Aspirations

When Christchurch City Council asked people to Share an Idea about the central city recovery, it received more than 100,000 suggestions. Advice also came from professional institutes, interest groups and community organisations.

From the community’s responses, five key changes formed the basis of the draft Central City Plan:

  1. Green city
  2. Stronger built identity
  3. Compact CBD
  4. Live, work, play, learn and visit
  5. Accessible city

These changes are reflected in the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan.

Green city

  • A revitalised Ōtākaro/Avon River corridor
  • New street trees, improved surface stormwater treatment and a new network of parks that encourage outdoor activities
  • A greener, more attractive central Christchurch, which includes measures against climate change

Stronger built identity

  • A lower-rise city with safe, sustainable buildings that look good and function well
  • Use of strong urban design principles
  • Strengthened heritage buildings that can be used for contemporary purposes
  • An urban building fabric that speaks to our sense of place, our identity, our shared cultural heritage

Compact core

  • A more compact central city core
  • Well-designed streetscapes, redeveloped civic buildings, ultra-fast broadband and free Wi-Fi
  • Car parking buildings and bus routes around the Core

Live, work, play, learn and visit

  • High-quality inner city housing
  • New metropolitan sporting facilities
  • A new central library
  • New public art and performing arts venues
  • Playgrounds

Accessible city

  • A city that is easy to get to and around for all age groups
  • Excellent walking and cycling paths and high-quality public transport

Embrace cultural values

  • A city for all people and cultures
  • Recognise Ngāi Tahu heritage and places of significance
  • A commitment to enhance an urban environment for future generations
  • Cultural revitalisation as a catalyst for urban regeneration and prosperity