Innovation Precinct

Te Puna Rerekētanga

Innovation parks and research and development precincts are an intrinsic part of central and local government strategies for city business development.

An Innovation Precinct located adjacent to the South Frame on the High Street Gateway will facilitate the establishment of technology-based industry and research within the central city.

Collaboration

The precinct is proposed to be adjacent to the Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT) sharing knowledge and linking up activities.

The Innovation Precinct will be well designed to stimulate collaborative activity and should consider appropriate opportunities to incorporate remaining heritage features of the area.

Flexibility

Depending on demand, the Innovation Precinct could expand beyond the area indicated on the map. The precinct includes the Enterprise Precinct and Innovation Campus (EPIC) temporary site, known as the EPIC Sanctuary, a private sector initiative to bring displaced innovative businesses together in the city centre.

Development

The creation of the Innovation Precinct, including developing a business case, and possibly securing tenants, and contracting property developers and designers will be facilitated by the project partners.

The Innovation Precinct could draw on skills and knowledge developed at Lincoln University and the University of Canterbury. It could also leverage seven of the eight New Zealand science-based Crown Research Institutes that have facilities or headquarters in the region in agriculture, plant and food research, land management and industrial research.

Key facts

  • will be a place for business and employment in high-value, technology sectors;
  • will encourage collaboration between innovative businesses and research organisations, improving productivity for Christchurch and New Zealand;
  • will be adjacent to the South Frame on the High Street Gateway;
  • will be facilitated by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, CERA and CCC (including Canterbury Development Corporation), in partnership or cooperation with industry.