Residents encouraged to give design ideas for a new Community Centre in Riccarton

People who live, learn, work or play in Riccarton are invited to visit one of five 'Inspiration Stations' to provide feedback on what they want to see in the soon-to-be-rebuilt Riccarton Community Centre.

The Christchurch City Council Riccarton Community Centre, on Clarence Street, was severely damaged in the Canterbury earthquakes of 2010–2011. Although it was partially re-opened in June 2013 the building overall is severely damaged and a new build has been approved as the most economical way to replace the facility. The rebuild will be located on Council-owned land in Clarence Street.

Deputy Mayor Vicki Buck is pleased the rebuild has finally been given the go-ahead and is keen to hear from the community about what they want in the new centre.

"We are committed to rebuilding a community centre in Riccarton and we want to hear from a wide cross-section of the community.

"This is going to be a brand new community centre and we are really keen to make sure it provides for what the community really wants. That may be quite different to any other community centre. It needs to reflect this community, and we are very interested to hear your ideas. It could be space for computer gaming, or it could be for kids' indoor play. We won't know for sure until you tell us.

"We are holding five 'Inspiration Stations' where there will be a variety of ways for you, the community, to tell us your ideas," Ms Buck says.

'Inspiration Stations', allowing people to drop in and record their ideas, will be held in the current Community Centre, at Westfield Mall and at the Farmers Market at Riccarton Bush. The stations will have a variety of tools to record the feedback: people can use 3D modelling with Lego, draw their ideas on a site plan, record their ideas in front of a camera, look at ideas others have come up with and add their comments, post their ideas on an 'Inspiration Wall' or simply talk to staff.

Everyone who provides feedback at one of the 'Inspiration Stations' will go in the draw to win one of four $50 Westfield Vouchers.

Inspiration Stations
· Wednesday 12 August: 2pm – 5pm at Riccarton Community Centre (Clarence Street)

· Thursday 13 August: 9am – 12 noon at Riccarton Community Centre (Clarence Street)

· Friday 14 August: 5pm – 9pm at Westfield Mall – near PAK'n'SAVE

· Saturday 15 August: 9am – 2pm at Westfield Mall – near PAK'n'SAVE

· Saturday 22 August: 9am – 12 noon at Christchurch Farmers Market, Riccarton House (weather dependent)

The Council and the Riccarton–Wigram Community Board considered various options for the community centre including refurbishing another building or leasing a new site. It has been decided the best way forward is to combine the two Council owned properties (the current Community Centre and Robbie's Bar and Grill after the lease expires in February 2016), build a new community centre on part of it and sell off the remaining portion. The money from the sale will be used to fund the new build. The sale of Council-owned land is subject to legal and regulatory processes.

The community has already provided feedback on a new community centre but this is the final chance for people to have their say. The ideas will be collated and provided to the architect to inform the concept designs.

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