7 Sep 2018

Independent research shows strong support for the short-listed land use options put forward for the former residential red zone, Regenerate Christchurch says.

Global information and measurement company Neilsen was commissioned by Regenerate Christchurch  to gauge public feedback on the refined shortlist of land uses for the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor Regeneration Area presented at the recent Red Zone Futures Exhibition.

The former residential red zone.

The former residential red zone covers an area almost four times the size of Hagley Park.

Its findings show that 89 percent of Greater Christchurch residents are positive about the land uses, with 91 percent rating the 11-kilometre “Green Spine” positively.

The Green Spine is proposed to be the central corridor, up to 150 metres wide on each side of the Ōtākaro Avon River, connecting the city to New Brighton.

It will incorporate walking paths, nature trails, cycle ways, community spaces such as playgrounds, picnic spots, barbecue areas, coffee stops, large areas of ecological restoration, wetlands to improve stormwater management, and will support better access to the river.

Neilsen’s research found that protection of native plants and wildlife, ecological restoration and habitat renewal, opportunities for recreation and sports, accessibility for all and the area's multi-functional uses are the most preferred elements of the shortlist.

The elements that surveyed respondents were unsure about or did not like were commercial activities (10 per cent), the inclusion of housing (9 per cent), excessive motorised noise (6 per cent), absence of a flatwater facility (6 per cent), a gondola (5 per cent), cost (5 per cent) and negative impacts on current wildlife and plants (5 per cent).

Despite a petition organised by proponents of a flatwater facility, only 6 per cent of respondents in the representative survey were unsure of or did not like the absence of a flatwater facility from the shortlist.

Regenerate Christchurch Chief Executive Ivan Iafeta says the findings will inform the development of the draft regeneration plan for the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor.

The views of Christchurch City Council, Environment Canterbury, Ōtākaro Ltd, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu will also inform development of the draft plan before it is publicly notified.

Read the Neilsen research report.