Since 2016 more than 2800 short-term projects and events have occurred across the regeneration areas. If you're interested in using this land for a short or one-off event, or for projects for up to five years, you're welcome to apply.

Apply to use the regeneration areas

You can express your interest or apply to temporarily use any of the regeneration areas in Southshore, Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor, South New Brighton, the Port Hills and Brooklands.

If you have already filled out an expression of interest application or talked with a staff member about your project, please fill out the application form below:

We'll then help get your project or temporary land use up and running.

What you need to know

Land ownership

Ownership of all of the former residential red zones has now been transferred from the Crown to the Christchurch City Council.

We are now responsible for all short-term leases and licences. If you previously held a licence with Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) and wish to continue, please re-apply.

 

Types of transitional land uses

We can grant three types of access to the regeneration areas:

  • Access authorities - grant access to land, such as if you need to carry out works on a neighbouring private property and you need to cross the former residential red zone.
  • Licences – these are typically granted if you want to use the land for one-off events.
  • Leases – we tend to grant leases for projects and initiatives.

Examples of activities

  • Community gardens: Community groups have successfully established community gardens for the locals to plant and harvest vegetables and meet for social events.
  • Recreational activities, such as disc golf and radio-controlled trucks.
  • Sports events and festivals: Apply for an event permit(external link).

What about permanent land uses?

Enquiries or requests to use the land permanently are subject to a different process. It’s important to point out that decisions on short-term activities don’t signal any intentions or decisions about permanent land use.

Express your interest in using the regeneration areas(external link).

Applying for a temporary land use

All transitional or transformative projects should:

  • create vibrancy and support regeneration by improving the environment
  • experience and activity in the area,
  • address sustainability or ecological issues

As part of your application you will need to provide a:

  • Map or image of the area you wish to use.
  • Health and safety management plan.
  • Public liability insurance certificate
  • Incorporation certificate if you are a society or trust.

Apply to use transitional land.(external link)

Governance and guides

The Council has established an interim co-governance committee to oversee future land uses in the regeneration areas. A permanent co-governance model is still being developed.

The Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor Co-Governance Establishment Committee has adopted a new framework to assess any Council-led projects planned for the former residential red zone.

The new assessment framework [PDF, 93 KB] will be used as a sounding board for future projects.

You can also find a link to our residential red zone land use policy.(external link)

For more information on governance, contact David Little, Red Zone Manager on transform@ccc.govt.nz.

Current activities being considered

Restoration planting in Donnell Reserve 

We have received an application from Eco-Action Nursery Trust to carry out restoration planting with their students in Donnell Reserve. This will encompass the fields previously used for sports, but it's now too wet to do so. This will be carefully planned, with clear spaces kept around the playground. 

Email transform@ccc.govt.nz by 5pm Thursday 9 January 2025 if you have any feedback on the proposed activity.

Bike jumps at 50 Heberden Ave

We have received an application from a local group of Sumner Rangatahi to create bike jumps at 50 Heberden Avenue, Sumner. They plan to work with the community, neighbours, Dig Ōtautahi Trust and Council to manage the space respectfully. 

Email transform@ccc.govt.nz by 5pm Wednesday 22 January 2025 if you have any feedback on the proposed activity.