Working independently, pupils at Middleton Grange and Rangi Ruru came up with what is effectively one single ‘big idea’: a club or centre which is welcoming, safe, fun and accessible for children from 10-15 years old. The Riccarton-Wigram and Fendalton-Waimairi Community Boards both agreed that the suggestion should be developed at a metropolitan rather than just suburban level, and could become a facility – or series of venues – for children from across the whole City.

Year Eight pupils at Middleton Grange decided that Christchurch is short of entertainment for young people. Their solution was a teen-oriented under age night club.

Responding to needs identified from a range of fellow students, the pupils recommended that the club should provide music, local bands, video games, a well-equipped gym and hot and cold food – and reliable security. Developing the concept further, they said it could be partly run by young people and might attract sponsorship from a number of local businesses.

Along with Council experts, the pupils considered a number of possible locations for the club. 'Thunder-Raged'’was a suggested name for the proposed facility.

Rangi Ruru pupils carried out extensive research before formulating their ‘big idea’ – a leisure centre for 10-15 year olds.

Touring various existing facilities catering for this age-group in Christchurch, the pupils noted a shortage of girls using them. Surveying four schools, and carrying out research among parents at three Christchurch shopping malls, the pupils identified a need for somewhere welcoming, safe, fun and accessible. Calling their concept a ‘hang-out place for adolescents’, the Rangi Ruru group assessed that such a centre should provide a safe environment with facilities for homework, food, some adult tuition or supervision, along with equipment for indoor and outdoor sports.

The group suggested the Cranmer Centre might be one possible appropriate location for the facility.