New blueprint to revitalise city

Ambitious new plans for Christchurch that could lead to 15,000 new jobs and increase economic growth to $24 billion have been unveiled.

The blueprint outlines proposals for everything from property development to ways to boost housing and bring in major events in a bid to drive a fresh wave of regeneration.

Experts have warned that Christchurch faces a period of economic vulnerability as construction projects begin to tail off following a peak.

Growth has more than halved over the last four years, from a high of 5.5 per cent in 2014 to two per cent in the year to June, while unemployment is also rising.

To ensure progress continues Christchurch City Council has outlined a strategy to hasten public and private regeneration in the central city over the next three years.

The plan, being considered by councillors tomorrow, draws on analysis by rebuild planning body Regenerate Christchurch and economic development and promotions organisation ChristchurchNZ.

Built on five key pillars, it aims to deliver major facilities and venues quickly, stimulate investment and unlock sites for development, redefine leadership roles among city authorities and ‘‘relentlessly pursue residents and visitors’’, marketing Christchurch both nationally and internationally.

‘‘Ultimately it will be a result of the interaction between the public sector, private sector, communities and households – all of whom will make decisions, over time, in respect of their willingness to contribute to, participate in and benefit from regeneration.’’

Writing to Regeneration Minister Megan Woods and Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel, Regenerate Christchurch chairwoman Sue Sheldon said the advice was a ‘‘’call to action’ which challenges the status quo’’.

‘‘There is a necessary and legitimate case for a sharper focus on the central city to ensure we maximise the opportunities created by this progress,’’ she said.

‘‘The opportunity presented by the investment in the city is yet to be fully realised and a new point of vulnerability is emerging.’’

A final version of the strategy will be presented to council in November.

Dalziel said the plan was about ‘‘creating a reason to come to town and spend time there’’. ‘‘We all know that the key to a thriving central city is people.

‘‘We need people living, working, visiting and doing business in the central city.’’

Despite the decline in economic growth and slight rise in unemployment which has seen Christchurch above the national average for the first time in six years, ChristchurchNZ believes the ‘‘economic fundamentals of the city and regional economies remain strong’’.

Its quarterly economic argues that ‘‘while the central city has some shortterm challenges, its rapid redevelopment over the past year significantly enhances Christchurch’s offering as a city open for business and people’’.

ChristchurchNZ senior economist Dr Peter Fieger said: ‘‘Christchurch clearly has the capacity and platform for growth. Acting on this is the key to the city’s future success.’’

JOHN KIRK-ANDERSON/ STUFF Christchurch has seen a lot of retail, office and civic development ‘‘but the missing ingredient is people’’, Mayor Lianne Dalziel has previously said.