Central City South changes
Final results of the Central City South urban planning and design workshop held towards the end of March are due back from the designers in the next few weeks, but the initial plans and ideas to come out of the workshop are very promising.
The workshop, entitled Future Directions, focused on a section of the southern central city -- the blocks bounded by Colombo, Lichfield and Madras streets and Moorhouse Avenue. The workshops, directed by design firm DPZ Pacific, were well attended thoughout the week, with many key people from the area providing excellent ideas and insights.
Suggested changes included removing the one-way system, increasing the numbers of people living in the area, bringing back transport to the railway station and developing a network of truly urban lanes and alleys to stimulate business and pedestrian activity.
"The results of the workshop offer a significant opportunity for Christchurch to take the lead in New Zealand in building exciting and dynamic urban spaces," Mayor Garry Moore says.
"The renaissance of High Street is a great example of the good that can come when the Council partners with the community," Mr Moore says. "It's hoped the results of this workshop will also be a great instance of the Council being responsive to the concerns of the community, while being proactive about the City's future."
The aim of the workshop was to come up with a guiding master plan for the area. The workshop also identified many significant public and private action that could be taken to support and enhance redevelopment.
"As part of the City Council's on-going commitment to the central city, we will be working out how to incorporate these ideas into our work plans for the area and we also want to capitalise on the energy created by this workshop to spur frther investment," says Council senior planner Maurice Roers.
"I want to say a big thank you to the public who took part in this event. Their input was integral to this planning process and will ensure that future works are responsive to our city's needs and aspirations," Mr Roers says.
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