Media Release – 28 November 2013

Initiatives to provide fresh impetus for Retail Precinct

The Christchurch Central Development Unit (CCDU) has outlined a series of key initiatives to support the private sector’s development of the city’s Retail Precinct.

Senior staff from the CCDU and its consultants met today with Retail Precinct landowners, developers and their design teams to discuss the work that is underway, and to address a range of issues relating to the Precinct.

Various Outline Development Plans (ODPs) have been approved for development within the Precinct, and early construction work is already underway on Antony Gough’s development, The Terrace.

``We have acknowledged the good progress the private sector has made so far in planning of the Retail Precinct, but we want to offer additional advice and support where needed to ensure the sector can build a strong retail heart of the city,’’ says CCDU Project Delivery General Manager Greg Wilson.

``A thriving retail core is crucial for a successful central city and for the recovery as a whole.’’

The key initiatives outlined are:

·         The CCDU is today releasing publicly a report it commissioned from leading Australian property consultants MacroPlan Dimasi that provides advice on how to create a vibrant and successful retail core. The report can be viewed at https://ccdu.govt.nz/our-progress/announcements/initiatives-to-provide-fresh-impetus-for-retail-precinct-28-november-2013

• A design consortia led by Athfield Architects has recently been appointed by the CCDU to work with the private sector design teams and produce a Retail Precinct Plan that lays out the public space that will connect the various developments in the Precinct. The consortia will also work with landowners and developers in the South West End of the Precinct to produce a concept design specifically for that area.

• A Retail Precinct Reference Group has been proposed, where representatives from the developers and landowners will work alongside the CCDU and its consultants in the planning and delivery of the Retail Precinct Plan.

Mr Wilson says car parking, accessibility and the risk of piecemeal development have all been identified as key issues for the Retail Precinct, and these are being looked at closely by the CCDU and Christchurch City Council.

``We’re at a critical juncture with the development of the Retail Precinct, but I’m very confident that with all parties working together towards the same goal that we will end up with an outstanding retail destination and shopping experience for Christchurch.’’

More information on the Retail Precinct can be found at www.ccdu.govt.nz.

ENDS

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