CDHB delighted Health Precinct one step closer

December 18, 2012

MEDIA RELEASE

CDHB delighted that Health Precinct vision one step closer with announcement of RFP

The Health Precinct is one step closer to reality with the recent announcement of the Christchurch Central Development Unit (CCDU) Request for Proposal for a master plan for the project.

David Meates, Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) chief executive, says it is a tangible step towards turning the vision into reality.

“Since CERA’s first announcement regarding the Central City Blueprint back in July, a Health Precinct establishment group has been formed and there’s genuine excitement about the possibilities and potential benefits for those who are part of a Health environment,” Mr Meates says.

“CDHB fully supports the Health Precinct and can see the benefits of clustering similar health, education and technology businesses together. We are looking forward to growing innovation in the health system and know that there is a wealth of talent scattered around the city, which will benefit from being co-located. This will also support the recruitment and retention of talented clinicians and health workers who will be part of a precinct that fosters education, research and innovation.”

The planned Health Precinct is broadly defined as the area bounded by Hagley Avenue, St Asaph Street, Montreal Street and Oxford Terrace.

“It will have close connections with the Metro Sports Facility and the Avon River Precinct. Located close to Christchurch Hospital, it will allow for closer linkages between the health system and industry, which will help the commercialisation process of new health technology products and services as well as future proof the education of our workforce.

“The Health Precinct will bring together a broad range of parties in medical, nursing and allied health research; health professional tertiary and postgraduate education and research, private research and businesses innovating in this area.

“It’s envisaged that the design will have a campus feel, with opportunity for shared spaces and facilities – all within walking distance of Christchurch Hospital. There are many synergies, and potential benefits of co-location including obvious collaboration opportunities. One of the challenges for the designers is to create an environment that stimulates and supports learning, collaboration and innovation,” he said. “We want to create an environment where our brightest and best want to work that also attracts investment that supports the economic recovery of our city.”

Mr Meates says he is keen to see the ideas and concepts that the successful provider comes up with.

“For CDHB this project is significant. It has the potential to act as a magnet to attract more talented people and investors to the city. There’s a lot riding on this and we will do all we can to make it a success,” he says.

Work is due to start in March 2013 with delivery of a final master plan by the end of June 2013.

ENDS

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