Brownlee’s Decisive Action On Christchurch Welcomed

Media Release

18.04.2012

Brownlee’s Decisive Action On Christchurch Welcomed By Property Council

Today’s announcement by Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee of an action plan for the central city rebuild in Christchurch has been welcomed by Property Council New Zealand.

The plan includes the establishment of a new agency to manage the rebuild of Christchurch’s central business district and come up with a Blueprint for Action within 100 days.

Property Council’s chief executive Connal Townsend said this common-sense approach to the rebuild will provide the city with a focused plan supported by the best people the industry has to offer to help Christchurch get back on its feet.

“We applaud Christchurch City Council for setting out an aspirational vision for the rebuild, and we look forward to a positive collaboration between Christchurch City Council and CERA in turning this vision into reality through the Blueprint for Action,” Mr Townsend said.

“Clearly there is a need for a blueprint that will attract capital and business investor confidence back into the heart of Christchurch,” he said. “Every city needs a buoyant mercantile heart, and the unit announced by Minister Brownlee provides an opportunity to ensure that private investment dollars can flow once again. “

In addition, the Government’s intention to request proposals from international experts is a much needed step in planning the city’s redevelopment and should not be overlooked, said Mr Townsend.

“The rebuild must be carefully thought out and planned by people who understand what makes an investment market buoyant and viable. We need to bring in that expertise in order to create a commercially viable and sustainable city that will endure for years to come.

“The desired outcome, which has been the basis for Property Council’s advocacy, is to restore business confidence to Christchurch. The central business district has to be an attractive destination for people, business and investment.

“We are confident that Minister Brownlee’s decisive action with today’s announcement will encourage reinvestment and help to restore confidence. Property Council, particularly the South Island Branch, will continue to offer its professional assistance to central and local Government during the rebuild of Canterbury.”

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