Red zone plan gets minister’s blessing What the plan suggests

A blueprint for Christchurch’s river red zone has been confirmed, opening the gates for longer term projects to progress in the 602-hectare space.

Bellbirds and grey warblers sang and fantails flitted in the background as Greater Christchurch Regeneration Minister Megan Woods yesterday announced she had approved the red zone plan.

The $5 million, 30-year plan divides the red zone that once held about 5500 homes into four areas, including a 345ha ‘‘green spine’’ running from central Christchurch to New Brighton. The other three zones will be focused on environmental restoration, recreation, and visitor attractions.

The plan has been with Woods for consideration since March. It makes changes to regional planning documents to effectively dictate what can be done in the space. Woods said the plan provided a framework for more permanent projects, as a number required more than a three or five-year lease – the maximum allowed under the transitional use arrangements.

The plan’s approval marked a significant step in getting Christchurch back to local leadership, she said.

‘‘This area is special for many reasons but mostly because it was once home to more than 5000 households. It is so important that the future use of this land reflects its value and is a fitting tribute to what Christchurch has been through.’’

O¯ ta¯ karo-avon Network spokesman Evan Smith said he hoped the plan’s ■ A 345-hectare green spine or parkland along the Avon River. to¯food and culture.

■ Ota¯karo loop reach, an area dedicated to activity and play.

■ Horseshoe lake reach, an area dedicated

■ The Eastern reaches, an area dedicated to experiencing nature.

■ About 350 hectares of ecological restoration.

■ 80 hectares of wetland to treat 2600 hectares of stormwater catchment.

■ An 11-kilometre city to sea path from New Brighton to the city.

■ Widening and deepening a stretch of the Avon River to promote watersports.

■ Permanent stopbanks to reduce flood risk to 4000 homes.

■ About 150 sections on the edge of the red zone to be made available for housing.

■ Six areas to trial adaptable housing.

approval would unlock the ‘‘logjam’’ of transitional projects not able to proceed because of conditions in the lease agreements. Until now, leases had a clause allowing the Crown to terminate with three or six months’ notice.

Smith said that meant projects could not invest more than about $20,000.

Many of the projects in the pipeline needed a higher investment, he said, such as a proposed tiny home village, which needed about $120,000 of infrastructure, and an adventure park, which would cost $80,000-$100,000.

Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel said the council’s initial focus would be on the green spine. There was money in the budget to get it under way, she said.

Rob Kerr, former general manager of the red zone at Regenerate Christchurch and now a development company director, previously said he was working with a large group of developers ‘‘keen and ready’’ to develop projects in line with the plan, but needed to know they were welcome and needed a clear pathway to get access to the land. After the announcement, Kerr said he would be working with the council to find a way to fast-track projects and see the land begin to be restored as early as possible.

Although the plan provides some clarity on the future of the area, it does not mean there will be spades in the ground in the immediate future. Ownership of the bulk of the land is yet to pass from the Crown to the Christchurch City Council, a transfer that will happen as part of the global settlement – the ultimate postearthquake deal between the two sides.

The settlement is yet to get Cabinet approval.

Smith said a public debate about how the space would be governed in the future was required.

The plan was developed by Regenerate Christchurch in a prolonged process of multiple rounds of public consultation.

It has been estimated it will cost more than $800m for the infrastructure (largely roading and water management) outlined in the plan.

Those who did not sell their land to the Government during the red zone process will be allowed to continue to live on their land. About 12 per cent of the red zone is privately owned.