Have your say on Botanic Gardens spatial plan

Want to find out more about the Council’s long-term vision for the Christchurch Botanic Gardens?

From this weekend, residents will be able to learn about the Botanic Gardens Spatial Plan and give their feedback.

The Spatial Plan is a visual illustration of projects from the Hagley Park and Botanic Gardens Master Plan, which was developed in 2007. It shows where important Master Plan projects such as the children’s garden, Gondwana Garden, new conservatory complex and Visitor Centre bridge could be located. More toilet blocks and shelters also feature in the plan. 

Public feedback is invited on the Botanic Gardens Spatial Plan.

Since 2007, three projects from the Master Plan have been completed, including the development of the new Visitor Centre and nursery. However, due to the earthquakes many of the projects in the Master Plan have remained unfunded.

The Spatial Plan has been put together to help everyone understand what the future of the Botanic Gardens may look like, and to help assist with funding for projects during the Council's Long Term Plan process.

Public feedback on the Spatial Plan can be given from this Saturday April 29 until 5pm Saturday May 27.

Christchurch City Council Head of Parks Andrew Rutledge welcomes public input regarding plans for the much-loved Gardens. “This engagement period will enable us to connect with the wider community and to receive valuable feedback on these projects.’’

One of the goals of the Master Plan is to protect the heritage of the Gardens while also making improvements such as providing better access, shelter, and flow through the park, he says.

"We really want to encourage people to take this opportunity to become well informed about what is in the plan and then let us know what they think."

The Spatial Plan can be viewed online and at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre, which is open daily from 8.30am until 5pm.

It will be on display at South Library, Linwood Library, and Upper Riccarton Library from Wednesday May 3 until Tuesday May 16, and at Te Hapua Halswell Centre, New Brighton Library and Fendalton Library from Tuesday May 16 until Monday May 29.

It will be at Central Library Peterborough Street from Monday May 1 until Monday May 29.

For those who want to hear the plan explained in person, Botanic Gardens Curator John Clemens will give guided tours of the project sites on foot, starting from the former information centre in the Botanic Gardens near the Armagh Bridge pedestrian entrance, at the following times:

• Saturday April 29 and Sunday 30 April, 1 – 2 pm
• Friday May 5, 1 – 2 pm
• Thursday May 11, 1 – 2 pm
• Saturday May 13 and Sunday May 14, 1 – 2 pm

How can I provide feedback?

• Fill out our online feedback form before 5pm on May 27
• Email your feedback to engagement@ccc.govt.nz with the subject: Christchurch Botanic Gardens Spatial Plan
• In person on the guided tours with Dr Clemens
• Post a letter to Christchurch Botanic Gardens Spatial Plan Feedback, Christchurch City Council, PO Box 73014, Christchurch 8154