Regenerate Christchurch has completed the draft regeneration plan for the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor - the culmination of significant collaboration with the community and partner agencies to establish a long-term vision for the area.
The Crown-Council agency has delivered the plan for decision-making by the Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration, the Hon Dr Megan Woods.

Board Chair Sue Sheldon says it is a significant milestone and a major step towards providing the community with greater certainty about the future of this area.

“So many ideas for the area have been put forward and, through extensive expert technical analysis and information coupled with the results of community feedback, various combinations of potential land uses have been assessed for their suitability to best achieve the vision and objectives for the area.

“I would like to acknowledge the significant work by the many community organisations and individuals who share a passionate interest in the area’s development.

“I would also like to acknowledge the contribution and support of our statutory partners in this extensive process - Christchurch City Council, Environment Canterbury, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri Rūnanga, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and Ōtākaro Limited.

“Achieving the vision of a regenerated Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor will require long-term commitment and investment. Delivery of the plan to the Minister is a key milestone in that process.”

Ms Sheldon says if the draft plan is approved by the Minister, changes will be made to the district plan to enable the land uses and activities in the regeneration plan. Achieving the vision for the area will also require long-term investment and commitment from multiple parties.

“The Crown and the Christchurch City Council, as owners of most of the land in the river corridor, will decide who will govern and have accountability for realising the vision; future ownership of the land; and how and when funding commitments will be made. Regenerate Christchurch, in addition to delivering the draft plan, will provide advice to inform the Crown and Council’s decision-making.

“As these decisions are made, the community will have greater certainty about when it can expect to see development begin and the scale of that development.”

Ms Sheldon says, out of respect to the Minister’s decision-making process, the plan will not be publicly released while it is under consideration.

© Scoop Media