Friday 6 August 2004

Council seeks opinions on Hagley Park and Botanic Gardens

Community consultation starts today on two Christchurch icons – Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens.

Between now and 8 October the Christchurch City Council will be seeking public comment on issues affecting the Park and Gardens as it works to improve and better manage these cherished parts of the city.

Following consultation with the community the Council will review the Hagley Park Management Plan and produce a draft long-term master plan for the Gardens.

Following a number of submissions to the Council’s annual plan process and investigative work by staff, the Council this year set aside a total of $10.36 million to make improvements at the Gardens including the construction of a new information centre, staff facilities and greenhouses. “This is the first time a significant sum of money has been allocated to the Gardens in recognition of its importance as one of New Zealand’s major botanic gardens and the fact that it attracts about 1.2 million visitors each year,” Gardens operational manager Jeremy Hawker said.

In Hagley Park, Council staff are looking at ways the area can be improved and managed better as part of updating the Hagley Park Management Plan, which was last reviewed in 1991. The Council is required to keep this plan under continuous review under the Reserves Act 1977.

Safe access to the park, its future use and aging trees are among the issues being considered, along with parking and traffic matters around the park.

Public meetings to explain more about the consultation and offer people an opportunity to give their views will be held on Thursday 12 August, 7.30pm-9pm and Monday 16 August, 12.15pm-1.45pm at the Christchurch Netball Centre.

Submissions on the consultation can also be made through the Council’s Have Your Say website www.ccc.govt.nz/haveyoursay or on postal submission forms available from Christchurch City Libraries, Council service centres and Civic Offices, Tuam St.

After all opinions have been considered, a draft updated Hagley Park management plan and a long-term master plan for the Botanic Gardens (including a design and location for the new information centre) will be made available for public comment in mid 2005.

Media Invitation The media is invited to a press conference at the Botanic Gardens Information Centre on Tuesday 10 August at 10.30 am to hear about issues affecting the Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park. Christchurch City Council Greenspace Unit manager Anne Greenup and other Council staff will be available to answer questions.

ENDS

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