11 August 2011

Light rail and more green spaces will find favour with Christchurch residents, Green Party earthquake recovery spokesperson Dr Kennedy Graham said today.

Dr Graham was responding to a draft plan released today by Christchurch City council for the rebuild of the central city area. Light rail, height restrictions on building in the CBD and plans for a 30-metre setback on each side of the Avon River are key parts of the draft plan

“We support the idea put forward of putting a height restriction on buildings,” said Dr Graham.

“Where possible, the inner city area should be restored using wood as it withstands seismic activity better than bricks and masonry.

“It is also good that the importance of the Avon River has been recognised in the draft plan.

“Making certain there are plenty of green spaces available for the public is essential in any rebuild of Christchurch.
“Rebuilding Christchurch provides a great challenge but there is scope for building a better more sustainable city if we make the right decisions now.”
Dr Graham last week released a report on the way Christchurch can be rebuilt as a sustainable 21st century eco city. The booklet - The Future of Christchurch: a report for a 21st century eco-city reflects the ideas that were generated from forums held between April and July 2011.

Link to Dr Graham’s report on building Christchurch as an eco city:

The Future of Christchurch: a report for a 21st century eco-city is available at http://www.greens.org.nz/visionchristchurch (under downloads)

ENDS

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