Media Release – 5 September 2013

Decisions reached on properties in The Frame as rebuild progresses

The Christchurch Central Development Unit (CCDU) has reached final decisions on the acquisition of a number of properties that sit in the North and East Frames as the plan for the new central city pushes ahead.

While most of the land needed for the North and East Frames has already been purchased by the Crown, further consideration has been given to certain properties and buildings and whether they fit within the vision and intended layout of those new areas.

It has been determined that the Crown will not need to acquire the Les Mills Gym and its eastern car park, but the gymnasium’s western car park will be needed. Likewise, the Christchurch Club will not be acquired, but a 3m strip on the boundary of its western car park will be needed to create public space.
The Orion substation on Armagh Street will also not have to be acquired, however the Crown will be acquiring the adjoining MED building and the rest of the Orion site within that block.

The IRD building, the Pavilion building and associated car parking building will be needed, along with the i-Stay Apartments on Cashel Street, and the Calendar Girls site on Hereford Street.

All other properties designated for the North and East Frames are needed, and will be acquired by the Crown.

``All of the decisions reached on acquisition are based on strict criteria,’’ says CCDU director Warwick Isaacs.

``In all cases the acquired land is needed for the purpose of establishing the North and East Frames, including the important new public space that will be created between buildings.’’

The Crown has begun sending out final offer letters to the owners of properties needed for priority central city areas, and may need to use its powers of compulsory acquisition in some instances.

``It’s not our preference to go down the compulsory acquisition path, but where we have already purchased most of the land we need, the city can’t afford for the rebuild to be held up. These properties are needed for projects that are going to benefit everyone living and working in greater Christchurch.’’

Note: Attached are breakdowns of agreed property purchases in the central city that are at a stage where the information can be publicly released.

Crown_purchases_vacant.pdf 

Crown_purchases_improved.pdf

ENDS

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