Christchurch Central Recovery Plan - New Zealand Listener

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