Media Release – 19 June 2013

Engagement underway with owners in Innovation Precinct

Input is being sought from property owners in the area of central Christchurch’s new Innovation Precinct now the planning for the Precinct is underway.

Letters have been sent to the owners of property in the area designated for the Precinct to update them on the process.

The Innovation Precinct, bounded by Lichfield, Tuam, High, St Asaph, Manchester and Madras Streets, is one of the anchor projects in the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan, and is designed to encourage collaboration between innovative businesses and research organisations.

A consortium, led by architectural firm Architectus, is currently doing planning work on the composition of the Precinct, identifying where suitable buildings may be retained, where buildings may need to be demolished and what land needs to be in public ownership or can be retained in private ownership.

``We are interested in hearing from the owners about the options being explored, and any development proposals they may have,’’ says Christchurch Central Development Unit (CCDU) director Warwick Isaacs.

``I am keenly aware property owners in the Innovation Precinct need certainty on how it will be developed in order to make decisions appropriate to their particular circumstances.’’

Mr Isaacs says meetings can be arranged between property owners and the Precinct project team including staff from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), the CCDU, the Canterbury Development Corporation and Architectus.

Owners who wish to start or continue with the sale of their properties to the Crown are encouraged to do so.

ENDS

© Scoop Media