‘No red zone final decisions’
Ecological restoration, water facilities and eco-sanctuaries are proving the most popular ideas for Christchurch’s residential red zone.
Nearly 2000 people gave their thoughts on how Regenerate Christchurch should develop the 602 hectares, dubbed the O¯ ta¯ karo Avon River Corridor Regeneration Area.
Half of the agency’s 10 possible land-use combinations included residential development in the area, which runs from Barbadoes St to Bexley.
‘‘Most people did not support any large-scale development,’’ a Regenerate Christchurch statement read, but ‘‘there was support for innovative and adaptable housing’’.
The Crown-council agency invited feedback to the plan over four weeks. It would refine its options before a major public exhibition early next year.
Chief executive Ivan Iafeta said the exhibition was ‘‘the most important stage’’ of planning as people could discuss cost and benefits, land use and project timeframes.
‘‘The exhibited options could be drawn from the 10 combinations, or a mix-and-match of those ideas and land uses,’’ he said.
‘‘The exhibition will include design plans for the refined shortlist of land use options ... We will give people the opportunity to provide feedback in a range of ways and over a longer timeframe.’’
Iafeta said common themes emerged from the feedback, including ecological restoration, flatwater or whitewater facilities and eco-sanctuaries.
A proposed land-swap with Avondale and Ra¯ whiti golf courses was not generally supported.
Coastal ward councillor David East previously said residents would ‘‘die in a ditch’’ fighting to keep Ra¯ whiti Domain.
Iafeta said the Avondale and Ra¯whiti land swap option’s appearance in ‘‘a number of’’ the 10 possible combinations, ‘‘it’s not an indication of the weighting given to the idea’’.
‘‘No final decisions have been made regarding the land-swap idea, or any other idea about how the land could be used.’’
After the exhibition, Regenerate Christchurch will prepare a draft Regeneration Plan, including a preferred land use plan for the area.
The draft plan will confirm funding, delivery and governance responsibilities. It is expected to be finalised by the end of 2018.