Building momentum

The rapidly emerging business, hospitality, cultural, transport and public space environments in the Central City are already becoming self-sustaining. 

This makes the Central City increasingly attractive for further development, and a compelling place for residents, businesses and organisations to call home.

Central City residential building activity over the past ten years shows the extent of the revitalisation achieved so far. The number of new homes has steadily increased since 2013, with house delivery picking up exponentially. 

The re-establishment of business in the Central City is steadily returning to pre-quake activity levels.

Concentrating businesses and employment in the Central City makes great use of the city’s transport network and builds an intensity of activity that helps drive innovation, job growth and higher-value activities.

A growing business community translates into greater employment opportunities: 

• The latest total employment figures stand at 50,390.  In 2024, Central City employment grew by 6.9%. 
• The Central City’s evening vibrancy continues to grow with 5 more businesses open for trade after 9pm as compared to 2022 (3.5% increase as of September 2023).
• Significant contributors to Central City employment growth include the Health Precinct, Justice and Emergency Services Precinct, and Innovation Precinct.
• City-block developments within the four avenues are occupied by small-medium sized businesses, bookended by large-scale retailers.
• Businesses calling the Central City home include some of the world’s biggest names in innovation, tech, retail, banking, commerce and professional services.
• The Central City shopping experience is fresh and diverse featuring traditional flagship and speciality stores alongside high-end, on-trend boutiques.
• Our Central City has the biggest range of hospitality offerings in Christchurch. Bars, cafes and restaurants stretch throughout the Central City - from The Terraces and Riverside Farmers Market to the gritty SALT District and establishments around Little High.
• Outdoor and indoor entertainment options are wide-ranging.  From the playful Margaret Mahy Playground and glorious Botanic Gardens to the modern new EntX cinema complex, heritage Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre and treasured Te Puna o Waiwhetū Christchurch City Art Gallery.

Truly engaging urban centres are created by thriving neighbourhoods and communities. Increasing the population will support the revitalisation that has already occurred.

There are schools, libraries, supermarkets, cycleways, green spaces and lots to do right here on our doorstep.

However, there is a gap in the housing base size and type which presents an opportunity to introduce a wider range of high-quality housing in the Central City to meet the needs of diverse demographics and future residents.  Our data indicates:

• The Central City population is growing. The population is now estimated at 8,830 (as of June 2023). In 2013, the population was 5,000.
• Most homes in Central City have three or fewer bedrooms, with two bedrooms the most common. There are fewer large homes (four or more bedrooms).
• Terraced houses and mid-rise apartments are the most common typology in the Central City.
• Over a third (36.4%) of those employed are professionals, with 14.8% managers and 10.9% technicians and trades workers.
• Residents of the Central City are closer to places of work and study. There is more use of active transport (walking, cycling, scootering) and less reliance on cars to get around.
• Central City residents tend to be younger. Approximately 64% of people living in the Four Avenues are aged between 15 and 44 years, compared with approximately 43% for wider Christchurch (2023 Census).