Media release

3 June 2013

Call to celebrate Christchurch as a coastal city second to none

“Christchurch is a coastal city of beauty and potential second to none” says New Brighton Business and Landowners’ Association manager Paul Zaanen.

“Although many of us have been through, and in many cases are still going through, really hard times, there is no doubt that there is strong community passion to see positive concepts that will revitalise not only our city centre but also our unique suburban villages”, says Zaanen.

At a recent meeting of forty New Brighton commercial landowners, there was a unanimous desire to work with Council staff to enhance and extend the Council’s draft Master Plan to include concepts which can realise New Brighton’s potential as a destination seaside village.

The proposed Waterpark concept being developed by local Community Board members, Tim Sintes and Dave East, is seen as an exciting concept to be explored together with the ‘Jelly Park plus’ aquatic facility which the Council has promised for the east to replace QE2.

“We see this as potentially driving an economic boost for the whole of the Eastern seaboard. It’s great that Council staff are willing to work with us, and that the Mayor and Councillors are behind the idea”, says Zaanen.

Local Councillor Peter Beck agrees with Zaanan. “The New Brighton Business and Landowner’s Association is a new initiative which is gaining real traction. Together with groups like Renew Brighton and the New Brighton Project, local people are working hard to realise their dreams for the east. More than 20,000 people signing a petition in support of Tim and Dave’s Waterpark proposal is a real signal for Council and private developers to sit up and take notice.”

Beck convenes Eastern Vision a group of community leaders committed to a vibrant long term future for the eastern communities. “Eastern Vision sees the Waterpark concept as one of a number of proposals which offer an exciting and practical future for New Brighton as a destination for locals, the wider city, Cantabrians and visitors.

“When considered in conjunction with the proposed city-to-sea Avon-Otakaro river park and reserve, there is real potential for the east to become the place where the city comes to play.”

Zaanen adds “There is a demand in Christchurch for interesting development, something a touch different, something that our mainstream malls cannot accommodate and we on the east are listening. With developments such as those proposed by Avon-Otakaro Network and the Water Park, there truly is a surge in developer confidence. “

“We are working with CCC to produce a plan for New Brighton that reflects our surroundings and takes into account the projects that lead to the door step of Destination New Brighton”.

ENDS

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