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23. 10. 96
CENTRAL CITY COMMITTEE
7 OCTOBER 1996
A meeting of the Central City Committee
was held on Monday 7 October 1996 at 4.55 pm
PRESENT: Councillor Margaret Murray (Chairperson), The Mayor, Ms Vicki Buck, Councillors Graham Berry and Charles Manning.
APOLOGIES: Apologies for absence were received and accepted from Councillors Anna Crighton, Newton Dodge, Morgan Fahey, Alister James and Barbara Stewart.
The Mayor retired at 6.10 pm and was present for clauses 1, 2 and 3.
The Committee reports that:
PART B - ITEMS DEALT WITH BY THE COMMITTEE AND
REPORTED FOR INFORMATION ONLY
1. EIGHTH INTERNATIONAL MALLS CONFERENCE
Councillors Murray, Harrow and Evans provided feedback on their attendance at the above conference, held in Adelaide from 15-17 September 1996.
Some of the points raised as being particularly notable during the visit to Adelaide included the need to have ready access to the central city, a strong promotion of the facilities and the need to have vibrancy and drive.
A detailed report co-written by Councillors Murray and Harrow and Dave Hinman, Neil Carrie and Melanie Williams was tabled at the meeting. This report detailed the conference with particular emphasis on marketing, public spaces, heritage issues, car parking and public transport and how those issues pertained to, or compared with, Christchurch.
Councillor Murray advised that at the conference an interim steering committee had been established to oversee the establishment of "The Town and Centre Network of Australia and New Zealand" and Dave Hinman had been appointed to that Committee.
Members were advised that the Christchurch contingent, which included Councillors, staff and retailers had successfully bid for the next conference to be held in Christchurch.
The Committee resolved that a report be presented to the November meeting outlining proposals for the organisation of the Ninth International Malls Conference scheduled to be held in Christchurch in 1998.
2. OXFORD TERRACE REDEVELOPMENT
LICHFIELD STREET TO HEREFORD STREET
The Area Traffic Engineer, Peter Atkinson, together with Peter Kensington, Landscape Architect, presented a plan on the proposals for Oxford Terrace from Lichfield Street through to Hereford Street.
The proposals included the formation of a green link between the City Mall and Victoria Square and promoted the advantages of the river and its environs whilst increasing pedestrian access and improving the road network.
Some members expressed concern at the loss of car parking and suggested the introduction of designated set down areas. Concern was also expressed at the width of the carriageway and staff were asked to reconsider a further narrowing. Unanimous support was given to the proposed removal of the brick wall which is currently located at the edge of the footpath. Members felt that the removal of the wall would further integrate the river and its banks into the pedestrian area.
The Committee resolved:
1. That staff report back to the November meeting on the possible extension of the river bank and pedestrian areas.
2. That public comment be sought on the proposal to make the section of Oxford Terrace between Lichfield Street and Hereford Street one-way.
3. CASHEL/HIGH STREET FOUNTAIN - CENTRA HOTEL
A proposal to promote a new design plan for Council owned land in front of the Centra Hotel was presented to the Committee.
Members were advised that the existing fountain was causing problems both with regard to the cost of ongoing maintenance as well as its frequent use as a litter receptacle. The proposed concept included a much reduced water feature, tiled pedestrian area and a grassed seating area.
Staff were requested to further investigate the type of tiling to be used. It was suggested that the tiles should provide a focal point for the area and this could be achieved either by colour and/or design or alternatively by `telling a story'.
Concern was also expressed at the funding of the concept and staff were requested to further liaise with the property owner with a view to seeking a further contribution.
The Committee resolved:
1. That the concept plan be approved for public consultation.
2. That the $70,000 cost of redeveloping the reserve be considered at the six month review of the 1996/97 budget.
3. That the issue of funding for the project be further discussed with the property owner.
4. ITEMS RECEIVED
The Committee received the following reports:
4.1 CITY CENTRE MARKETING PROGRESS REPORT
The Senior Festivals and Central City Co-Ordinator, Astrid Anderson, provided members with an update of progress to date on the City Centre marketing activities.
She advised that a City Centre Co-ordination Team which represents all units and sections involved in the city centre had been developed. This group met monthly and provided cohesion in the management of the city centre.
Astrid stressed the importance and benefit of the liaison between the Council and the city centre retailers and detailed the resulting outcomes.
Members, when receiving the report, suggested that staff consider discussing with retailers the possibility of opening later in the mornings and staying open later at night eg 10.30 am - 7.00 pm.
The Chairperson congratulated the staff of the Communications & Promotions Unit for their success and tabled a letter from city retailers commending staff on their efforts.
4.2 CRIME PREVENTION CAMERA UPDATE
Members were advised that the timetable for the installation of the cameras was 21 October at MacDonalds and 11 November at South City.
Staff were asked to acknowledge the financial contribution of both MacDonalds and South City as part of the launching.
4.3 MANCHESTER STREET - MAINSTREET PROJECT
An update was provided on the progress to date on the Manchester Street Mainstreet project. Members were advised that in addition to the two projects already completed additional projects, which include upgrading the Civic Regency frontage and the Worcester Street east redevelopment, were programmed for early next year.
4.4 STRATEGY FOR CHILDREN - MAINZEAL ART PROJECT
Members were advised that Mainzeal had funded the painting of a mural on a fence in Cashel Street opposite the King Edward Barracks.
Pupils of Christchurch South, Shirley and Heaton Intermediate Schools were painting the mural which should be completed by 11 October 1996.
5. ITEMS DEFERRED
5.1 BUDGET PLANNING
5.2 CORPORATE PLAN MONITORING REPORTS 1995/96
The meeting concluded at 6.30 pm.
CONSIDERED THIS 23RD DAY OF OCTOBER 1996
MAYOR