Exhibition offers glimpse into future of red zone

An exhibition opening Saturday will give people a glimpse into the future of the Otakaro Avon Corridor Regeneration Area.

The interactive Red Zone Futures exhibition, which includes a virtual reality kayaking experience, has been organised by Regenerate Christchurch to get public feedback on the refined shortlist of land uses for the 602-hectare Regeneration Area, which includes the former residential red zone.

“This exhibition is an exciting opportunity for people to help shape one of the largest geographical areas in Christchurch,” says Regenerate Christchurch Chief Executive Ivan Iafeta.

“We have previously announced that a Green Spine – an open public space of restored native habitat with small-scale community and commercial facilities and a network of paths – will follow the course of the Otakaro Avon River from the city to New Brighton.”

Outside the Green Spine and wetland areas, there are three reaches (areas) within the River Corridor where land uses are combined into themes of Food and Culture, Experiencing Nature, and Activity and Play

Three Reaches will make up the balance of the Regeneration Area outside of the Green Spine:

•The Otakaro Loop Reach between Stanmore Rd and Gayhurst Rd contains land uses relating to “Activity and Play”

•The Horseshoe Lake Reach from Dallington to Avondale holds “Food and Culture”-themed activities

•The Eastern Reaches from Burwood to Bexley becomes an ecological haven with its “Experiencing Nature” land use.

Mr Iafeta says the aim of the Red Zone Futures exhibition is to give the public the chance to share their thoughts on the activities in the Three Reaches and the Green Spine.

“To maximise our reach into the community and provide as many opportunities as possible for people to have their say, a travelling exhibition will visit public places, spaces and events around greater Christchurch,” says Mr Iafeta.

“We’ll also have an online version of the exhibition so people can offer their thoughts and access the same information as the Cashel St exhibition from their computer, tablet or mobile phone.”

The feedback Regenerate Christchurch receives during the exhibition will help shape the draft Otakaro Avon River Corridor Regeneration Plan.

The Red Zone Futures exhibition will run from 26 May to 30 June at 99 Cashel St, Cashel Mall. Doors are open daily 10am to 3pm except on Thursday when it is open from 10am to 7pm.  Children are welcome and the venue is accessibility friendly.