5 Nov 2018

More events to attract people into town and create a year-round buzz form part of an action plan to build confidence in Christchurch’s city centre.

People in Cathedral Square during last year's Streets for People event.

People in Cathedral Square during last year's Streets for People event.

This winter has tested the resilience of central city retail and hospitality businesses, but an event-packed Labour weekend and the opening of popular new attractions like Tūranga and Hoyts EntX have shown the city centre’s potential as a thriving place for people.

Now, a multi-agency action plan aims to get more people hooked on the central city by showcasing the growing mix of things to see and do, while adding to the experience through new lighting projects, free wi-fi and street performances.

A CBD clean-up that will remove unnecessary road cones and lessen the impact of the remaining construction sites are also part of the action plan, which will be considered by Christchurch City Council at its meeting on Thursday.

Read the Council report.

Read the Central City Action Plan.

Other elements of the plan include:

  • Improved signage so people can easily find their way around
  • More central city events such as a Matariki winter festival
  • Broadening the Explore campaign encouraging people to visit the central city.
  • The establishment of a Business Improvement District by the Central City Business Association so they can fund city promotion and help central city businesses thrive.
  • Project 8011, which aims to grow the central city via neighbourhood planning and development incentives.

Council Head of Urban Design, Regeneration and Heritage Carolyn Ingles says the Central City Action Plan identifies immediate and urgent activities to attract people into the city centre while also continuing to build the foundations for future investment in central city housing, jobs and attractions.

“In the coming summer period we want to encourage as many people as possible to explore the central city. There is now a whole range of new things for people to see and do and we hope to keep people coming back again and again to their central city,’’ Ms Ingles says.

The action plan recognises the need for major events and attractions, including those that build on ChristchurchNZ’s Explore campaign.

It also recognises that improved wayfinding will make people more comfortable with the city’s new attractions and make it easier for them to get out and explore.

“We want to make the most of the coming summer season when trading conditions are excellent, but the biggest challenge is growing the level of activity and visits during the winter. The Council and its partner agencies are already thinking ahead to how we can deliver new events and maximise the offering from new venues during this period,’’ Ms Ingles says.

“By working in partnership with multiple agencies – along with central city residents and businesses – we can maintain and grow central city regeneration momentum and reset expectations about Christchurch on both a national and international stage.’’