovery Plan.The Minister and staff of the CanterburyEarthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) wouldlike to acknowledge and thank everyone whowas part of it. Christchurch City Council willcontinue to play a fundamental role in therecovery of central Christchurch.Christchurch Central Recovery Plan4

H A R P E R A V EBlueprint SummaryTe Hononga Mokowā –He WhakarāpopototangaThis diagram highlights thelocations of key projects forwhich sites have been identifiedin this Recovery Plan.The projects are describedin more detail in the relevantsections of this Plan.The detailed Blueprint Plan canbe found on page 33.DEANS AVECricketOvalR I C C A R T O N A V EH A G L E Y A V EMOORHOUSE AVE5Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

BEALEY AVEBEALEY AVEP A R K T C EROLLESTON AVEHealthPrecinctSALISBURY STKILMORE STMetroSportsFacilityV I C T O R I A S TMONTREAL STARMAGH STPapa o ŌtākaroAvon RiverPrecinctHEREFORD STCASHEL STCAMBRIDGE TCEO X F O R D T C EST ASAPH STMONTREAL STDURHAM ST DURHAM STTe Puna AhureaCultural Centre(indicative)ConventionCentreTheFrameRetailPrecinctJustice &EmergencyServicesPrecinctTUAM STCOLOMBO STHEREFORD STCOLOMBO STCOLOMBO STMANCHESTER ST MANCHESTER STPerformingArts PrecinctCentralLibraryTheSquareBusInterchangeSALISBURY STMADRAS STPapa o ŌtākaroAvon RiverPrecinctTheFrameMADRAS STInnovationPrecinctMADRAS STStadiumBARBADOES STResidentialDemonstrationProjectKILMORE STARMAGH STGLOUCESTER STWORCESTER STHEREFORD STCASHEL STLICHFIELD STTUAM STST ASAPH STF E R R Y R DFITZGERALD AVEFITZGERALD AVEMOORHOUSE AVEChristchurch Central Recovery Plan6

Section Title HereRecovery Plan in ContextTe HoropakiRecovery Strategy for Greater ChristchurchStatus and effect of theChristchurch CentralRecovery PlanTe Āhuataka o Maraka ŌtautahiChristchurch City Council'sDistrict Plan objectives,policies and methods(including rules anddesignations)Marketing investmentopportunities in ChristchurchGovernment tenanciesPublic investment in anchorprojectsChristchurch Central Recovery Plan(Including Blueprint Plan and statutory direction)Recovery Plan ImplementationLand acquisition foranchor projectsProvision of infrastructureFacilitating developmentand investment byprivate sectorAttracting new business andresidentsTransitional projectsCommunity engagementPhilanthropic fundingCollaboration with strategicpartners to align investmentand service provisionUnder the Canterbury EarthquakeRecovery Act 2011, a Recovery Plan mustbe developed for the central businessdistrict (CBD) – the area bounded byBealey, Fitzgerald, Moorhouse, Deans andHarper Avenues.The Christchurch Central Recovery Plan isa critical statutory document. From the timeof notification (in the NZ Gazette) of thisRecovery Plan, those existing functions orpowers under the Resource ManagementAct 1991 must not make decisions that areinconsistent with the Recovery Plan. Thesefunctions and powers include decisionson resource consents, and preparingor changing planning documents. TheRecovery Plan can also require thatspecific objectives, policies and methodsare included in or removed from statutorydocuments. If there is an inconsistency, theRecovery Plan prevails.This Recovery Plan directs the ChristchurchCity Council to make a series of changes toits District Plan to ensure the objectives ofthe Recovery Plan are met.These documents must not be inconsistent with the Recovery PlanChristchurch City Council'sLong Term Plan andAnnual PlanLand Transport ManagementAct, Public TransportManagement ActdocumentsConservation Act, ReservesAct, Wildlife ActdocumentsDiagram of the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan relationship to the Recovery Strategy and the components of plan implementation7Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

Section Title HereBuilding a 21st Century CityTe Ara ki te Tāone AhureiThemesGreenProsperousVibrantAccessibleLook aroundListen to the PeopleJourneyCommit to a VisionCreate a BlueprintIdeas to RealityBring Everyone Together and Make It HappenBusInterchangeRetailPrecinctConventionCentreCentralLibraryTe Puna AhureaCultural CentreA 21stCenturyCityMetro SportsFacilityTheSquareTheFrameStadiumHealthPrecinctEarthquakeMemorialInnovationPrecinctCricketOvalPapa o Ōtākaro/Avon RiverPrecinctResidentialDemonstrationJustice andEmergencyServices PrecinctPerformingArts PrecinctChristchurch Central Recovery Plan8

Section Title Here9Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

Section Title HereLook AroundTirohia atu, tirohia maiChristchurch is located on the east coast ofNew Zealand’s South Island and is home to around377,000 people – about 8.5 percent of New Zealand’spopulation. It is the largest city in the South Islandand is crucial to the economic output of theCanterbury region.Christchurch has a rich history, an outstanding naturalenvironment and a diverse, resilient economy. Therecovery will build on these strengths to create adynamic, productive and inspiring central city - forChristchurch and New Zealand.Christchurch Central Recovery Plan10

Look AroundCentral Christchurch in ContextTe HoropakiA variety of elements influence greater Christchurch, its form and culture, uses of the land and thepeople that call it home. This section provides an overview of the people of Christchurch and thehistory of the area.Tāhuhu kōrero/historic backgroundThe Ngāi Tahu migration to Canterburywas led by the hapū, Ngāi Tuhaitaraand the sons of Tū-āhu-riri, Taane-Tiki,Moki and Tūrakautahi. The waka (canoe)that brought them to the region wasthe Makawhiua, whose captain wasthe rangatira (chief), Maka. Once NgāiTuhaitara had established Kaiapoi Pāas their principal fort, the leading chiefssuch as Maka, Huikai, Turakipō, Te Ake,Hika-tutae, Te Raki whakaputa, Whakuku,Makō and Te Ruahikihiki established themana (authority) of Ngāi Tuhaitara to theland by occupation and intermarriage.While Ōtautahi was formerly the name ofa specific site in central Christchurch, itwas adopted by Mr Te Ari Taua Pitamaof Ngāi Tūāhuriri as the general namefor Christchurch in the 1930s. Beforethis, Ngāi Tahu generally referred to theChristchurch area by suburb: Pū-taringamotu(Riccarton), Ōpawa, Puāri (CentralChristchurch West), Ōtautahi (CentralChristchurch East) and Te Kai-a-Te-Karoro (New Brighton). ‘Karaitiana’, aMāori transliteration of the English word‘Christian’ or ‘Christianity’ was also aname used by Ngāi Tahu to refer to thewhole of Christchurch City.From these places of occupation,connections were traced to othermahinga kai resources and settlementsacross Christchurch, Banks Peninsulaand Canterbury. The Ngāi Tahu groupwhich holds the traditional relationshipswith Central Christchurch are the whānauand hapū of Ngāi Tūāhuriri based atTuahiwi marae in North Canterbury. NgāiScene on the Horotueka or Cam/Kaiapoi Pah/Canterbury, 1855, Watercolour on paper - Charles Haubroe watercolour, Canterbury MuseumTūāhuriri are acknowledged as holdingmanawhenua (traditional authority) overthis area of the city.Ā muri ake nei/the futurePlaces and concepts in centralChristchurch hold strong connections andvalues for Ngāi Tahu. These connectionsand values are held by the current NgāiTahu generations who have a culturalresponsibility to pass on this place tofuture generations in better condition thanit is today. The concepts of greening thecity, embracing and improving the healthof the water and the river, and a strongsustainability focus to the redevelopmentof public and commercial spaces makethis an important plan not only for NgāiTahu’s aspirations relating to culture,values and identity, but also for allcommunities of greater Christchurch.11Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

Look AroundPlaces of significance for Ngāi TahuThe Ōtākaro (Avon River) andŌpāwaho (Heathcote River)Supported extensive wetlands andmahinga kai (food and resourcegathering place) in the Christchurchregion.TautahiMahinga kai and kainga nohoanga(village settlement) located on the banksof the Ōtākaro (Avon River).Tautahi Rua KōiwiKōiwi tangata (human remains) werediscovered at the location of the nowSt. Luke’s Vicarage property during sitelevelling for the building’s construction inthe 1860s. This site is believed to be theburial place of Tautahi.PuāriA mahinga kai and kainga nohoanga(village settlement) located on the banksof the Ōtākaro.Puāri Pā UrupāThe urupā (burial place) for Puāri wassituated in sandhills set back fromthe Ōtākaro on the site of the formerChristchurch Public Library at theintersection of Cambridge Terrace andHereford Street.Tī Kouka Fishing MarkerA tī kouka (cabbage tree) that was usedas a fishing marker by local Māori in the19th century stood on the northeastcorner of the CBD in the groundsof Englefield Lodge until its removalin 1922. The tī kouka was formallyreplaced in 1994.Map of central christchurch showing areas of cultural significance to Ngāi TahuMarket SquareMarket Square, currently known asVictoria Square, was an important siteof early trading between Ngāi Tahuand European settlers. Many NgāiTahu, particularly Ngāi Tūāhuriri fromKaiapoi, came to Market Square tosell their produce.Little Hagley ParkLittle Hagley Park is the sliver of landbetween Harper Avenue and CarltonMill Road. In the colonial period itbecame a meeting and resting placefor Ngāi Tahu, mostly Ngāi Tūāhuriri,who often travelled great distancesto Christchurch to sell or trade theirproduce, particularly at the nearbymarkets in Market Square (VictoriaSquare).Christchurch Central Recovery Plan12

Look AroundChristchurch/ŌtautahiThe city of Christchurch was founded in 1850 on flat, swampy ground where the CanterburyPlains meet the Port Hills. The uniform street grid was laid out by Edward Jollie over the naturalenvironment and remains an important part of the city’s identity.Christchurch is home to around377,000 people. It has a higherproportion of older peopleand New Zealand Europeanpeople than the New Zealandaverage, but it is becomingincreasingly ethnically andculturally diverse, with growingMaori, Pacific Island and Asiancommunities.Between 2001 and 2006, the city’spopulation grew by 7.5 percent. Theearthquakes have seen a fall-off fromthis growth, a normal occurrenceafter such an event. The attraction ofemployment during the rebuild willalter this dynamic in both the shortand long term.The central cityCentral Christchurch developed over 160years into a commercial hub with a dailyworking population of 51,000 people atthe time of the earthquakes. More than6,000 businesses were located in thecentral city, and it attracted more than1.8 million visitors annually.Central Christchurch is also the home tomany existing residential communities.Prior to the earthquakes, there wereapproximately 7,000 residents and some3,500 households, over half of them in thenorth-east area of the central city.The life of the city comes from peoplegoing about their daily lives in the city’sstreets, parks, lanes and public buildings.Getting life back into the central city is aprimary objective of recovery.The diverse influences that have shapedthe city throughout its rich history will alsoinfluence its future.Above: James Fitzgerald - View Of Cathedral Square From Hereford Street.Collection of Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu; purchased 1997.Right: Christchurch’s street grid was laid out by Edward Jollie in 1850. Black Map 273.Courtesy of Archives New Zealand/Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga Christchurch Office.13Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

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Look AroundWhy Recovery?Me Maranga Rānei a Ōtautahi?Rebuilding Christchurch is first and foremost the right thing to do.Christchurch is deeply woven into New Zealand’s identity, andNew Zealand has shown the depth of its commitment to the cityand its people over the past two years. The Recovery Plan reaffirmsthat commitment and lays the foundation for a dynamic, productivecentral city at the heart of a strong region.Canterbury is a powerhouseCanterbury is home to over 560,000residents and contributes around 12percent of national gross domesticproduct (GDP). Until the earthquakes,Canterbury was a national growthsuccess story. Between 1999 and 2006,it had the largest net population growthof any region in New Zealand and in thedecade to 2009 its economy was growingfaster than the national trend.Christchurch is crucialChristchurch is crucial to Canterbury andNew Zealand for many reasons.• Christchurch is key to Canterbury’sproductivity, with nearly 70 percentof the region’s economic outputcoming from activities that occurwithin the city• It is the major service centre for theSouth Island• It is home to the South Island’s onlytertiary hospital, two universitiesand seven of New Zealand’s CrownResearch Institutes• It is a major strategic transport hub,with a 24-hour airport, and a portthat handles over $5 billion of exportsper year• It is the tourism gateway to theSouth IslandThe central city is the heart ofgreater ChristchurchA thriving, vibrant central city is critical tothe recovery of greater Christchurch. Citycentres are engines of productivity andinnovation, because the higher densityof people and businesses makes sharingideas and establishing connections easier,encourages competition, and reducessome of the costs of doing business(such as transport costs). The dislocationof businesses following the February 2011earthquake has already had a substantialcost to the economy, with preliminaryestimates suggesting that the lack of acentral city is costing the New Zealandeconomy between $200 and $400 millionper year.The central city was also the location formany cultural and recreational facilitiesthat helped to make greater Christchurcha great place to live, work and visit. Asa city serving almost 560,000 people,Christchurch needs to offer the facilities,services and amenities that would beexpected in any equivalent city worldwide.The opportunityAlthough the earthquakes causedwidespread damage, the city’s physicaland social infrastructure remains strong.Greater Christchurch has many of thequalities that distinguish successfulmid-sized cities worldwide: abeautiful environment, affordability,quality infrastructure, a high levelof connectedness, a strong tertiaryeducation sector and high amenity levelsacross much of the city.It now also has a unique opportunityto build on these strengths. In order toseize that opportunity, this Recovery Plancombines a bold vision, commitmentfrom central and local government toinvest in public facilities and to collaboratewith other key partners, and a focus oncreating the conditions for private sectorreinvestment. The result will be a dynamic,productive and beautiful city that is worthyof the people of greater Christchurch.15Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

Look AroundCanterbury is home toover 560,000 residentsand contributes to 12%of the national GDP.Christchurch Central Recovery Plan16

Look AroundA City ThatRemembersand RespectsHe TāoneWhakamaumaharaA city’s identity is made up of its collectivememories which create a sense of place.After a natural disaster this becomes evenmore important. While this Recovery Planfocuses on central Christchurch, it recognisesthat the effects of earthquakes are regional,national and international.The loss of life and so much of central Christchurch’shistoric and social fabric has heightened the need toremember and connect. Residents remember the areaand its special places before the earthquakes, and certainplaces in the city have a special significance for manypeople.Many historic buildings were lost; some of the centralcity’s liveliest places fell silent. The aftermath showedevery side of the human spirit, especially kindness andresilience.Residents will remember different aspects of the events,from the impressions, the sounds, new language, such as‘munted’ and ‘red zone’, to the spirit of the people whocame to help. The dates – 4 September, 26 December,22 February, 13 June and 23 December – are part ofChristchurch’s anniversary calendar. These will be times toreflect and dates around which new rituals will emerge, aseach of the events had its own character and affected thecity in different ways.Remembering can be formal, or it can be somethingthat happens spontaneously. Although each personwill remember in their own way, it is important that weestablish a place where residents and visitors can spendtime in reflection. The Earthquake Memorial will be ananchor project in the recovery, and its development willinvolve wide consultation.17Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

Look AroundChristchurch Central Recovery Plan18

Section Title Here19Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

Section Title HereListen to the PeopleWhakarongo ki te TangataTo succeed, this Plan must reflect the aspirations of thepeople of Christchurch. With strong hearts and strongminds we can build a better city for us and our childrenafter us.Christchurch Central Recovery Plan20

Listen to the PeopleWhat Do Christchurch People Want For Their City?He Aha Ngā Tino Whāinga?When Christchurch City Council asked people to Share an Idea about the central city recovery, itreceived more than 100,000 suggestions. Advice also came from professional institutes, interestgroups and community organisations.From the community’s responses, fivekey changes formed the basis of the draftCentral City Plan:1. Green city2. Stronger built identity3. Compact CBD4. Live, work, play, learn and visit5. Accessible cityThese changes are reflected in thisRecovery Plan.Build thewhānau andyou will buildthe city.Aroha Reriti-Crofts,Ngāi Tūāhuriri/Ngāi TahuNeed a goodmix of business,retail, culturaland residentialactivities toattract peopleand give thecity life dayand night.Margaret and Clark,St AlbansIntegrate naturewith the urban form:expand riversidegreen spaces, linkwith more greenpockets elsewhere,recreate nativeecosystems.Fiona, Rena and Teo,HillsboroughLow-riseretail/commercial/residentialspace. Let’smake it a cityyou can liveand work in.Paul and Xanthe,SumnerA green CathedralSquare - grass,trees, gardens- outdoor caféssheltered fromthe wind. A placewhere peoplewant to linger.Marilyn, Parklands21Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

Listen to the Peoplelightinglocalartists &performersfewer carstourismperformancevenuesbuildingcodeslearningproducemarketsspecialisedretailmemorialsaffordablepublictransportcyclinggreenCathedralSquareentertainmentcafés &restaurantsparkingsquaresshoppingmixed usebuildingssmallshopsgreenspaceswalkwayssafetycentralcity livingpeoplepedestriansrail/tramAvon RiverŌtākaroriversidefeaturesseparatecycle lanesecofriendlyprecinctsday/nightmarketsbusesbuildingheightsmallssocialisinglanewaysboutiqueshoppingarchitecturaldesignsports &recreationcommercialinitiativesbusexchangefree Wi-FiCommunity responses from ‘Share an Idea’Christchurch Central Recovery Plan22

Listen to the PeopleAspirationsNgā AwheroWhen I walk through thecity I wish to see my NgāiTahu heritage reflected inthe landscape. Our specialindigenous plants that weused for scents, weaving,food and medicine aresomething unique that wecan all celebrate.Maruhaeremuri Stirling,Ngāi Tūāhuriri/Ngāi TahuFlour Power, Regan Gentry (2008), courtesy of SCAPE.Green city• A revitalised Ōtākaro/Avon Rivercorridor• New street trees, improved surfacestormwater treatment and a newnetwork of parks that encourageoutdoor activities• A greener, more attractive centralChristchurch, which includes measuresagainst climate changeStronger built identity• A lower-rise city with safe, sustainablebuildings that look good and functionwell• Use of strong urban design principles• Strengthened heritage buildingsthat can be used for contemporarypurposes• An urban building fabric that speaksto our sense of place, our identity, ourshared cultural heritagePhoto courtesy of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.Compact core• A more compact central city core• Well-designed streetscapes,redeveloped civic buildings, ultra-fastbroadband and free Wi-Fi• Car parking buildings and bus routesaround the CoreLive, work, play, learn and visit• High-quality inner city housing• New metropolitan sporting facilities• A new central library• New public art and performing artsvenues• PlaygroundsAccessible city• A city that is easy to get to and aroundfor all age groups• Excellent walking and cycling pathsand high-quality public transportEmbrace cultural values• A city for all people and cultures• Recognise Ngāi Tahu heritage andplaces of significance• A commitment to enhance an urbanenvironment for future generations• Cultural revitalisation as a catalyst forurban regeneration and prosperity23Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

Listen to the PeopleChallengesNgā Au Hei PikiChristchurch needs a city centre with the facilities, services and amenities that would beexpected in any equivalent city worldwide.The people of greater Christchurch need anddeserve a central area that draws them in tolive, work, learn and play. This area must becreated from the ground up as an environmentaccessible to and welcoming of everyone.Businesses need a base from which they canoperate effectively and link to the rest of theworld.Investors need to be confident that activitywill thrive in the centre, and to see a range ofinvestment opportunities.The facilities and services that have been lostneed to be replaced, relatively quickly. Theseinclude a convention centre, arts and culturalvenues, a public transport hub, a stadium andmetro sports facilities, hotels, and a diversity ofretail and entertainment options.Central Christchurch needs to be designedand resourced so that it can be the focus foreconomic, social and cultural activities like anysuccessful city.Key challengesToo much spaceThe demand for commercial and retail space is notenough to fill the current area of the central city.How can the city deal with this surplus of space?Extent of damageThe damage in central Christchurch is widespread.It is not about filling in a few gaps; whole areasneed to be rebuilt.How can large-scale rebuilding proceed without‘pepper-potting’ – developing many separate areaswith no critical mass?Attracting investmentReplacing the number of facilities proposed ina short time will be challenging. Public sectorfunding and facilitation of projects will be subjectto business case processes, and will need tostimulate private sector (including philanthropic)investment. Over time the private sector isanticipated to provide the greater proportion ofrecovery interest.How do we catalyse private sector investment?Time to fixIt will take time to redevelop the central city. Duringthe transition the central city needs to be a socialplace that is vibrant and comfortable, attractingpeople and investment again.How can the central Christchurch area be made tofeel like a great place to be again so people comeback?Multiple ownersThe growth of the central city over time meansthat it now has thousands of different land owners.To get the best from the rebuild, the core needscoordinated design, which incorporates thefeatures that the citizens of greater Christchurchhave said are desirable, such as open space, light,innovative and safe design, and land owners needto know they will be able to achieve economicreturns.How can coordinated design and implementationbe encouraged to occur?East is worst hitThe loss of fabric in the east of the central city isfar worse than in the west. As a result, individualredevelopments may seem isolated until the overallrecovery has advanced further.How can the eastern area gain spatial definition?Christchurch Central Recovery Plan24

Section Title Here25Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

Section Title HereCommit to a VisionHe Whakatau WawataCentral Christchurch recovers and progresses as a placefor the community to be proud of: a distinctive, vibrant andprosperous 21st century city centre to live, work, play, learn,stay and invest in – mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei –for us and for our children after us.Christchurch Central Recovery Plan26

Commit to a VisionVisionTe WawataCommitmentRuruku ki te KaupapaCentral Christchurch willbecome the thriving heart ofan international city.It will draw on its rich naturaland cultural heritage, and theskills and passion of its people,to embrace opportunities forinnovation and growth.Redevelopment willacknowledge the past and theevents that have shaped thecity, while reflecting the best ofthe new.Central government is committed to workingin partnership with local government, iwi,businesses, investors, non-governmentalorganisations and the community to realisethe vision set out in this Plan.Together, we will make it happen.In working together towards recovery, we will embracethese important Ngāi Tahu values:• Manakitanga (love and respect for people)• Kaitiakitanga (stewardship)• Tohungatanga (knowledge and wiseconsideration of decisions)• Rangatiratanga (leadership and authority)27Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

Commit to a VisionChristchurch Central Recovery Plan28

29Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

Create a BlueprintHangaia te Hononga MokowāThe Blueprint was developed by a professionalconsortium working with CERA’s Christchurch CentralDevelopment Unit over a 100 day period.A key focus of the Blueprint Plan is to consolidate acentral area so that it functions more effectively. Aspacial Blueprint Plan has been produced, based ondesign principles, that address the challenges identified.

Create a BlueprintDesign Principles: Addressing the ChallengesNgā Mātāpono Hoahoa: Kia Hikitia te Mānuka1.2.3.4.5.CompressContainCatalyseSupportRepairCompress the sizeand scale of expecteddevelopment togenerate a criticalmass in the Core.Contain the Core tothe south, east andnorth with a frame.Position anchor projectsso that developmentopportunities arecreated around andbetween them.Locate anchor projectswhere the existingamenity featuressupport their success.Focus on the areasthat need the mostassistance to redevelop.31Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

Create a BlueprintTO BE DEMOLISHEDTO BE DEMOLISHED1OPENFOR SALEFOR SALEOPENFOR SALEVACANTTEMPORARY ART INSTALLATIONS2UNDER CONSTRUCTIONGAP FILLERSLIVE MUSIC EVENTSOPENGAP FILLERSFOR SALENOW LEASINGCHCHSURETORISEOPENING SOON !FREE PARKINGINNER CITY MARKETSFOOD MARKETDESIGNERS MARKETANTIQUE MARKETOFFICE SPACENOW LEASINGNEWNEW OFFICE BUILDINGSNEW3REPAIRED BUILDINGSNEW LANEWAYSRETAIL HEARTCENTRAL CITY LIVINGOLDNEWOLD6.7.8.9.10.Embracethe riverOpenspaceCompleteExistingvalueAttractRespond to the rivercorridor as the highestvalueamenity space.Create new openspaces and improveexisting open spaces.Complete the Core asquickly as possible.Re-use existingbuildings and buildingelements to providecontinuity andreference points to thecity’s past.Invite and attractpeople into the centralarea as a place to live,work, play, learn, visitand invest.Christchurch Central Recovery Plan32

Create a BlueprintThe Blueprint PlanTe Hononga MokowāHarper AveThe Blueprint Plan provides a spatial framework for centralChristchurch. It describes the form in which the central city can berebuilt as a whole, and defines the locations of ‘anchor’ projects,which will stimulate further redevelopment.Deans AveHagley ParkA frame will help define a centralarea known as ‘the Core’, whichwill be of a scale appropriate tocurrent demand. The Frame willallow for short to medium termexpansion and development ofcentral Christchurch.A series of anchor projects will helpoptimise the development and layout ofa revitalised centre. The location of theseprojects will allow private investors toundertake development opportunities.The Ōtākaro/Avon River will be celebratedas the city’s new river front precinct. Itwill provide a link for a number of othergreen spaces and provide an opportunityfor people to relax and play. It will alsocreate opportunities for the city’s culturesto be celebrated. Ngāi Tahu’s values andconnections to the Ōtākaro/Avon Riverwill be embraced.Over time, more people will live in thecentral city, creating new neighbourhoodsand adding to the vibrancy of the area.A demonstration housing project willprovide real examples of how attractiveinner city living can be.A metro sports facility and a stadiumwill be built, the Hagley Cricket Ovalenhanced, and the Square will berevitalised. A new convention centre willattract a wide range of conferences,workshops and events to Christchurch. Itwill also support a range of associatedhospitality businesses, including hotelsand restaurants.Arts and culture will be celebratedwith new performance facilities, aprofessional theatre and public artworkswoven through the central city. Thelove of learning will be stimulated andencouraged in places like the newCentral Library and the Health Precinct.Buildings will be designed to interactwith the surrounding streets andneighbourhoods, helping make thecentre safe, accessible and welcoming,day and night.Residents and visitors will be able tochoose whether to travel into and aboutthe city by public transport, cycle orcar. Pedestrians will be given priorityon streets within the Core; car parkingfacilities will be within easy walkingdistance.Blueprint Plan Key1 The Frame2 Convention Centre Precinct3 Stadium4 Metro Sports Facility5 Bus Interchange6 Papa o Ōtākaro/Avon RiverPrecinct7 Te Puna Ahurea CulturalCentre (indicative site)8 The Square9 Performing Arts Precinct10 Justice and EmergencyServices Precinct11 Health Precinct12 Cricket Oval13 Residential Demonstration14 Central Library15 Innovation Precinct16 Retail PrecinctA Canterbury MuseumB Arts CentreC Christchurch Art GalleryD CCC Civic OfficesE BallantynesF CPIT CampusDeans Ave12Riccarton AveGTemporary CathedralHPossible Future ParkBlueprint Plan0 10050 20033Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

Ferry RdCreate a BlueprintFor Limited Distribution. Draft as at 27 July 2012 Rev 2.8Bealey AveVictoria StPark TceHSalisbury StPeterborough StKilmore StCranmer Square7961Chester StArmagh St9113214Gloucester St11ARolleston AveBCDCambridge Tce616168E1616Latimer SquareGWorcester StHereford StCashel StFitzgerald Ave311Oxford Tce105 1515High StTuam St1111115Saint Asaph StHagley Ave4FSelwyn StWallace StStewart StAntigua StMontreal StDurham StColombo StMoorhouse AveManchester StMadras StBarbadoes StNot Government PolicyChristchurch Central Recovery Plan34

Create a BlueprintThe FrameTe TāparepareDefining the Core, and providing new green space and a range of commercial and residentialdevelopment opportunities, the Frame will reshape central Christchurch. Its three components –East, South and North – each have their own distinct character, while the Urban Gateways in thenorth-west and south-east provide vibrant entry points to the central city.The Frame in tandem with zoning provisions, reduces the extent of the central city commercial area so that the oversupply of land is addressed. It will help to increase the value ofproperties generally across the central city in a way that regulations to contain the central core, or new zoning decisions, could not. The Frame helps to deliver a more compact corewhile diversifying opportunities for investment and development. The Frame allows the Core to expand in the future if there is demand for housing or commercial development.East FrameSouth FrameNorth FrameUrban Gateways• City-wide family playground• Retains the form of historicLatimer Square• Street links through from city toeast• Paths for walking and cycling• Medium-density demonstrationhousing and long-term residentialdevelopment• Provides link to the stadium andpotential fan zone• Facilitates temporary events• A significant opportunity throughviews and vistas to enhance linksto geographical landmarks• Buildings in accessible, openspacelandscape• Education, health, commercialand innovation activity centres• Site of the proposed HealthPrecinct• Lengthwise open space corridorfor walking and cycling• Develops over time• Retains some existing buildingswith potential for use in the newcentral city• Retains some remnants ofheritage buildings• Street and pedestrian linksrunning from north to south• Extension of the river, providingopen space connecting the eastframe towards Hagley Park• A setting for new residential orcommercial development on theedges of the Frame• Opportunity to reveal andcelebrate river streams andsprings prevalent in this area• Connections and links to TautahiRua Kōiwi, the burial site ofTautahi• Historical pathways that oncefollowed the lost river tributariescan become new links• Recognises the historicaldiagonal connections within thecity grid to the port and beyond• Enhanced concepts of Pōwhiri,(welcome) and Tūrangawaewae(a place of belonging) to the citypeople and its visitors• Victoria Square – will bereinstated as ‘the Place ofWelcome’ within the revitalisationof Papa o Ōtākaro/Avon RiverPrecinct• High Street – opportunity toincorporate a network of lanesand provide facilities for stadiumgoers35Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

Create a BlueprintPurpose and Significance of the FrameTe Kaupapa o Te TāparepareThe Frame• Redefines the central city• Provides an attractive location fora range of commercial andresidential activities• Articulates the community visionfor a green, distinctive, vibrant andaccessible city• Will support a greater choice ofhousing to attract a diverse range ofresidents• Adds visual and open space amenity• Reduces the need for District Plan rulesto control development within the Corewhich would otherwise be required toaddress the phasing of development• Gets people back into the city to enjoythe amenity of the Frame (walking,cycling and playing)• Provides an alternative cycling andwalking network linking the Ōtākaro/Avon River and Hagley Park• Provides an attractive campus-styleenvironment for businessesUrbanGatewayEastFrameNorthFrameImplementationProject lead:CERAUrbanGatewayPartners:CCC, ECan, NZTA, TeRūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, thephilanthropic sector and theprivate sectorSouthFrameIndicative design start date:2012Christchurch Central Recovery Plan36

Christchurch Central Recovery Plan37The Frame wraps around part of thecommercial and retail area framing partof the Core. The Core encompasses anarea from Tuam Street in the south, toManchester Street in the east, KilmoreStreet in the north and Montreal Street inthe west.The right sizeHistorically the central city commercialarea has been too large, with variablebuilding quality and occupancy. Acompact Core provides better outcomesfor businesses and investors.Concentrated developmentThe Core will concentrate commercial andretail development in the central city. It willassist economic growth in the long termby providing investors and the communitywith greater certainty.The CoreTe PokapūThe Core of Christchurch will become a moreconcentrated area focused on commercialand retail development, vital for economicprosperity.Living optionsA variety of residential development isprovided for within the Core, giving peoplethe option of living close to where theywork.ImplementationOne part of implementing the Core will beto coordinate changes to public transportfacilities, transport access corridors andpedestrian areas. It may be some timebefore commercial activities return in fullto the centre. However, with the anchorprojects carefully located to stimulatecommercial development around them,some areas should be redeveloped andrepopulated relatively quickly.Create a BlueprintPapa o Ōtākaro /Avon River PrecinctFrame• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •CoreThe Core, Frame and central city zones are defined in Appendix 1 to the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

Create a BlueprintIllustrative concept of a compact core.Christchurch Central Recovery Plan38

Create a BlueprintComplementary ElementsNgā Muka WhiriwhiriA number of otherdesign elements willshape the city.Integrating the Ngāi TahunarrativeWhile this Plan necessarily presentsa shared vision and programmes forthe redevelopment of the central city,it also presents Christchurch with theopportunity to both incorporate andshowcase Ngāi Tahu cultural identity andvalues in a more visionary and integratedway. It takes the approach of intertwiningMāori culture into the redevelopmentof the central city, and as such can becelebrated as a sound foundation for a21st century relationship in urban planningand design in a post-colonial context.From a Ngāi Tahu perspective the startingpoint is the history, the values and thesites of cultural significance within centralChristchurch. There will be numerousopportunities to integrate the NgāiTahu narrative into the new city throughplanning and design of the anchorprojects and precincts.Possible approaches include theplacement of markers and theincorporation of art works by NgāiTahu artists, the development of a newcultural centre and the incorporation ofindigenous flora into the vegetation mixwithin new open spaces.HeritageExisting cultural and built heritage willcontinue to define the identity of centralChristchurch and provide a point ofdifference for visitors and residents alike.The city’s unique Māori and Europeanheritage will be celebrated, and naturalhistory will be embraced as an importantelement of Christchurch’s heritage. Theplanning framework provides for heritagevalues by encouraging the retention ofheritage buildings in the central city.39Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

Create a BlueprintConnections and accessibilityIf greater Christchurch is to benefit fullyfrom a revitalised central city, it needsmodern, efficient connections betweenpeople, businesses and civic facilities.Connections are physical (footpaths,cycleways, public transport, publicspaces such as parks and laneways) andvirtual (ultra-high-speed broadband andsocial networks).The recovery from the earthquakesprovides the opportunity to do more thanreplace lost infrastructure and buildings;there is also an opportunity to enablethe easy connection for people of allages and abilities to the central city.As a minimum, all buildings, footpaths,cycleways and roads constructed willcomply with the Building Act 2004,which requires that they are designedfor the accessibility for all people. Whenaccessibility for the young, elderly anddisabled is included early in the designphase, everyone benefits.The Frame and the high-quality urbandesign of central Christchurch will besupported by a network of pedestrianand cycling facilities. In addition, roadingand public transport facilities andservices will link the central city with itssurrounding suburbs.Lower buildingsLower buildings will become a definingcentral city feature in the medium term. Alower-rise city fits in with the community’swishes and takes account of theeconomic realities and market demandfor property in the Core. It also recognisesthe character and sensitivity of certainareas, such as New Regent Street, andreduces wind tunnels and building shade.Illustrative concept of a central city street scene.Christchurch Central Recovery Plan40

Create a BlueprintUrban designEffective urban design creates attractive,safe and functional places. The interfaceof buildings and their surroundings,including streets and public spaces, isan important component in creating adistinctive city that is attractive to all.For this reason, all buildings in the Corewill be assessed to ensure this criticalurban design aspect is achieved. Using astreamlined consent process will providea swift response to applications, whilstensuring that significant investment in thecentral city rebuild is protected and thequality of the built form is enhanced.Smart citiesKnowledge and social infrastructureare important to a competitive city.Opportunities to share utility corridorsand provide services in the future willbe significant considerations during therebuild.During the infrastructure implementationprogramme, CERA will work with theasset owners to encourage the designof infrastructure that keeps open optionsfor future services, such as smarttechnologies and energy-wise systems.Already work is underway to developa shared utility corridor, introduce thetelecommunications fibre as part of theGovernment’s broadband rollout anddevelop energy demand profiles. Theseinitiatives will also help to establisha ‘smarter city’ platform from whichto develop smart technologies andservices. A key challenge is to ensurethat planning for the future is approachedwith a sufficiently long term focus, in acommercially responsible and affordablemanner. Design and specification in thecentral city have been paused until theRecovery Plan is finalised, so that therequirements for such a platform can beinvestigated, costed and debated withinfrastructure owners and funders.SustainabilityOver the long term, greater Christchurchhas a unique opportunity to redevelopthe city so that it is resilient toenvironmental, social and economicchanges that may affect futuregenerations.Greater Christchurch can expect moredroughts and floods and a rising sealevel due to the changing climate. Energycosts will increase the demand forefficient energy and transport systems.New technologies and competition forglobal resources and talent will reshapethe way business is done.More sustainable technologiesand approaches can be part of theredevelopment of central Christchurch. Itis possible to address the environmentalimpact of construction activities, buildingdesign and performance during theplanning stages. This approach is moreeffective than retrofitting.Sustainable buildings can providehealthier living and working spaces.Because they use resources moreefficiently, they also make operationalsavings over time so are more affordableto use and maintain. The design ofthe central city can consider the wayconstruction wastes are handled, or theway a building is designed and operated.The market will demand new buildingswith innovative technologies that targetlow energy use and energy generation,and that reduce both water usage andthe impacts of wastes leaving the site.Greener, healthier and more resilientbuilding approaches and technologyhelp to create a unique identity for centralChristchurch and a lasting, positivelegacy.Greening the city, embracing andimproving the health of the water and theriver, and focusing strongly on sustainableredevelopment of public and commercialspaces are also consistent with theculture, values and identity of Ngāi Tahu.Crime Prevention ThroughEnvironmental DesignCrime Prevention Through EnvironmentalDesign (CPTED) principles need tobe considered during the design anddevelopment of buildings and public areasto make central Christchurch more invitingand a safer place to be – day and night.LightingThe recovery provides an opportunity touse white light and energy efficient lightingwith controls that match the conditionsand safety requirements.The central city needs to be an invitingand safe place for people to visit atnight. The Christchurch City Council iscommitted to upgrading street lighting inthe central city along the river and acrossthe bridges, and in spaces that connectnight-time activities.41Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

Create a Blueprint(Above) Melbourne Convention Centre(Above) Carlaw Park AucklandChristchurch Central Recovery Plan42

Section Title Here43Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

Section Title HereIdeas to RealityKia Whaikiko i Ngā WhakaaroMany projects and many people will contribute tothe recovery.CERA will take a leadership role to provide confidence,certainty and direction through the recovery process.Christchurch Central Recovery Plan44

Ideas to RealityProjects Toward RecoveryTe Anga WhakamuaThis Plan identifies a number of major ‘anchor’ projects that will contribute to recovery. Thesewill be progressed by the relevant organisations including CERA and other government agencies,Christchurch City Council, and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, with involvement from the private andphilanthropic sectors.Anchor projectsThe anchor projects will:• Reflect community aspirations• Replace community facilities that havebeen destroyed• Stimulate other development aroundthem• Contribute as much as possible to therecovery as a whole• Attract people to the central cityEstablishing the location for theseprojects allows investors to identify furtherdevelopment opportunities around them.This Recovery Plan includes designationof sites for the anchor projects tosecure development options. Followingthe release of the Plan, the Crown willpurchase the designated properties.Before the Government commits furtherfunding to these projects, detailedbusiness cases must be made for them.Opportunities for private sector andphilanthropic involvement in the anchorprojects will be identified during thisprocess, as part of the assessment of themost appropriate procurement, fundingand ownership structures.The anchor projects will be developedat the start of the rebuild, to help attractpeople and businesses back to thecentral city, and to encourage furtherprivate investment.Other projectsThe anchor projects, the historic streetpattern, and existing buildings that havebeen retained will define the overalllayout of the city, but its form will largelybe defined by land owners and thedevelopments they commission.The type of development that occurswill be influenced by market demand,engineering requirements, and theopportunities provided by the anchorprojects. The new District Plan provisionscontained within Appendix 1 of this Planprovide a broadly enabling framework fordevelopment while ensuring that buildingsand places will be well-designed, asfailure to ensure quality will put at risk thesubstantial investment in the rebuild.The community’s aspirations for a green,vibrant, accessible and prosperous cityare reflected in the Blueprint Plan, theanchor projects, and other projectsincluded in this Plan. Other projectssuggested by the community and notexplicitly included here can still beundertaken or may be revisited over asthe recovery progresses.Christchurch City Council has alsoidentified a number of projects of itsown that will support the recovery of thecentral city. It will manage the timing andfunding of these projects through its LongTerm Plan and Annual Plan processes.Waitomo Cave Visitors Centre. Architecture Workshop. Photographer: Perry Royal.45Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

Ideas to RealityIndicative Project Delivery ScheduleProjectEarthquake MemorialTe Puna Ahurea Cultural CentreFURTHER InvestigationsPapa o Ōtākaro/Avon River PrecinctThe SquareThe FrameConvention Centre PrecinctJustice and Emergency Services PrecinctRetail PrecinctInnovation PrecinctFURTHER InvestigationsPerforming Arts PrecinctCentral LibraryResidential Demonstration ProjectMetro Sports FacilityStadiumCricket OvalBus InterchangeQuarter 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4Year 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017Key:Early commitments to project deliveryIndicative project durationThis represents a compressed and accelerated timeline for delivery of projects. As further scheduling work is completed these timeframes may change. Projects that haveGovernment funding will require Business Cases. These are anticipated to be drafted during the project brief stage. For some projects the key stages will overlap to achieve anaccelerated delivery timeframe. Early commitments to project delivery are indicated where decisions have been made to proceed with key stages of the projects and therefore thetimeframes are more certain.Christchurch Central Recovery Plan46

Ideas to RealityThe Earthquake MemorialHe Whakamaumaharatanga o te Rū WhenuaA place where people can spendtime in reflection and honourthose who lost their lives orwere injured in the earthquakeswill be developed in centralChristchurch. The nationalEarthquake Memorial will bea place of local, national andinternational significance whereindividuals can reflect and largegroups can gather. Because thisis such a significant project, itshould begin early, not be rushedand involve the community andfamilies of those who died.185 people died in Christchurch asa result of the 22 February 2011earthquake, and many others wereseriously injured. The earthquakesprofoundly affected many people andcultures, within New Zealand.Nearly every person in the greaterChristchurch region has an earthquakestory and we all tell them in different ways.A community consultation process will beundertaken as part of the developmentof plans for the national EarthquakeMemorial to ensure that the voices andideas of the effected families and thecommunity are captured in the designprocess for the Memorial.The Ministry for Culture and Heritage,Christchurch City Council and Ngāi Tahuwill work together to identify the site andbegin the community consultation anddesign process. A design competition willbe undertaken to attract the best ideas;international teams may participate butthey must include local personnel.Hyde Park Corner - London.Memorial sites toremember those wholost their lives. Inputfrom overseas forforeigners who died.Pat, Merivale7/7 Memorial, Hyde Park, London Diana, Princess of Wales, Memorial Fountain, Hyde Park, London47Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

Ideas to RealityImplementationProject lead:Ministry for Culture andHeritagePartners:CERA, CCC and Te Rūnangao Ngāi TahuIndicative design start date:2012Oklahoma City Memorial, Field of Empty Chairs. Source: Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum.The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, Berlin, GermanyDomplein Utrecht, GermanyChristchurch Central Recovery Plan48

Ideas to RealityTe Puna Ahurea Cultural CentreTe Puna AhureaA world class cultural centreis proposed for the central cityas a focal point for culturalcelebration and diversity.The proposed cultural centre will reflectand celebrate Ngāi Tahu and Māoriculture, and acknowledge Christchurch’splace in, and connections with, thePacific.Te Puna Ahurea Cultural Centre will be aunique and vibrant visitor destination thatprovides a further catalyst to regenerationof the central city by supporting increasedcultural, retail and hospitality activity. Thedesign and function of the cultural centrewill reflect New Zealand’s evolving identity,integrate with Papa o Ōtākaro/AvonRiver Precinct, and provide an inspiringand interactive facility to showcaseand celebrate Ngāi Tahu, Māori andPolynesian traditions and performing andvisual arts.The centre will:• Be a place of pōwhiri – welcome – andcelebration of cultural events, such asthe Māori New Year (Puaka Matariki),Waitangi Day and Chinese New Year• Provide a dynamic and interactiveeducation experience for residents,children and international visitorsLocation Plan• Include exhibition space for taonga,traditional and contemporary art• Be a place to celebrate and experienceMāori performing arts• Be a place for all to relax and enjoyPapa o Ōtākaro/Avon River Precinct• Support and complement the Frame,Convention Centre, Library andPerforming and Visual Arts Precinct• Be a cultural asset for the wholecommunityImplementationProject lead:Te Rūnanga o Ngāi TahuPartners:CERA, CCC, Ministry forCulture and Heritage, andthe private and philanthropicsectorsIndicative design start date:TBCTe Puia Rotorua – A Place of Welcome. Designer: Carin Wilson. Photographer: Perry Royal.Ngāi Tūāhuriri descendants perform in City. Photographer: Perry Royal.49Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

Ideas to RealityIllustrative concept. Courtesy of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.Christchurch Central Recovery Plan50

A Green City51Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

A Green CityA Green CityHe Tāone Tiaki TaiaoBuilding on Christchurch’s existing Garden Cityidentity, this Recovery Plan looks to provide agreener, more attractive city. It also considers howto future-proof development through good buildingdesign and ‘green’ technologies.Visually attractivestreets, lanes andboulevards...plenty of greenspaces please.Colin, ParklandsLiving streets...parks, playgroundsfor youngand old...Simon and Ronald,ChristchurchChristchurch Central Recovery Plan52

A Green CityAvon River PrecinctTe Papa o ŌtākaroThe winding path of theŌtākaro/Avon River will markChristchurch’s new river precinct.Papa o Ōtākaro will includeVictoria Square (formerlyMarket Square) and be part ofthe central city’s spiritual andaesthetic identity.The historical contrast between thecurving river and the linear grid of thestreets is a key element of the city’sdistinctive urban form. Ōtākaro holds greatsignificance for Ngāi Tahu: the river wastheir commercial vein, transport route,source of mahinga kai, and place bywhich they lived and traded.The new precinct will give priority topeople and provide for cyclists andpedestrians.Land facing north and west onto the riverhas high amenity value and is close tothe Core. Cafes and bars will re-emerge,inviting connection with the river. Newbuildings, including hotels, will be able totake advantage of river views.The park zoning will be about 30 metreswide on either side of the river andaddress existing geotechnical constraints.As part of Papa o Ōtākaro, VictoriaSquare will be revitalised as a place ofwelcome for all and become a thriving andvibrant area.Location PlanLet’s use the Avon Riveras a natural pedestrianand cycle connectedpathway across the city.Gabrielle, BurnsideWaterfront Oslo Opera House, OsloAvon River, ChristchurchJardins de I’lmaginaire Terrasson Dordogne, France53Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

A Green CityImplementationProject lead:CERA, CCCPartners:ECan, Te Rūnanga o NgāiTahu and the philanthropicsectorIndicative design start date:2012Context AxonometricMake more of a feature ofthe Avon River, to reallyenhance the ‘garden city’.Isabella, ChristchurchIllustrative concept of the Ōtakaro/Avon River.Christchurch Central Recovery Plan54

A Green CityVictoria Square/Market PlaceOriginal market space for Christchurch.Early trading post between Te NgāiTūāhuriri and European settlers. Centrallocation for expressing Ōtākaro culturalheritageBarbadoes Street CemeteryThe city’s oldest cemetery openedin 1851Cambridge GreenKāinga/settlement of Ngāti Huikaichief Tautahi at junction of SaintMary’s stream, from whom thecontemporary Māori name forChristchurch is taken - ŌtautahiRiparian planting to encourage andimprove instream biodiversityEmbrace the Avon River,water is dynamic andalive and a wonderfulfocal point to buildaround.Stephanie, RollestonCourts SiteOwned by NgāiTahu. Potential forredevelopmentThe BricksEarly landing andsettlement site markedby brick cairnOxford TerraceShared space - north facingpromenade pedestrian priorityFirefighters ReserveSmall pocket park adjacent toriver with memorial sculptureto the September 11 New YorkfirefightersWorcester BoulevardPedestrian bridge where theBoulevard crosses the river adjacent toOur City O-Tautahi, an interpretationcentre and heritage buildingPuari Pā Urupa/Former Library SiteThe TerraceRiverside entertainment precinct with cafés and restaurants.Urban river edge for publicKing Edward Barracks SiteFormer army barracks site now owned by Ngāi TahuOxford TerraceNorth-facing promenade between the hospital and thecentral city. Vehicular through traffic removed, sharedpedestrian priority spaceChristchurch Central Recovery Plan56

A Green CityThe SquareTe RīpekaThe Square will once again be the civic heart ofcentral Christchurch.The place to beMeet friends, eat lunch, listen to music,enjoy the city’s passing parade – theSquare will always entertain.Larger and smaller spacesA main square will be identified,complemented by a series of smallersquares and oriented toward activitiesaround it. There will also be more treesand plantings.A year-round spaceShading of the Square will be bettermanaged. Lower buildings on the northside will allow more sunlight to penetrate,creating a warm, sheltered environmentencouraging people to linger and enjoythe space.Day and nightCivic facilities such as the Central Libraryand the Convention Centre will give lifeto the Square for most of the day. Thereturn of entertainment facilities such ascinemas, performance spaces, cafés andrestaurants will be encouraged to make itvibrant and safe during the night as well.Style and heritageNew buildings around the Square willenhance its unique Maltese cross shapeand inspire, and activate and frame thecity’s civic heart.Other aspects of the Square willremain less certain while surroundingdevelopments are considered. However,space will be kept for a new cathedral.Location PlanJean Batten Place, AucklandTe Ara Tahuhu Walkway, Britomart, AucklandTakutai Square, Britomart, AucklandSt Patrick’s Cathedral, Auckland57Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

A Green CityImplementationProject lead:CCCPartners:CERA, the private andphilanthropic sectors and theAnglican ChurchIndicative design start date:2012Context AxonometricIllustrative concept of the Square.Christchurch Central Recovery Plan58

A Green CityOther Green SpacesNgā Wāhi KākārikiIn addition to the anchor projects, a number of other projects have been identified that willenhance the amenity and natural values of the central city.CERA will work with theChristchurch City Council and TeRūnanga o Ngāi Tahu to ensurenew green spaces complementthe Frame, locations of anchorprojects and existing openspace in the central city such asVictoria, Latimer and CranmerSquares.The following are just some of theexamples of projects that will beconsidered over the course of therecovery.Victoria SquareChristchurch has a rich cultural heritageto draw upon for the future. Historically,Victoria/Market Square was a bustlingand vibrant place of trade, sharing ideasand cultural interaction. It provides animportant link with Papa o Ōtākaro/AvonRiver Precinct, and is a potential locationfor Te Puna Ahurea Cultural Centre.Redevelopment of Victoria Square willaffirm its role as a place of pōwhiri/welcome to central Christchurch forvisitors and locals.Redevelopment should include:• Preservation of existing heritagefeatures• Establishment of new cultural markersand references• Improved landscaping.Wider, tree-linedfootpaths, providingshade in the summer.Scott, Northwood(Below) San Antonio River Walk59Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

A Green CityPocket parksCommunity gardensFamily-friendly parksEco streetsNew pocket parks may be created sothat workers, residents and visitors haveaccessible green spaces and courtyardswhere they can enjoy a range of socialand cultural activities.Pocket parks help create liveable andattractive cities. They offer invitingplaces to have lunch, meet friends, beentertained or find respite away from thebustle of city life. Pocket parks are likelyto vary in size and the way in which theyare used. One of their functions, however,could be to celebrate tangata whenua,using Māori designed concepts, art andindigenous plants to reflect and celebrateNgāi Tahu and Māori cultural heritage.In community gardens, residents canenjoy fresh, locally grown food, learnand socialise. Community gardens aretypically run by volunteers who organiseworking bees and harvest festivals, andhost courses on gardening, composting,healthy eating and sustainable living.Family-friendly parks can provide spacefor fun and fitness, enhancing city livingand improving access to open spaces.With forward planning, playgrounds,community gardens, public art andcultural elements can be linked so thatthey are more accessible throughoutcentral Christchurch and cater for variedinterests and activities.In making the extensive repairs neededto inner city streets, the Christchurch CityCouncil has the opportunity to apply moresustainable solutions with measurablebenefits. Within the Core, eco streetscould be developed to improve the qualityof the water and environment by plantingtrees and installing permeable surfacesand rain gardens. Eco streets providepleasant and attractive microclimatesfor people to enjoy and can result in ahealthier environment.Christchurch Central Recovery Plan60

A Green CityGreener TechnologiesHangarau Tiaki TaiaoGreater Christchurch has an opportunity tobuild green, healthy and resilient buildings thathave a lasting, positive legacy.Sustainable buildings arehealthier places in which tolive and work. They also savemoney by using resources moreefficiently. Sustainable buildinggoes beyond the RecoveryPlan and builds on existingprogrammes such as Green Starbuilding ratings.Christchurch City Council intends toencourage the development of greenbuildings in central Christchurch, includingthose that are powered by renewableenergy, use less water, are made withlocal and recycled materials and help tovisibly green the city with roof gardensand green walls. It will provide suchencouragement through leadership,incentives, best-practice demonstrations,standards and building assessment tools.New buildings could also include greenertechnology such as energy savingstechnology or renewable energy sources.Greater Christchurch has a rich supplyof renewable energy sources that couldbe used to produce electricity, waterfor central heating/cooling and othercommercial uses. Potential sources ofenergy include agricultural and forestrybyproducts, industrial sludges, sewageand landfill gas, wood waste from thedemolition of earthquake-damagedbuildings and solar energy.61Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

A Green CityDistrict heating/coolingDistrict heating is just oneexample of a more sustainableapproach to rebuilding.A district heating/cooling project involvesdistributing heat energy to a number ofusers, usually in the form of reticulated hotwater. It has traditionally been used in largepublic institutions such as hospitals anduniversities.In a district heating/cooling project, aworld-leading renewable energy schemewould generate affordable electricityand central heating/cooling from wastematerials and biomass. In redevelopingmore than 1,000 buildings, it is possibleto reconsider the way energy is generatedand supplied to buildings and homes incentral Christchurch. Greater Christchurchcan adopt world-leading technologies toharness energy from waste, and to providean affordable source of electricity andcentral heating/cooling. If district heating/cooling is commercially viable and canprovide an affordable source of energy forconsumers, Christchurch could reduce itsfuel emissions, create a more secure andclean energy future and create a point ofdifference for reinvestment in the city.Further feasibility studies are needed beforethis project becomes a reality. However,the Christchurch City Council, togetherwith key industry partners and Europeanenergy experts, will explore the feasibilityof supplying and providing for low-cost,renewable energy to buildings in centralChristchurch. The Christchurch Agency forEnergy (CAfE) is committed to taking a leadrole in the investigation of a district heating/cooling scheme.ResidentialOfficeRetailHeating Supply & ReturnCooling Supply & ReturnGreen PledgeChristchurch City Council willprovide leadership in developinggreen buildings. One of itsinitiatives will be to create aGreen Pledge, which will includea website and resource packto help showcase communitydemand for Green Star buildings.It will encourage businesses tosign on and show their support.Local case studies together with helpfulresources for developers, tenants andresidents will be created in support ofthis project and to encourage others todevelop green buildings. The Council will,where applicable, design and build newpublic facilities that are at least five GreenStars (or equivalent) as determined bythe New Zealand Green Building Council.Te Hononga, Christchurch City Council’sCivic Building, rated with six Green Stars,is one way in which it has already clearlydemonstrated its commitment to thisconcept.Christchurch Central Recovery Plan62

A Prosperous City63Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

A Prosperous CityA Prosperous CityHe Tāone HoukuraAt the heart of every successful city is a strong,vibrant centre that combines retail businesses,professional services, tourism and hospitality.A far more compactCBD, with precinctsfor tech, cultural,historic, retail,professional,surrounded bymixed residentialand green space.Karlene, Claudia and Liam,MairehauChristchurch Central Recovery Plan64

A Prosperous CityRetail PrecinctWāhi HokohokoCentral Christchurch’s retail precinct will offer destination shopping in a compact, vibrant area.The early development of the area will attract other activity.The recovery of the existing retail areabegan in late October 2011 with theRe:Start initiative, anchored by Ballantynesand consisting of a cooperative ofretailers. The Central City PropertyOwners and Business Group combinedexisting retail and hospitality buildingsand re-opened in relocatable expo-stylecontainer structures in City Mall.To compete successfully with suburbanretail, central Christchurch will need tooffer a unique and distinctive shoppingexperience. CERA will continue to workwith the private sector to facilitate optionsfor the development of the retail precinct.New District Plan provisions will ensurecontinuous shop frontages in the Core,supporting a retail precinct. In time, it willoffer shoppers a distinctive retail choice.With retail (and commercial) businesses atthe centre of the city, greater activity andvibrancy will be generated, making the citymore attractive.The surrounding streets will be pedestrianfriendly, with improvements made asrequired.A number of other activities can contributeto the vibrancy of redeveloped centralChristchurch such as markets or quartersreflecting a particular culture or retailexperience. The private sector will haveopportunities to explore these concepts.Christchurch City Council has expressedinterest in investigating a covered marketfor an area of central Christchurch tohelp meet the need for low-cost businessspace for retail market businesses. Itcould combine contemporary retailspace for niche or boutique retailers andhospitality venues, with an adjoining openairmarket space.Christchurch City Council has proposedto assist the development of the coveredmarket by undertaking a feasibility studyto ensure there is demand, buying land ifit proves feasible, and identifying privatesector interest in operating the market.It would also help with building consentsand regulatory requirements, and help topromote the market area if developed.To be successful, the covered marketwould need a variety of private sectorstakeholders to lead its development andimplementation.The development of an internationalquarter could give central Christchurch adistinct identity and shape the characterand culture of the area. The quartercould be an attraction for residentsand visitors, contributing to economicgrowth and prosperity, and making thecity a welcoming place for all cultures.It could include a Pacific hub, eitherdeveloped separately or integrated intothe international quarter.Such concepts that support a prosperouscity may develop further. New projectswill also emerge as the recovery of centralChristchurch progresses.A distinctive environment(not malls), protectedfrom elements (heat,wind), spacious andwell-lit, variety ofentertainment andfood outlets.Barry, North New BrightonOther retail opportunitiesThe anchor projects have beenstrategically located to encouragewalking between them and other facilitiesor amenities. This will support thedevelopment of retail activity in between.Such new activities will in part replacethe food and beverage services formerlyavailable in High Street and the lanes.Photographer: Linda O’Reilly65Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

A Prosperous CityImplementationProject lead:Private sectorPartners:CERA and CCCIndicative design start date:2012Christchurch Central Recovery Plan66

A Prosperous CityConvention Centre PrecinctWhare RūnangaA world-class convention centrewill be developed to attractnew and exciting events to thecity. The precinct comprisesof a number of buildings thatwill reactivate surroundingstreets and public spaces, andgenerate new activity. Theprecinct will support retail andhospitality within the Core andvisitor attractions and servicesthroughout Christchurch.The Convention Centre will be locatedon the block defined by Armagh Street,Oxford Terrace, Worcester Street andColombo Street, and Gloucester Streetwill become part of the centre itself. Hotelswill be developed in close proximity to theConvention Centre.In this location, the Convention Centre willconnect to the Square, Victoria Square,Puāri Pā and Papa o Ōtākaro/Avon RiverPrecinct and there will be day-to-dayactivities at ground level on all sides.It will connect to Victoria Square as aspace (ātea) for conference guests toenter and receive a cultural welcome(pōwhiri).New marketsA key objective is to attract internationalassociations to Christchurch and developconnections with new businessesand markets that will ultimately helpgrow the economic base of greaterChristchurch.FlexibilityThe convention centre will complementthe larger 3,500-delegate facility inAuckland, and be supported by theproposed facility in Queenstown for 750to 1,000 delegates. The result will bea concept unique among conventioncentres. The centre will be able toaccommodate several events at onetime, initially with space for up to 2,000people in events of different sizes, andcan expand to 2,500 people in future.A space for allThe Convention Centre will become aniconic and internationally recognisedcivic building. It will be fully integratedinto the surrounding area, providinga range of high quality public spacesand stimulating retail and commercialactivity.Access and serviceAccess and serviceability are importantfor the Convention Centre. The centrewill have good access to key transportroutes for service vehicles as wellas being close to public transport.Ensuring pedestrian access to key retaillocations, hotels and public spaces willalso be an important part of the designprocess.Location PlanUrgent rebuild of theconvention centre, asit brings in significanteconomic returns tothe city.Caroline, BusinessDevelopment Manager,Christchurch and CanterburyTourismMelbourne Convention Centre, Victoria, AustraliaIVY Entertainment Venue. Sydney, Australia67Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

A Prosperous CityImplementationProject lead:CERAPartners:Ministry of BusinessInnovation and Employment,Te Rūnanga O Ngāi Tahu,CCC and the private sectorIndicative design start date:2012Context AxonometricKey1 Multi-function space2 Plenary3 Gloucester Galleria4 Hotel Lobby (by external party)5 Hotel (by external party)6 BoH & Loading7 Retail & Commercial8 Development Site9 Plaza10 Meeting11 Meeting12 Balcony Room13 Banquet Room14 Pre-function Areas1213105414101016371021198Convention Centre ConceptExploded AxonometricConvention Centre ConceptAxonometricChristchurch Central Recovery Plan68

A Prosperous CityHealth PrecinctTe Papa HauoraA world-class hub for healtheducation, research andinnovation could be establishednext to the existing ChristchurchHospital.The Health PrecinctThe Health Precinct is an inspirationalproject in which private research andprofessional partners, educational andmedi-hotel facilities will be within walkingdistance of the main hospital site. It willalso form a world-class facility for learningand teaching in medicine located at thewestern end of the south Frame, theprecinct will be well connected to theMetro Sports Facility and the Core.The proposed Health Precinct wouldinclude:• Allied health – partnerships betweenindustry and clinicians• Medi-hotels – where patients andfamilies can stay while receivingoutpatient or specialist care• A knowledge campus – providingclinical education and training• A research campus – public and privateresearch activities• Private and public services deliveringhealth care in and near the newambulatory care hubLocation PlanLandscaped Health Precinct1101 K Street, Washington DC. Landscape Architecture Bureau, LLC. Photographer: Prakash Patel69Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

A Prosperous CityImplementationProject lead:Private SectorPartners:CDHB, Private sector, Ministryof Health, CERA and CCCIndicative design start date:OngoingContext AxonometricKey1 Existing Hospital2 Proposed Hospital Extension3 Medi-Hotel4 Private/Public Health5 Outpatients6 Knowledge Campus213465Health Precinct ConceptAxonometricChristchurch Central Recovery Plan70

A Prosperous CityJustice and Emergency Services PrecinctTe Manatū Ture me Te Kāhui WhakamarumaruThe Justice and EmergencyService Precinct will incorporatethe government and emergencyservice sectors, along withCivil Defence and EmergencyManagement. It will bring asubstantial workforce intothe central city, stimulatingrecovery by supporting retailand commercial activity in thecentral area.A great locationThe precinct is located on the blockdefined by Lichfield, Colombo, Tuamand Durham Streets. The site willaccommodate up to 840 justice sectorstaff and 370 emergency services staff.The precinct will include 31,000 squaremetres of built floor area, possiblycombining above and below groundconstruction.A combined approachThe justice sector will achieve operationalefficiencies through an improved servicedelivery model in which the Ministry ofJustice, New Zealand Police, Departmentof Corrections and the judiciary areco-located and collaborate. Thesedifferent agencies will be able to shareinfrastructure and increasingly integratetheir service delivery. For emergencyservices, too, sharing the same locationwill help them to coordinate servicedelivery. For example, a joint emergencyservices communications centre willsupport the various functions of theNew Zealand Fire Services, St John andCivil Defence.Location PlanMoorabbin Justice Precinct, Victoria, Australia. FMSA Architects. Photographer Mark MunroParramatta Court Precinct, NSW, Australia71Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

A Prosperous CityImplementationProject lead:Lead by appropriateDepartment/Agency (Justice,Police, Corrections, Courts,NZ Fire Service)Partners:CERA, CCC (Civil Defence)ECan, St John’s Ambulanceand the private sectorIndicative design start date:2012Context Axonometric7781324855Key1 NZ Fire Service2 St John Ambulance3 Civil Defence and EmergencyManagement Group4 CCC Civil Defence5 Courtyard6 Arrival Forecourt7 Justice8 PoliceJustice Precinct ConceptExploded AxonometricJustice Precinct ConceptAxonometricChristchurch Central Recovery Plan72

A Prosperous CityInnovation PrecinctTe Puna RerekētangaEncouraging collaborationbetween innovative businessesand research organisations,improving productivity forChristchurch and New Zealand.The successful way forward forCanterbury is to rely on strongpartnerships and a highly skilledworkforce, led by innovative thinkers andcollaborators. Internationally, innovationparks and research and developmentprecincts are an intrinsic part of centraland local government strategies for citybusiness development.An Innovation Precinct based adjacentto the South Frame on the High StreetGateway is desirable. It will facilitate theestablishment of a technology-basedindustry and research precinct within thecentral city, attracting new business andemployment opportunities in high-valueindustry sectors. Development of thePrecinct should consider appropriateopportunities to incorporate remainingheritage features of the area.The precinct is proposed to be adjacentto the Christchurch Polytechnic Institute ofTechnology due to the synergies that existand the leverage that can be obtained bylinking up activities.The innovation precinct could beexpanded beyond the area that isindicated on the map, depending ondemand from innovative businesses andresearch organisations. The innovationprecinct also encompasses the EnterprisePrecinct and Innovation Campus (EPIC)temporary site, known as the EPICSanctuary. This is a private sector initiativeto bring displaced innovative businessestogether in the city centre.The Ministry of Business, Innovation andEmployment, CERA and CCC (includingCanterbury Development Corporation), inpartnership or cooperation with industry,will facilitate the creation of the InnovationPrecinct, including developing a businesscase, and possibly securing tenants,and contracting property developers anddesigners. The innovation precinct will bewell designed to stimulate collaborativeactivity.The Innovation Precinct could drawon skills and knowledge developed atLincoln University and the University ofCanterbury. It can also leverage the sevenof the eight New Zealand science-basedCrown Research Institutes that havefacilities or headquarters in the regionand city including institutes specialising inagriculture, plant and food research, landmanagement and industrial research.Location PlanJubilee Campus, Nottingham University. Photographer: Alastair Wallace.73Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

A Prosperous CityImplementationProject lead:Ministry of Business,Innovation and EmploymentPartners:CERA and CCC (includingCanterbury DevelopmentCorporation) and the privatesectorIndicative design start date:TBCContext AxonometricEcosciences Precinct by Hassell in Brisbane, Australia. Photographer: Christopher Frederick Jones.Christchurch Central Recovery Plan74

A Vibrant City75Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

A Vibrant CityA Vibrant CityHe Tāone Tū, He Tangata OraWorld-class cities are places of culture,entertainment and discovery. Central Christchurchwill be a great place to enjoy day and night.Christchurch will offer a uniqueinner city life. Medium-density,energy-efficient housing willbe constructed in easy walkingdistance to some of the mostcontemporary civic amenitiesin New Zealand. Housingwill be linked to large-scale,beautifully landscaped publicopen space and greater accesswill be provided to the Ōtākaro/Avon River.The rebuilding of the city will not onlyencourage the people of Christchurchto stay and contribute, it will also attractpeople of diverse backgrounds and fromall over the world, enriching the life andculture of the city.Christchurch Central Recovery Plan76

A Vibrant CityPerforming Arts PrecinctTe Whare TapereThe arts and creative industriesare crucial to the recovery ofChristchurch. They contribute tothe local economy, to communityand cultural wellbeing, andsupport tourism and hospitality.Most of all, they draw people tothe city and make it an inspiringplace to be.A Performing Arts Precinct is proposedto offer facilities for music and theperforming arts, and to act as a catalystfor recovery. The precinct will embracedifferent sites and will support co-locationof organisations as far as is possible.The precinct designation will be sufficientto provide for a range of facilities in theevent that the Town Hall cannot berepaired. It will be in close proximity to theConvention Centre, Papa o Ōtākaro/AvonRiver Precinct, hospitality providers andhotels.The Precinct could include a performingarts centre made up of two auditoria of1,500 and 500 seats respectively, withan appropriately high-quality acousticenvironment. It could also provide apermanent home for the Court Theatre,the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra,and the Music Centre of Christchurch.The location of the Performing ArtsPrecinct recognises the restoration of theIsaac Theatre Royal in its existing location.Other arts initiativesPublic art can be a key element ofregenerating places. There is a significantopportunity for public artworks and artactivity to support the redevelopment ofpublic facilities, sites, recreational areasand commercial buildings, and to reflectthe cultural heritage and identity of NgāiTahu and other peoples and cultures.There will also be many other arts andculture projects that will contribute tothe recovery of the city. The CanterburyMuseum, Christchurch Art Gallery, and theArts Centre of Christchurch are located,in close proximity to each other, alongWorcester Boulevard. Transitional projectsalready being progressed include ArtBox,BeatBox, Arts Circus and EPIC in thesouth east.Location PlanAccess to art and cultureis very important in thecentral city. Music andart exhibitions, culturalhappenings/publiclectures and debates.These are the life ofChristchurch.Share an Idea, Community ExpoAbove: Isaac Theatre Royal is in need of repair and redevelopment.77Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

A Vibrant CityImplementationProject lead:CERAPartners:CCC, Ministry for Culture andHeritage, Private sector, TeRūnanga o Ngāi TahuIndicative design start date:2012Context AxonometricKey1 Restaurant2 Main Auditorium3 Foyer4 Auditorium5 CSO and Music Centreand Court Theatre6 Isaac Theatre Royal543216Performing Arts Centre ConceptExploded AxonometricPerforming Arts Centre ConceptAxonometricChristchurch Central Recovery Plan78

A Vibrant CityCentral LibraryTe Whare Pukapuka MatuaThe new Central Library will bethe city’s hub for knowledge,heritage materials, recreationalreading and listening. It willbe an integral part of centralChristchurch and a gatewayto the world via its librarycollections and digital access.Libraries are integral to developing strongcommunities, being places where culturaldiversity is celebrated and communitiesare engaged, inspired and informed.Christchurch has a proud history ofinvesting in libraries and is committed tore-establishing this public facility.The Central Library will continue to housesome of the country’s most importantcollections of books and audio-visualmaterials. It will provide easy accessto digital technologies, local heritagecollections, exhibition and performancespaces, a learning centre, spaces to relax– indoors and outdoors – and activities toentertain and educate young people.A really big library withheaps of books becauseI love reading, and heapsof other people do too,with a big Zen garden inthe middle.Share an Idea, Community ExpoChristchurch City Council will build anew and much larger central library,having recognised the need to doublethe existing space to bring its facility inline with other comparable metropolitanlibraries in Australasia. The Central Libraryhas been placed to integrate with theConvention Centre and the Square.Location PlanHow about a centrallibrary for kidsconnected to the mainlibrary by a great caféand play-reading area.Emma, Redcliffs79Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

A Vibrant CityImplementationProject lead:CCCPartners:Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu,CERA and NGOsIndicative design start date:2012Christchurch Central Recovery Plan80

A Vibrant CityResidential Demonstration ProjectWhakaaturanga KāingaA diverse residential populationis essential to support businessgrowth and development, andcreate a high level of activity.This Recovery Plan complementsa regenerated business area withgreater opportunities for highquality inner city living.A range of housing options are neededto match demand, from one-bedroomunits through to family houses with severalbedrooms that will be affordable to peopleof all ages and stages of life. There will beopportunities for residential developmentthroughout the central city.Existing zoning allows for diverse housingwithin the Avenues, but intensifieddevelopment has been most prevalent inthe north-west of the central city, whichoffers the attractions of Hagley Park andthe Ōtākaro/Avon River and is close tofacilities such as the Arts Centre.The Frame and other projects will enhanceopen space and improve amenity tothe north and east of the Core, makingnearby areas more attractive for residentialdevelopment.To ensure that a high-quality inner cityliving environment is created, ChristchurchCity Council has been directed to reviewthe various Living Zone provisions,including the Special Amenity Areas, viathe Statutory Direction to Amend PlanningInstruments section of this Plan.Housing ShowcaseChristchurch City Council and the Ministryof Business Innovation and Employmenthave collaborated on a housing showcasethat would be developed with the privatesector. It will showcase the opportunitiesfor high-quality, medium density residentialdevelopment in central Christchurch. Thesite will be well-connected to open space,public transport, main transport routes,and other facilities.Location PlanApartments, Central SydneyTrinity Apartments, Parnell. Architectus81Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

A Vibrant CityImplementationProject lead:Private developerPartners:CERA, CCC, Ministry ofBusiness Innovation andEmployment, Housing NZCorporationIndicative design start date:2012Context AxonometricResidential Demonstration ConceptAxonometricChristchurch Central Recovery Plan82

A Vibrant CityMetro Sports FacilityTaiwhanga RēhiaA new metro sports facilitywill attract people from acrossCanterbury, New Zealand and theworld. They will be able to train,participate and compete in abroad range of sports for all agesand abilities. The facilities willalso offer a pleasant and relaxingenvironment for spectators.It will be a top-class venue and centreof excellence, accessible to people of allages, abilities and sporting skills. Providingaquatic and indoor sport facilities, itwill cater for the day-to-day needs ofthe recreational, educational and highperformancesporting communities, andalso host national and international events.The facility will be conveniently locatedin central Christchurch, close to othersporting facilities and easy to access bypublic transport, private vehicle and newwalking and cycling links.The Metro Sports Facility will include:• Aquatic centre with a 50m, 10-lanecompetition pool, dive and leisure pools• Indoor stadium – 8 indoor courtsincluding seating for up to 2,800• High performance centre with facilitiesfor coaching and training• Day-to-day recreation, including fitnesscentre and outdoor landscaped space• Performance movement centre withstudios and performance space• Administration facilities and parkingLocation PlanA high-performancecentre in Christchurch thatattracts national talentedathletes and internationalevents would be fantasticfor our city.Sophie, Paralympic Gold MedallistASB Sports Centre, WellingtonMelbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre83Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

A Vibrant CityImplementationPartners:CCC, private and NGOsectorsIndicative design start date:2012Context AxonometricKey1 Atrium2 Leisure Pool3 Competition Pools4 Fitness and HighPerformance5 Movement Centre6 Sports Hall7 Administration & Retail8 Community & OfficeTenancy9 500 Car Parks296178354Metro Sports Facility ConceptExploded AxonometricMetro Sports Facility ConceptAxonometricChristchurch Central Recovery Plan84

A Vibrant CityStadiumTaiwhanga HākinakinaA large multi-purpose sports andentertainment venue is proposedfor central Christchurch.With seating for up to 35,000 people,the covered stadium will position centralChristchurch as a world-class option forattracting and hosting events. Its mainpurpose will be to host rugby union, rugbyleague and football up to an internationallevel, and also allow for entertainmentevents such as concerts.The Stadium will be located to the east ofthe Frame, over three city blocks betweenHereford and Tuam Streets, boundedby Madras and Barbadoes Streets. Thislocation is well connected with maintransport routes and within easy walkingdistance of parking facilities and the Core.The Stadium will include:• 35,000 seat capacity, with 4,300demountable seats to allow forstaging and scaling of events• Corporate suites and lounge spaceswith 4,000 seat capacity• Option of a fixed, transparent roof toallow natural turf and enable multipleuses• Optimum spectator viewing throughrectangular format for field of playand seatingLocation PlanForsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin. Photographer: Darcy Schack, JAM Photographics LimitedSydney Football Stadium, Australia85Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

A Vibrant CityImplementationPartners:CCC, CERA, Ministry ofBusiness Innovation andEmployment, the privatesector, NGOs and thephilanthropic sectorIndicative design start date:2012Context AxonometricKey1 Service Access2 Field of Play3 Stairs4 Plaza5 Amenities6 Demountable Seats7 Fixed Seats8 Suites9 Concourse8762695431Stadium Facility ConceptAxonometricStadium Facility ConceptExploded AxonometricChristchurch Central Recovery Plan86

A Vibrant CityCricket OvalPapa KirikitiThe existing Cricket Oval onHagley Park will be enhanced,providing central Christchurchwith a venue capable of hostingdomestic cricket matches andinternational tests.Additions will include a grass embankment,lighting and a replacement pavilion. Fullpublic access to the cricket oval will bemaintained during non-event days. Theessential village green character of HagleyPark will also be kept.The regeneration of the Cricket Oval willstimulate activity in the area. Internationalevents will bring a demand for hotelaccommodation and other services forvisitors.The Cricket Oval will provide:• A domestic and international purposebuilt cricket venue• Grass embankments with spectatorcapacity of 15,000 with ability toexpand to 20,000 using temporaryseating• Training and coaching facilities withindoor and outdoor nets• Sports lighting to internationalbroadcast standards• Pavilion with lounge and media facilitiesLocation PlanAdelaide Oval, AustraliaBasin Reserve Wellington87Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

A Vibrant CityImplementationPartners:CERA, CCC, New ZealandCricket, private sector, othergovernment agencies asnecessaryIndicative design start date:2012Context AxonometricCricket Oval ConceptExploded AxonometricCricket Oval ConceptAxonometricChristchurch Central Recovery Plan88

An Accessible City89Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

An Accessible CityAn Accessible CityHe Taone e wātea ana ki te mareaThe recovery is an opportunity to improveaccess for people of all ages and abilities tocentral Christchurch and the buildings andspaces within it.Increased participation in the central city byall residents will be crucial to the success ofthe Recovery Plan.We have the chanceto build a trulyaccessible city, notjust for disabledpeople, for everyone!Allison, NorthcoteChristchurch Central Recovery Plan90

An Accessible CityAccessible CityHe Taone he māmā noa iho te tareka atuAccess for allThe redevelopment of centralChristchurch provides asignificant opportunity toaddress accessibility. Thebuildings, open spaces andfacilities that people visit andwork or live in need to be safe,accessible and people-friendly.A more accessible and safer builtenvironment will also benefit othergroups such as older people, people withtemporary injuries or illnesses and thosewith young children, as well as offeringaccessible tourism opportunities.Greater accessibility should occur aspublic buildings, roads and footpaths arerebuilt to comply with current standardswhich require more accessibility thanmany older structures.DRAFTTransport networkThe Christchurch road networkis predominantly radial andthere are connections throughthe central city to the widernetwork. Changes to the layoutof the central city need to becarefully considered in termsof their impact on traffic flowwithin the central city itself,and on passenger and freightmovements across the widertransport network.These wider considerations are addressedin the Greater Christchurch TransportStatement, developed by CERA, theGreater Christchurch Urban DevelopmentStrategy partners and key stakeholders.The placement of some anchor projectswould mean the closure of some centralcity roads. Further transport modelling willbe undertaken before changes are madeto the road network within the central city.All building work must comply with theBuilding Act 2004 by following the NewZealand Building Code. Under this code,building and design features must allowpeople with disabilities to carry out normalactivities and processes within them.During the rebuild, the central city canbe made accessible and free of barriersby applying best practice in buildingdesign and by planning public spaces,buildings and facilities, such as walkways,playgrounds, public transport services andrecreational centres.Compliance with The New ZealandStandard 4121:2001 Design for Accessand Mobility – Buildings and AssociatedFacilities is not mandatory but it is citedin the Building Code as being an optionaldesign standard.Input to this Recovery Plan from planners,architects and urban designers has beenundertaken with guidance from theNew Zealand Urban Design Protocol,which emphasises the importance ofurban design to accessibility for everyone.There is a range of other tools thatbuilding or site developers can use toprompt consideration of accessible andinclusive design features.CERA and Christchurch City Council arecommitted to making central Christchurcha place for everyone by ensuring thataccessibility checks are incorporated intoits building consent processes at boththe design and implementation phasesof projects. In addition, developersand service providers are encouragedto include barrier-free audits at designstage and as part of their service deliveryprocesses.Christchurch Transport Network - Data Source: Roads - CCC; coastline, airport & rail map sourced from LINZ, Crown copyright reserved.There will be challenges in meeting theserequirements for accessibility as sitesevolve through the reconstruction torecovery. Access will be addressed on acase by case basis.91Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

An Accessible CityStreets for cyclingAs central Christchurch isredeveloped there will beopportunities to develop betterinfrastructure for cycling. Thesefacilities could prompt thelargest single change in howpeople travel around centralChristchurch. The east and southparts of the Frame will providelinks for walking and cyclingacross the entire Core.Cycling to and within central Christchurchcould be made easy with a new networkof continuous and safe cycle routes.These cycle routes will be developed toconnect the shared slow spaces withinthe heart of the city with key destinationsacross central Christchurch and beyond.Where possible throughout centralChristchurch, cycle lanes will be separatedfrom nearby traffic and footpaths. Onmajor cycle routes, the safety of cyclistswill also be prioritised at busy streets andintersections.A growing number of high-quality cycleparking facilities will be provided. Thesewill be secure, covered where possibleand located at a range of key destinations.Changing facilities and cycle repairworkshops will also be considered.Secure cycle parking is planned at thenew public transport stations so thatpeople can easily travel by a combinationof cycling and public transport.Christchurch City Council has expresseda desire to develop a cycle route betweenthe University of Canterbury and centralChristchurch. It would stretch acrossHagley Park and Deans Avenue, west tothe university campus.Isolated cycle lanes thatare safe from traffic.Anthony, SouthshoreChristchurch Central Recovery Plan92

An Accessible CityBus InterchangeWhakawhitinga PahiAn effective system for publictransport and parking willcontribute to a higher-qualityenvironment in the Core and willsupport the anchor projects.The central Christchurch public businterchange will serve the needs ofpassengers efficiently. It will encouragemore people to use public transportand support the development of moreattractive and popular bus services inthe future.With a set of principal bus routes, qualitybus stops and a central bus interchange,people can have easy walking accessinto the Core from key locations. Busmovements within a slow core will bekept to a minimum. A single centralisedbus interchange in the block bounded byTuam, Colombo, Manchester and LichfieldStreets will provide the operational andadministrative hub for the network. Thissystem will have sufficient scale to caterfor growth to 2041.With the increase in cycling, the popularityof cycling, cycle storage facilities will beincorporated.Location PlanImplementationPartners:ECan, CCC, CERA,New Zealand TransportAgency, and private sectorIndicative design start date:2012231432Bus Interchange Facility ConceptExploded AxonometricKey1 Concourse2 Pedestrian Entrance3 Bus Platform4 AmenitiesContext Axonometric93Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

An Accessible CityParking and Service VehiclesNgā Wāhi me ngā Ara mō ngā WakaThe existence of well-locatedcar parking that is easilyaccessible and convenient, butdoes not dominate city streets, isessential to achieve high-qualityurban design and an accessiblecentral city.Parking structures will be located bothabove and below ground and will bedesigned to coordinate with publictransport to service the Core and anchorprojects most effectively. Parking will bemanaged to support and complementactivities, land use and transportnetworks.The emphasis will be on providing shortterm,on- and off-street parking closeto the Core for shoppers and businessvisitors. Long-term commuter parking willbe available either onsite or with on-streetcoupon parking on the periphery of thecentral city, or a network of strategicallylocated parking buildings accessed offstreets leading from the Four Avenues.If it is necessary to improve amenityand streetscape, and future modellingsupports it, on-street parking maybe reduced. In these circumstances,however, off-street facilities would replaceon-street parking so that there wouldcontinue to be the same amount ofshort-term parking available to supportbusinesses. The parking needs of thosewith limited mobility will be provided for.District Plan provisions continue to requireaccess for goods/service delivery, as wellas for waste removal that reduces theimpact of these essential services on citystreets.The appearance of on- and off-streetparking facilities will be improved tominimise their visual intrusion on streets.Wider footpaths.Plantings on roadsidesseparating vehiclesfrom pedestrians.Keep traffic access butslow vehicles down.Chris, HillsboroughChristchurch Central Recovery Plan94

An Accessible City95Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

An Accessible CityBring EveryoneTogether andMake It HappenKia Tapatahi, Kia HaumāuiuiGreater Christchurch must have strong leadershipand a programme for effective change that deliversbenefits quickly. The Recovery Plan is ambitious butdeliberate in its programme of delivery. The designand development of the anchor projects will beginimmediately and people will start to see benefits by theend of 2013. The support of the community of greaterChristchurch and New Zealand is crucial to success.

Bring Everyone Together and Make it HappenA Transitional CityHe Tāone TakatauCities recovering from disasters go through similar stages. After the initial emergency responsephase, work on recovery begins. The transitional phase – from early recovery through to return ofa functioning central city – is a critical element of an effective recovery.Central Christchurch will changeconstantly over the course of itsrecovery. This transitional time providesopportunities to test new ideas, exploreTO BE DEMOLISHEDnew concepts, and look at new ways tobring people, business and investmentback to the city. It is also a time whenthe best use of available spaces must beconsidered and it will offer opportunitiesfor the arts sector and community groupsto get involved and support the recovery.During the early stages of Christchurch’srecovery, the state of land, infrastructureand remaining buildings were assessedand insurance claims progressed. Somebuilding has begun and temporarybuildings and businesses are becomingestablished.International experience indicates thataction taken during the first three yearsfollowing a disaster determines the qualityof its outcomes. The development of thisTEMPORARY ART INSTALLATIONSRecovery Plan in year two is an importantstep in assisting the long-term recovery.Christchurch City Council has theprincipal role in transitional city projectsand has indicated its commitment toprogrammes supporting this phase.Christchurch City Council has in place anumber of initiatives to generate vibrancyand activity within the city.The Blueprint Plan also provides fortransitional use of areas. The transitionalareas provided by the Frame provideimportant flexibility for development overtime. These areas can cater for shortto long term projects as the needs andfocus of central Christchurch change.CERA will work with the Christchurch CityCouncil, stakeholders and the communityto ensure transition into full recoveryis well directed, communicated andengaging.TO BE DEMOLISHEDTransitional projectsMany initiatives will be necessary tosupport the recovery in the short term.Some of them can be identified nowwhile others will emerge as the recoveryprogresses. Examples of transitionalprojects to date include the Central BusOPENGap Filler initiative, photo courtesy of Gap FillerFOR SALEFOR SALEOPENStation, the Events Village in HagleyPark, Information Centre in the BotanicGardens, Re:Start in City Mall, andmany projects by Greening the Rubbleand Gap Filler.FOR SALEVACANTMichael Parekowhai 'Chapman's Homer' 2011. Bronze,stainless steel. Presented by Christchurch Art Gallery TePuna o Waiwhetu, 30 June - 29 July 2012. Courtesy of theartist and Michael LettUNDER CONSTRUCTIONGAP FILLERSLIVE MUSIC EVENTSOPENGAP FILLERSFOR SALEOPENING SOON !NOW LEASINGCHCHSURETORISEFREE PARKINGINNER CITY MARKETSFOOD MARKETDESIGNERS MARKETANTIQUE MARKET97Christchurch Central Recovery PlanOFFICE SPACENOW LEASING

Bring Everyone Together and Make it HappenTO BE DEMOLISHEDTO BE DEMOLISHEDFOR SALEVACANTProjects in Transitional SpacesThe Life in Vacant Spaces programme is one example of activity bringing life to sites awaiting redevelopment.Life in Vacant SpacesFor some time, central Christchurch willcontinue to have a number of vacantsites and buildings. Before they areTEMPORARY ART INSTALLATIONSdeveloped permanently, however, vacantspaces can still be used to develop newbusinesses and to introduce vibrancyand activity to the area in creativeand positive ways. Such activitiescan improve the environment for localresidents and support the community toreconnect with the area.The Life in Vacant Spaces programmematches vacant property and sites withprojects and creative enterprises, actingas a facilitator between the propertyowner and projects. The programme willbuild strong relationships and addressOFFICE SPACENOW LEASINGproperty owners’ concerns aroundliability insurance, legal agreements, andhealth and safety. By limiting the risks forproperty owners, it will enable others touse vacant space actively and supportthe recovery. Vacant buildings can alsooffer affordable options for potentialtenants.When vacant property is used in creativeand different ways, business and itsproperty owners may benefit because:• Foot traffic in the area increases• Public confidence in an area growsas a result of the energy and activityor buzz that temporary projects cancreateUNDER CONSTRUCTIONNEW OFFICE BUILDINGSGAP FILLERSLIVE MUSIC EVENTSOPEN• It is an environment in which newbusinesses and enterprise can beestablished more easily – helping tobridge the gap to fully operational butisolated businesses• It can create a uniquely Christchurchexperience in the early stages ofrecoveryGAP FILLERSChristchurch City Council has confirmedits commitment to bringing life andactivity into vacant spaces throughthe Life in Vacant Spaces programme.The Life in Vacant Spaces Trust willOPENbe established with key partnersrepresented on a board. Seed fundingwill also be provided to support initialresourcing and projects.FOR SALEFOR SALEOPENING SOON !OPENTransitional FundThe Christchurch City Council iscommitted to providing for a numberof transitional projects. Communityand private sector initiatives thatimprove the amenity and environmentof central Christchurch can apply forfunding under the scheme.The Transitional Fund is administeredcompetitively, with calls forexpressions of interest every sixmonths. It will support and promotesmaller projects that:• Attract people to centralChristchurch• Are creative and have a highqualitydesignFREE PARKING• Reflect greater Christchurch’sunique culture and historyNOW LEASING INNER CITY MARKETS• Use vacant spacesCHCHSURETORISEFOR SALE• Help residents and the widercommunity connect with centralChristchurch and its recoveryFOOD MARKETDESIGNERS MARKET• Support existingANTIQUEor emergingMARKETrecovery area clustersThe Christchurch City Council willconsider matching funding raisedelsewhere, or provide supportthrough technical advice, rather thanfunding the full costs ofa project.REPAIRED BUILDINGSNEW LANEWAYSRETAIL HEARTCENTRAL CITY LIVINGChristchurch Central Recovery Plan98

Bring Everyone Together and Make it HappenThe Path to RecoveryTe Ara HaumanuEffective recovery requires strongleadership, a vision, coordinatedimplementation, and focused resources.The recovery of central Christchurchwill require dedicated efforts from anumber of parties with the right skills andconnections. It will also require a clearsignal of what is expected and whatindividual roles are. No one agency orgroup will be able to achieve recoveryalone.Roles and responsibilities will changeto match the needs of each phase ofthe recovery. Robust and collaborativerelationships between CERA and itspartners will be critical: Te Rūnanga oNgāi Tahu, Christchurch City Council,Canterbury Regional Council and Selwynand Waimakariri District Councils, as wellas the universities, polytechnic, tertiaryhospital, infrastructure providers, theprivate sector and the wider community.As Christchurch comes closer to achievinga self-sustaining recovery, centralgovernment will take a lesser role.The community is central torecoveryThe community’s vision is central tothis Recovery Plan, and the continuedinvolvement of the people of Christchurchis critical to the recovery.Community involvement will be the litmustest from providing ideas and participatingin projects, to returning to the central cityto live, work and enjoy the new facilitiesand attractions.Canterbury Earthquake RecoveryAuthorityCERA has a key role in leading andfacilitating the recovery. It will provideclear direction to stakeholders andthe wider community involved inredevelopment of the central city.In accordance with the RecoveryStrategy, CERA will ensure this RecoveryPlan is integrated with its other recoveryprogrammes.CERA will lead and be accountable for:• Overall implementation of theRecovery Plan• Acquisition of land for the anchorprojects• Scheduling and coordination ofconstruction• Facilitation as required of privatesector-led developmentCERA will also have an oversight,facilitation and support role in:• The development of Papa o Ōtākaro/Avon River Precinct• Investment in the FrameOther Central GovernmentagenciesOther government departments andagencies have a significant role in therecovery of Christchurch, alongsideCERA. Examples of these roles include:• The Ministry of Justice will lead theJustice and Emergency ServicesPrecinct, in collaboration withNew Zealand Police, Department ofEmergencyRestorationEmergencyresponseMaking builtEnvironment safeDemolition andclearance of rubbleUnderstandingcurrent stateState of land,infrastructure andbuildingsReconstructionNew buildings and infrastructureImprovementMaking city a better placeInsurance settlementsLevel of ActivityDisastereventCompletion of search& rescue operationsRestoration of majorurban servicesReturn to pre-disasterlevels of activity99Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

Bring Everyone Together and Make it HappenCorrections, Department of Courtsand the New Zealand Fire Service• The Ministry of Education will reviewschool needs in the central city• The New Zealand Transport Agencyhas a partnership role in particular withthe Bus Interchange and transportnetwork• The Ministry of Business, Innovationand Employment will be involved withthe Convention Centre and InnovationPrecinct• The Ministry for Culture and Heritagewill lead the community discussion onthe Earthquake MemorialCERA will ensure that departments’and agencies’ work is coordinated andaligned.CERA will also work with GovernmentProperty Management Centre ofExpertise (PMCoE) to help centralgovernment agencies to return as asignificant tenant, in the central city.Christchurch City CouncilThe Christchurch City Council isempowered to represent the views of theresidents of central Christchurch in therebuild. The Christchurch City Council willcontinue to act as a regulator under theprovisions of the Resource ManagementAct 1991 and the Building Act 2004, toensure the safety of its community.Except in relation to urban designmatters in the Core, the ChristchurchCity Council will continue as centralChristchurch’s principal planningauthority, responsible for theadministration of its District Plan.The Christchurch City Council has akey role in making this Recovery Plan asuccess. In particular, the ChristchurchCity Council will:• Be involved in transitional projectsand events that attract people back tothe central city and begin to build theconfidence of the development market• Be a partial funder of anchor projectswith central government, the privatesector and philanthropic sources• Be responsible for the ongoingoperation and maintenance costs ofcommunity assets such as Papa oŌtākaro• Work closely with CERA to effectivelyimplement those provisions in theRecovery Plan that include direction tothe Christchurch City CouncilCERA and the Christchurch City Councilwill also work together to ensureresource and building consent processesare efficient and customer focused.Te Rūnanga o Ngāi TahuTe Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu is both a Treatypartner with the Crown, and a strategicpartner with CERA under the CER Act.It has a significant role to play in theimplementation of the Recovery Plan.Ngāi Tahu’s perspective on centralChristchurch and the values theyplace on the area are an importantconsideration in the recovery and thedesign of the future city.CERA (and the Christchurch CityCouncil) will work in partnership with therepresentative organisations of Ngāi Tahu– Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Te Rūnanga o NgāiTahu – to ensure:• Ngāi Tahu’s aspirations are reflectedacross the central city• There is a more visible and tangiblecultural presence in the city• Shared cultural and natural heritage isrespected• Anchor projects and key publicspaces are designed and named incollaboration with Ngāi TahuThe rebuild and revitalisation ofcentral Christchurch also provides anopportunity for Te Rūnanga o NgāiTahu to consider its potential role as aninvestor, developer or owner of land andbuildings with the central city.Canterbury Regional CouncilThe Canterbury Regional Council(Environment Canterbury) will retainall its usual accountabilities andresponsibilities. In addition, the regionalcouncil will be a key partner in the BusInterchange project and Papa o Ōtākaro.Private investors and developersPublic investment and redevelopmentin key areas will stimulate private sectorinvestment in surrounding areas.CERA will work with current and potentialdevelopers and investors to ensure theyare informed, involved and empoweredto participate in the recovery. Currentowners, investors and businesseshave a very significant role in realisingthe Recovery Plan, and CERA and theChristchurch City Council will assist themto become part of the overall recovery.Non-governmental organisationsNon-governmental organisationsand business networks are alreadycontributing to the recovery in manyways. CERA will ensure that their rolescontinue and are supported.PhilanthropyThe support of trusts, foundations,families, businesses and individualsthrough their philanthropic giving willassist the recovery. CERA will ensure thatopportunities to support the recovery ofcentral Christchurch are promoted andaligned to meet both the objectives of therecovery and those of philanthropists.Stronger ChristchurchInfrastructure Rebuild TeamThe Christchurch City Council, NewZealand Transport Agency and CERAare partners in the Stronger ChristchurchRebuild Team (SCIRT). SCIRT isresponsible for rebuilding and repairingdrinking water, waste water and stormwater systems, and the road networkacross the City Council area.Relevant stakeholders and assetowners will work together to implementthe infrastructure rebuild programmesuccessfully in the central city.The central city Infrastructure RenewalImplementation Group is overseeingthe infrastructure recovery in centralChristchurch. This group will work withCERA to prioritise infrastructure renewaland coordinate recovery efforts. Anoverall assessment of infrastructurein central Christchurch will assist withprioritising the repair of infrastructure sothat the redevelopment and recovery ofthe central city are not constrained.Christchurch Central Recovery Plan100

Bring Everyone Together and Make it HappenMonitoring and ReviewTe Aroturuki me te ArotakeImplementing the projects and programmesoutlined in this Recovery Plan will produce avibrant and prosperous central city. CERA willmonitor and report on the progress made inachieving what the community have asked for.As part of the Recovery StrategyMonitoring and Reporting Plan, indicatorswill be developed to measure progressin the recovery of greater Christchurch,including those specifically related tocentral Christchurch.The Monitoring and Reporting Planprovides for three key levels of monitoringand reporting including:• Monitoring key indicators for theRecovery Strategy Goals;• Monitoring the progress andperformance of Recovery Programmestowards goals; and• Financial monitoring and reporting bycentral and local governmentThe Plan also provides for four main typesof reporting and three review processesincluding:Reports• An annual ‘Status of Recovery’ Report;• A 6 Month Progress Report card;• A Recovery Widget (an online display ofmonitoring results and milestones); and• Annual Financial ReportsReviews• CER Act Review• Recovery Strategy Review• Recovery Programme ReviewExamples of indicators that could beused to monitor the recovery of centralChristchurch include:• Building consent activity• Telephone connections and energy usepatterns• Monitoring of credit and insuranceavailabilityMonitoring of the Recovery Plan will informany requirements for review of the Plan.101Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

Bring Everyone Together and Make it HappenRelationship to the RecoveryStrategyTe Hononga ki te Mahere HaumanutangaRecovery StrategyThe Recovery Strategy for GreaterChristchurch: Mahere Haumanutanga oWaitaha provides a vision, goals and a roadmap for a successful recovery for greaterChristchurch and for its future leadership inearthquake resilience.The Strategy sets out a shared vision forthe recovery and the Government’s overallapproach. The Strategy:• Defines what ‘recovery’ means for greaterChristchurch• Establishes principles to guide how CERAand other agencies will work togethertowards recovery• Describes in broad terms the pace andphases of recovery• Identifies work programmes, and whichorganisations will lead specific projects• Identifies priorities for recovery efforts• Sets up governance structures to overseeand coordinate the work programmesand links them to wider initiatives• Commits to measuring and reporting onprogress towards recoveryIn regard to the Christchurch CentralRecovery Plan, the Recovery Strategyidentifies the relevant recovery priorities as:• People’s safety and wellbeing• Investment conditions• Permanent repair or rebuild ofinfrastructure• Supply of land for recovery needs• Coordination of work across centralgovernment, iwi, local authorities,insurers and the private sector• Communication and engagement withcommunities• Regulation, standards and otherinformation• A functioning central business district• Opportunities and facilities for sporting,recreational and cultural activitiesThe Recovery Strategy confirms thatrecovery involves both restoring greaterChristchurch and enhancing it, andrecognises that there are phases torecovery. Starting the rebuild of thecentral city, finishing demolition of thelarger commercial buildings, findingfacilities for sporting and cultural activitiesand constructing temporary buildingsfor entertainment and retail in greaterChristchurch are all identified as milestonesin the period 2012 to 2014.The Christchurch Central Recovery Plan ispart of the short-term phase described inthe Recovery Strategy as ‘Begin to rebuild,replace and reconstruct’. It sits amongmany other Recovery Programmes andPlans, including those relating to educationand the economy.Christchurch Central Recovery Plan102

Bring Everyone Together and Make it HappenStatutory Direction to Amend District PlanNgā Mana a Ture Kia Panoni i te Mahere ā RoheAs set out in the preceding sections of this Recovery Plan, Christchurch has an unprecedentedopportunity to create a distinctive, vibrant and prosperous central city that encourages economicand emotional reinvestment. This chapter of the Recovery Plan sets out the statutory directionsconsidered necessary to enable that opportunity to be realised.The Recovery Plan outlines a vision for adistinctive central city characterised by:• A consolidated central city businessarea that fosters business investmentand growth;• A lower rise built environment with adiverse range of activities in safe, welldesigned buildings within an attractivecityscape;• A greener city-scape, supported by arevitalised Papa o Ōtākaro/Avon RiverPrecinct corridor;• High quality inner city housing optionsthat attract an increased residentialpopulation; and• Places and spaces that attractpeople from throughout the greaterChristchurch area and beyond.Christchurch City Council -District PlanThe use and development of land in thecentral city is managed by the provisionsof Christchurch City Council’s DistrictPlan, prepared under the provisions of theResource Management Act 1991 (RMA).Under section 24 of the CanterburyEarthquake Recovery Act 2011, thisRecovery Plan may direct ChristchurchCity Council to make amendments tothe District Plan (among other statutorydocuments).This chapter of the Recovery Plansets out the tenor of the amendmentsdirected under section 24 and providesthe rationale for those amendments. Thecomplete set of amendments to be madeoperative is contained in Appendix 1 tothis Recovery Plan.In developing these amendmentsconsideration has been given to enablingrecovery in the immediate to mediumterm (up to 10 years). It is recognised thatrecovery is a dynamic process and thatas development proceeds there may be arequirement to make further refinementsto the District Plan to ensure that thevision articulated in the Recovery Plan isappropriately achieved.The RMA provides for a range of activityclassifications from permitted throughto controlled, discretionary (restrictedand unrestricted), non-complying andprohibited. Permitted activities complywith the rules in the District Plan anddo not require resource consents. Theintention in preparing these amendmentshas been to simplify the District Plan ruleframework such that a number of activitiesare permitted in appropriate locations.A small number of controlled activitiesare also provided for. Consent must begranted for these activities but the Councilis entitled to impose conditions.A number of new discretionary activitiesare also identified. These are activities thatare considered desirable but that requiresome assessment by Council before thegranting of consent. In most instancesthat assessment is restricted to specificmatters identified in the District Plan. Alimited number of non-complying activitiesare established by these amendments.These are activities that are not generallyconsidered appropriate in particularlocations and which are accordinglydiscouraged. Prohibited activities, whichas the name implies are not authorisedat all, are not provided for in theseamendments.A consolidated central citybusiness areaChristchurch has traditionally had ageographically expansive CBD which, attimes, has struggled to attract and retainworkers, residents, shoppers and tourists.The operative District Plan effectivelyenables traditional CBD activities suchas offices, retail activities, travellers’accommodation and the like to establishthroughout a significant portion of theCBD. This has enabled activities to spreadacross an extended area resulting inpockets of low or no activity, significantratios of lower grade, semi-occupiedbuildings and diminished amenity valueswhich have in turn dis-incentivisedresidential occupation and development.Central City Business ZoneThe Recovery Plan seeks to address thisissue by creating a consolidated CentralCity Business Zone. The new Central CityBusiness Zone effectively encompassesan area of approximately 40 hectaresas shown on Map 1 in Appendix 1. Thiscompares with more than 90 hectares ofCentral City zoned land in the operativeDistrict Plan.Within the new Central City BusinessZone, traditional CBD activitiesincluding office, retail (of any size orscale), commercial services, travellers’accommodation and residential activity areencouraged and the planning frameworkis designed to promote this outcome.The new zone is delineated into the Coreand the Urban Gateways (Victoria Streetand High Street). Within the Core, otherthan with respect to matters related tourban design, traditional CBD activities arepermitted provided certain developmentstandards are met. The developmentstandards relate to matters such asheight, recession planes, the location ofcar parking, building to the road boundaryand across the width of the site to createa continuous façade and active usesat ground floor. These are all mattersdesigned to ensure that buildings in theCentral City Business Zone are able tofulfil their desired function while ensuringthat a high level of amenity and urbandesign is provided.In circumstances where developmentstandards cannot be met (or a choiceis made to apply for a different form ofdevelopment), activities generally revertto a non-notified restricted discretionaryactivity status. Clear assessment criteriaare provided to direct the matters thatCouncil is to take into account whendetermining if consent should be granted.With respect to urban design matters,activities within the Core are also nonnotifiedrestricted discretionary activities. Alimited number of criteria are identified forassessment and these relate principally tomatters such as the connection betweenthe building and the surrounding area.Decisions on whether consent shouldbe granted will be made by a delegateddecision-making body comprisingone accredited representative with anappropriate understanding of urbandesign considerations from each of CERA,Christchurch City Council and Te Rūnangao Ngāi Tahu. Decisions will be providedwithin five working days from the date acompleted application is lodged.This process is intended to provide a swiftresponse to applications while ensuringthat the significant investment in thecentral city rebuild is protected and thequality of the built form is enhanced.The FrameAs outlined in more detail later in thischapter, high amenity open space andcampus style development will framethe new Central City Business Zone tothe north, east and south. This openspace frame achieves the dual goals ofimproving the amenity and attractivenessof the Central City as well as providing aclear edge to the Central City BusinessZone.Central City Mixed Use ZoneBeyond the Frame, an area of land to the103Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

Bring Everyone Together and Make it HappenCredit: Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahusouth (from St Asaph Street to MoorhouseAvenue and between Durham Street andMadras Street), which was previouslyzoned Central City Zone, will be rezonedto a new Central City Mixed Use Zone, aswill an area to the north between Kilmoreand Salisbury Streets.While a range of activities, including lightindustrial, education, health facilities,residential activity and travellers’accommodation is permitted within thenew Central City Mixed Use Zone, thecorollary of the permissive approachtaken in the Business Zone is thatthere are limitations on the extent ofretail, commercial services and officedevelopment that can occur in the mixeduse areas. These activities are preferredin the new consolidated Central CityBusiness Zone and that distinction ismade clear in the new zone provisions.Smaller scale stand-alone offices of up to450m 2 Gross Leasable Floor Area (GLFA)are permitted throughout the Central CityMixed Use Zone, providing an alternativeoffice location for activities that eithercannot, or do not wish to, establish inthe Central City Business Zone but thatare not of such a size or scale as tocompromise the consolidated BusinessZone. It is envisaged that some of thesesmaller office buildings may also providea location for office activities wishing totemporarily relocate back to the centralcity before completing a more permanentmove into the Central City Business Zone.Office and commercial service facilitiesabove 450m 2 are generally non-complyingactivities, reinforcing the primacy ofconsolidating such development in theCentral City Business Zone.Retail activities are not generally providedfor within the Central City Mixed Use Zoneother than within the area shown as LargeFormat Retail on Map 1, Appendix 1.This area, between Madras and MontrealStreets, recognises existing large formatdevelopment in this location and permitsretail tenancies of greater than 450m 2GLFA. In the balance of the CentralCity Mixed Use Zone general retailingthat does not require expansive displayor is not ancillary to another permittedbusiness use is a non-complying activity.Again, these provisions are designed toreinforce the primacy of consolidatingsuch activities in the Central City BusinessZone.A Mixed Use Zone (previously zonedBusiness 3B) is also located to the northof Salisbury Street between Manchesterand Madras Streets. This area recognisesand provides for existing activitiesas well as enabling the developmentof a neighbourhood centre with anappropriately sized supermarket to servicethe residential population in this area.Areas of land to the south and east ofthe Central City Business Zone (St AsaphStreet to Moorhouse Avenue betweenSelwyn Street and Durham Street andMadras Street to Fitzgerald Avenuebetween Cashel Street and MoorhouseAvenue) which were previously zonedBusiness 3 (B3) will also be rezoned to thenew Central City Mixed Use Zone. Thiszoning is very similar to the previous B3zone but enables an increased opportunityfor small scale office accommodation(under 450m 2 GLFA). Consistent with theprevious zoning, retail development isnot desired in this location and the zoneprovisions limit the opportunities for suchactivities.Access and parkingPart of establishing a vibrant central cityhub is ensuring that it is easy to get to,easy to park within and easy to walkaround and enjoy once there.As a result of the greater clarity providedby the Recovery Plan (including thelocation of anchor projects), transportmodelling can now be undertaken toinform the development of a new roadhierarchy which ensures both improvedfunctionality and a high-amenityenvironment. Amendments to theRecovery Plan to facilitate this new roadhierarchy will be made once the modellingis complete. In the interim, transportprovisions that recognise the overalldistinctions between pedestrian orientatedareas and those that are more vehiclefocused have been inserted in the DistrictPlan. It is intended that these provisionswill be updated when the transportmodelling has been completed.Car parking within individualdevelopments continues to be providedfor (but not required) in the Central CityBusiness Zone with up to 50 percentChristchurch Central Recovery Plan104

Bring Everyone Together and Make it Happenof the GLFA of the premises able to beutilised for this activity. A maximum hasbeen prescribed to manage the number ofvehicles overall within the zone consistentwith the pedestrian friendly focus but notto the extent that economic recovery iscompromised.Public car parking buildings or parkinglots are managed in both the CentralCity Business Zone and the CentralCity Mixed Use Zone via discretionaryactivity consents to ensure both trafficand amenity effects are appropriatelyconsidered. Preliminary locations for thesefacilities are noted in the Recovery Plan.As part of the anchor projects a new businterchange site is provided for.Suburban centresThe draft Central City Plan prepared bythe Christchurch City Council, proposedrestrictions on development outsidethe central city to protect the CBD asa consolidated business hub. Thoseprotections have not been adopted inthe amendments to the District Plancontained in Appendix 1. The RecoveryPlan, together with the anchor projectsand amended regulatory framework,provides a compelling case for continuedinvestment in the central city and it is notconsidered necessary or desirable torestrict suburban development to achievethe aspirations of the Recovery Plan.Existing use rightsThe draft Central City Plan also proposedan amendment to the District Plan toenable pre-earthquake development tobe re-established within a four year periodprovided the building platform remainedthe same and the gross floor area did notincrease. This provision had the effect ofallowing development to “by-pass” newprovisions in the District Plan relating toheight or changed zoning. The RecoveryPlan does not direct this amendment tobe made. Existing use rights under theRMA have not been extinguished andprovided the statutory requirements aremet, these provisions may be accessedby landowners and developers wanting toreinstate pre-earthquake buildings.A lower rise quality builtenvironmentHeight of buildingsAn important component in developingthe framework for an active and vibrantcity centre is determining how best toutilise the available land. Consolidatingdevelopment opportunities in a centralbusiness area and reducing the heightof buildings assists with an appropriatedistribution of development activitiesacross the available area. Lower buildingsare less dominant, making streets moreinviting and people friendly. Lower buildingheights also reduce the adverse effectsof tall buildings (shadowing, wind tunnelsand the like).Despite these benefits, it is recognisedthat height limits have potential to affectthe viability of development. This isparticularly the case where developmentis required to optimise a small or unusuallyshaped lot due to the underlying (largelyfragmented) ownership structure. It isself-evident that providing for uneconomicdevelopment defeats the goal of recovery.Capacity and viability analyses togetherwith urban design considerations havecombined to inform new height limits forthe Central City Business and Central CityMixed Use Zones as follows:• Central City Business Zone (Core) 28m• Central City Business Zone (Gateway)17m• Central City Mixed Use Zone 17mThese heights provide for 7 storeybuildings in the Core and 4 storeybuildings in the balance areas. Someexceptions to these height limits exist forparticularly sensitive sites including theMixed Use zones in the north adjacent toLiving Zones and in New Regent Streetwhere lower heights are required toensure sunlight provision and/or reflectexisting character. Developments whichdo not comply with the height limits arediscretionary activities in the CentralCity Business Zone and RestrictedDiscretionary Activities in the Central CityMixed Use Zone.The adoption of these height limits willachieve the lower rise aspirations of thecommunity, assist with an appropriatedistribution of development on availableland and avoid adverse effects on thestreetscape without compromisingeconomic viability.Quality built formThe Recovery Plan also recognises andprovides for a community aspiration toimprove urban design within the CentralCity. The Blueprint Plan, which informsthe Recovery Plan, has been developedin accordance with best practice105Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

urban design principles by qualifiedand experienced urban designers. TheBlueprint Plan identifies the location,form and mass of a number of importantanchor projects in a manner that accordswith best practice urban design. Theseimportant public buildings and placeswill be developed under the leadership ofcentral Government and/or ChristchurchCity Council, both of whom are signatoriesto the Urban Design Protocol.This approach is complemented byadditional urban design developmentstandards within the Central City BusinessZone together with a restricted discretionto assess matters of urban designfor development within the Core. Theassessment criteria have been carefullydeveloped to provide clear guidanceon the matters for consideration andrelate principally to the integration ofthe development with its surroundingcontext. Consideration of these mattersprovides certainty to all landowners thattheir investment in the rebuilding of thecity will not be undermined by poor qualityoutcomes in adjacent areas.As set out previously, decisions onurban design matters will be delegatedto a decision-making body comprisingone accredited representative with anappropriate understanding of urbandesign considerations from each of CERA,Christchurch City Council and Te Rūnangao Ngāi Tahu. Decisions will be providedwithin 5 working days from the date acompleted application is lodged.Throughout the development of theseprovisions, careful consideration hasbeen given to ensuring that the goals ofa lower rise, better designed city are notpursued at the expense of providing foreconomically viable development. It ispossible to balance these considerationsto appropriately achieve both goals, andthe provisions in the Central City BusinessZone are designed to facilitate this.Comprehensive developmentIn considering enhanced urban designoutcomes for the Central City BusinessZone consideration has also been givento the role of Comprehensive or BlockDevelopment. In addition to enhancedChristchurch Central Recovery Plan106

Bring Everyone Together and Make it Happenurban design opportunities, suchdevelopment carries with it a range ofbenefits including reduced developmentcosts, improved amenity and economiesof scale. Although comprehensivedevelopment can be difficult with afragmented underlying land holding, itremains a desirable outcome for thecentral city.This is particularly true in the Central CityRetail Precinct being the area boundedby Oxford Terrace, Lichfield, High andHereford Streets. In this location thedesirability of a comprehensively designedprecinct is such that the District Plan hasbeen amended to ensure developmentproceeds in accordance with OutlineDevelopment Plans that includes acontiguous area of at least 7,500m 2 (or inthe case of the triangular block bound byHigh Street, Colombo Street and CashelStreet, the entire block). Approval of suchplans will be delegated to the decisionmaking body comprising representativesof CERA, Christchurch City Council andTe Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. As with urbandesign matters, this body will be requiredto deliver its decision within 5 workingdays from lodgement of a completedOutline Development Plan. Developmentwithout an Outline Development Plan inthis location is a non-complying activity.A greener cityChristchurch has long been recognisedas a city with extensive green spaces.This is a distinctive characteristic whichthe Recovery Plan seeks to recognise andbuild upon. As part of the achievementof this goal, one of the priority anchorprojects is the development of te Papao Ōtākaro. Creating an attractive rivercorridor throughout the central city whichcan be enjoyed by workers, shoppers,residents and visitors is an importantcomponent in ‘greening’ the city andproviding high amenity public spaces thatattract people and activity.Papa o Ōtākaro is zoned Conservation5 Zone by this Recovery Plan. This zonecovers the Avon River and adjacent landwhich is, for the most part, already in theownership of Christchurch City Council.The new areas which frame the CentralCity Business Zone to the north, eastand south are also anchor projects andwill be designated under the RMA. Theseareas will add to the goal of a greenercity by incorporating significant areas ofadditional green space in close proximityto both business and residential activities,complementing initiatives proposed byChristchurch City Council to include newpocket parks, community gardens andeco-streets.The North and East Frames will enablea range of events and activities includingparklands, playgrounds, walking andcycling tracks, places and spaces forquiet contemplation, food and beveragefacilities, temporary event facilities andresidential development. Existing buildingsconsistent with the function of the Framemay be retained and further buildings maybe developed over time in this location.The south frame will enable low densitycampus style urban development whichwill ultimately accommodate a mix ofhealth, education and related commercialactivities. A greenway through the SouthFrame will link Hagley Park to areasin the east (including the ChristchurchPolytechnic Institute of Technology) andthen link to the parkland areas in the EastFrame.The addition of these areas willcomplement other initiatives beingundertaken in support of improvedsustainability and a reduced environmentalfootprint such as the Green Pledge andthe encouragement of Green Star ratedbuildings.High quality inner city livingA vibrant city centre requires a residentpopulation to sustain a diverse rangeof activity. The Recovery Plan seeks tocomplement a regenerated business areawith an increase in high quality inner cityliving opportunities.The current District Plan provisionsprovide for a number of Living Zoneswithin the central city. These zones sharecommon characteristics with subtledistinctions based principally on existingcharacter. Further distinctions relating tomatters such as setbacks, height limitsand external appearance are provided forby Special Amenity Areas. All of the innercity living zones were recently modified byPlan Change 53 which sought to improveurban design and amenity outcomes.A review of the existing Living Zoneshas confirmed that the zone provisionsgive effect to the proposed RegionalPolicy Statement objective of intensifyingdevelopment and increasing theresidential population. Whilst there issome complexity in the zone provisionsit is not considered that this complexityimpedes immediate recovery andaccordingly the changes made at this timeare restricted to tightening the controlson non-residential activities and resolvingsome minor zoning anomalies.Together with increasing the populationof the central city, the Recovery Planaims to improve the quality of the livingenvironment. The analysis undertakenby CERA indicates that the number ofdifferent Living Zones together with theoverlay of the Special Amenity Areasresults in an unduly and unnecessarilycomplex planning environment.Provisions which were designed toimprove and/or protect amenity someyears ago may now be less effectivethan is desirable given the changedcircumstances of these areas. To ensurethe goal of creating a high quality innercity living environment is met, a reviewof the various Living Zone provisionsincluding the Special Amenity Areas isdirected to be undertaken by ChristchurchCity Council with proposed changes to beprovided to the Minister by 1 March 2013.A residential demonstration project isplanned to assist in illustrating to the widercommunity the high amenity environmentthat can be obtained with well designedinner city accommodation.The new Central City Business andCentral City Mixed Use Zones also seekto enhance opportunities for an increasedresidential population by enablingresidential development as a permittedactivity subject to compliance withdevelopment standards. The developmentstandards are designed to ensure anappropriate standard of residential amenityrecognising that such development willoccur within a highly developed urban andmixed use environment.The interface between the new CentralCity Business and Mixed Use Zones andthe existing Living Zones is also managedto protect and promote residentialdevelopment. Emphasis has been placedon ensuring that the amenity in theresidential zone is protected by requiringactivities within the business and mixedzones to manage their effects within theirzones.Places and spaces that attractpeopleA vibrant, active city requires a diverserange of activities that attract workers,residents and visitors to work, shop,recreate and learn. As set out in thepreceding chapters of the Recovery Plan,anchor projects are facilities or precinctsthat have been identified as important tocatalysing and optimising redevelopmentand initiating the process of attractingpeople back to the central city.Identifying the location of these keyfacilities in conjunction with a clearplanning framework provides certaintyfor landowners and investors, enablingprivate investment decisions to be madewith confidence.The Convention Centre Precinct, Stadium,Metro Sports Facility, Frame (North, Eastand South), Bus Interchange, CentralLibrary, Performing Arts Precincts andthe Justice and Emergency Services areaare all designated as public works by theRecovery Plan. Papa o Ōtākaro is zonedas Conservation 5 land.The Recovery Plan identifies otherprojects committed to by ChristchurchCity Council, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu andother entities which will also contributeto vibrant places and spaces within thecentral city.107Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

Bring Everyone Together and Make it HappenRe:START Mall ChristchurchStatutory directions1. In accordance with section 24(1)(a) and (b) and section 24(2) of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Act 2011, Christchurch City Council is directed to amendthe District Plan as set out in Appendix 1 to this Recovery Plan as soon as practicable but not later than 7 August 2012.2. In accordance with section 24(3) and (5) of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Act 2011, Christchurch City Council is directed to propose changes toobjectives, policies, and methods relating to the Living 4A (Central City - Diverse), Living 4B (Central City and North Beach – High Rise), Living 4C (Central City -Character) Living 5 (Travellers’ Accommodation) and Special Amenity Areas 22, 23, 23a, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31, 32 and 33 as they relate to the CBD (as definedin section 4 of the CER Act) necessary to give effect to the Recovery Plan and provide such changes to the Minister of Canterbury Earthquake Recovery on orbefore 1 March 2013. This work is to be undertaken in conjunction with CERA and is not required to comply with Schedule 1 of the RMA or any other formalpublic process.Christchurch Central Recovery Plan108

Published in July 2012 byCanterbury Earthquake Recovery AuthorityChristchurch, New ZealandContactCanterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority(CERA)Private Bag 4999, Christchurch 8140info@cera.govt.nz0800 7464 2372www.cera.govt.nzImagery Credit3D imagery 2NO LimitedDraft Central City PlanBlueprint for ChristchurchCentral Recovery PlanCitationCanterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority(2012). Central City Recovery Plan. Christchurch:Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority.ISBNs978-0-478-39718-5 (Print)978-0-478-39719-2 (Online)Crown copyright ©This work is licensed under the Creative CommonsAttribution 3.0 New Zealand licence.

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