Christchurch Central Recovery Plan - New Zealand Listener

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