Enliven Places Projects Fund

Diverse, innovative, experimental and amenity-enriching projects create buzz, improve wellbeing, offer a much-needed point of difference and builds on Christchurch’s reputation as a place for people, as well as a place in which businesses establish more easily.                                       

This small grant fund provides support to those seeking to temporarily turn vacant spaces – for example land awaiting development, buildings awaiting tenants, walls, hoardings and windows – into spaces that are vibrant, enlivened, greened or otherwise publicly activated. These activations are for public good and will take place while longer-term uses or tenancies are being determined, or works are yet to commence.

Projects will be considered that are well-planned and have partnerships in place.

To be eligible for this fund, proposed projects must demonstrate how they meet the below criteria:

• Attract residents and visitors through the use of a vacant space (site or building) to support regeneration and the return of businesses (must be able to attract at least 200 people for grants of less than $5000 and 500 people for grants over $5000)
• Support activities and initiatives that reflect Christchurch’s unique identity
• Create vibrancy and improve the environment, experience and activity for residents, visitors and businesses
• Will “activate” vacant space awaiting development (e.g. whether vacant land awaiting development, buildings awaiting tenancy, walls facing vacant site) for primarily public benefit
• Support central city and suburban centres through forming clusters of activity
• Where projects are delivered in buildings awaiting longer-term tenants, projects will support increased foot traffic and patronage for neighbouring businesses
• Offer added value: such as potential for extended duration, innovation, diversity and significant private partnership
• Project will be delivered within four months of grant payment
• Must achieve a creative, high quality outcome

Are you looking for funding for your project?

As this fund is now closed, please review other Council funds to determine if your project is eligible.