Central city  |  18 Oct 2019

A competition is under way to unfurl new summer-themed designs for 125 street flags that will flutter across the central city.

Designers can submit their ideas for colourful flags that celebrate summer in Christchurch by 5pm on Monday, 18 November.

Six winning designs will appear on the flags from early January until the end of March, with the winning designers each receiving a $150 voucher to spend in the central city.

Christchurch City Council Head of Urban Design, Regeneration and Heritage Carolyn Ingles says the designs need to reflect what makes summer in the city so special.

“What do you most love about exploring the central city over summer? Is there a special space that reflects the best of Christchurch on a sunny day or a warm evening?

“We want to bring colour to the streets and highlight the positive vibrancy of Christchurch, drawing people into the central city,” she says.

The competition launch coincides with National Placemaking Week (11 to 20 October), which encourages a collective approach to shaping and improving public places by placing people at the heart of the process.

“Community-based participation can realise the true potential of a central city space, encouraging connection and improving well-being,” Ms Ingles says.

The theme for the competition, which is open to all ages, is “Summer in Christchurch”. The flags will measure 2.7 metres by 1.35m and will fly at several high-profile city sites, including the Botanic Gardens, Oxford Terrace, the City Mall and Victoria Street.

Designers will work with a specially chosen summer palette to reinforce city connections and engage residents and visitors alike.

For more information, visit the competition webpage.