16 Nov 2017

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A programme aimed at encouraging the regeneration of derelict sites in Christchurch’s city centre is paying dividends.

In May this year Christchurch City Council agreed a framework for working with property owners whose central city sites were considered a barrier to regeneration.

Were unoccupied and in a state of disrepair, orIt released a list of about 30 sites  that fell into that category because they:

  • Involved the cordoning off of streets or footpaths to protect the public from potential risk of structural failure in the event of another earthquake.

Over the last six months, council staff have been engaging with owners of those sites about steps involved to get their properties made safe, or to encourage their full redevelopment or restoration.

“It has been a very positive process and good progress has been made on a number of the sites,’’ says Council Head of Urban Regeneration, Design and Heritage Carolyn Ingles.

 

 

“Eight of the sites have work underway on them and will be removed from the published list.  Another nine sites have clear plans and development is expected to commence within the next six to twelve months.’’

Ms Ingles says another nine property owners have stated intentions for their sites but, for various reasons, are not yet in a position to proceed.

“Owners of the remaining nine sites currently have no confirmed intentions for redevelopment of their sites, with four of these still awaiting the resolution of insurance disputes.’’

The report recommends that the programme is continued, to support the progress of remaining sites.   

You can read a full report updating progress on the Tackling Barrier sites project here. The report will be considered by the Council’s Strategic Capability Committee on 22 November.