Regenerate Christchurch: Community puts ideas forward
(caption for the above picture: A good crowd gathered on March 25 during the Otakaro Avon River Community Day at Haeata Community Campus to share thoughts on how this area could shape an exciting future for Christchurch; picture courtesy: Regenerate Christchurch)
Christchurch earthquake-affected red zone to get a makeover
Christchurch's rebuild after the 2011 earthquake got a major breakthrough last week with Regenerate Christchurch (RC) announcing Gerry Brownlee's - minister supporting Greater Christchurch Regeneration - approval for the company's approach for developing a Regeneration Plan for the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor. RC is a new entity, established in 2016 to lead the regeneration of Christchurch including the central city, residential red zone and the eastern New Brighton.
Known as the Outline for the Ōtākaro/ Avon River Corridor Regeneration Plan, it will determine the preferred land uses and activities for the area, including who will be paying for it.
“The Canterbury community now has a clear picture of how the regeneration of the Ōtākaro/ Avon River Corridor will take shape. Having considered the feedback we have received, we are confident that we have developed an approach that will make the most of this great opportunity,” noted RC chairman Mr André Lovatt.
Notably, the Canterbury earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 caused unprecedented and widespread damage to the Avon River corridor, an area covering over 600 hectares, which was later identified as residential red zone land. Since then much of the land within this area has been acquired and cleared by the Crown, with deliberations ongoing on what to do with it.
RC has been also organising community and open days to get the community participation in sharing ideas on the regeneration plan.
“More than 80 proposals have already been put forward by various proponents and they’re all on the table, plus ideas from more than 1000 children as well as many more from our recent Community Day. But we are still in the early stages of planning and open to all ideas as this regeneration opportunity takes shape,” added RC's Chief Executive Mr Ivan Iafeta.
RC also shared details of a recent survey of Christchurch residents about the future of the river corridor. 79% emphasised on safety in regenerated areas, 75% on protection of unique and indigenous nature, 66% on well-designed urban environment, 64% on a good transport system, 54% on community connection, 47% on good places to work, visit and invest, 45% on valuing culture and heritage, and only 39% on range and choice of housing.
