Press Release: Christchurch City Council must let Ōtautahi stretch its legs.

We are disappointed that the Independent Hearing Panel has recommended limiting the ‘walkable catchment’ of the city centre to just within the Four Avenues. A boundary that excludes many good areas with high redevelopment potential, which the council included in its proposal.

“Areas just outside the Four Aves, particularly north and south of the city are high amenity areas, among the most suitable places in the country for more homes. There are all the usual city amenities, schools, offices, jobs, and shops, but there are also the premier public facilities of the city; Hagley park, the Botanic Gardens, Tūranga, and Margaret Mahy playground” said Greater Ōtautahi chairperson, M Grace-Stent

“Residents in these areas can choose to walk or ride for many trips they make, unlike further out where they are likely to have to drive for everything. The idea is not that everyone in these areas will never use a car. Rather, they are far more likely to be able to live comfortably using a car less frequently, putting less pressure on transport systems and thus reducing the rates burden for councils.”

The central government has said councils must enable buildings of at least six storeys within ‘walkable catchments’ of city centres. Allowing denser development near the city centre is a great idea, because it means we can build more homes in the places that are easy to access and where people want to live.

The city centre hosts a lot of “trip generators” and the more people living within walking distance of buildings in that zone the more likely those businesses and services are to thrive, if they choose to cater to those residents’ needs. Not every part of the city centre needs to be accessed by every point in the catchment. The point is that there is a certain level of activity & amenity, and it makes sense that people are allowed to choose to build and live near that activity.

The “nearly-Four-Aves” areas are, for the most part, medium density already, with infill housing trickling in over the last 50+ years. The next step in the urban form, and to add more choice in homes is allowing low rise apartments to gracefully grow upwards amongst the townhouses.

The Council's recommendation was well considered and acknowledged the commercial spines that extend along Papanui road and Colombo Street out from the city centre. Despite the IHP recommendation, Christchurch City Council now has the opportunity to decide to expand the walkable catchment to what was earlier proposed. We call on them to do so.

The area is highly suitable for more housing. Letting people choose to build and live there is good for people, the city, and the planet.

Diving into a more technical aspect of the plan, Policy 3 of the NPS-UD is very clear that walkable catchments should be considered from the edge of City Center Zones. Restricting the catchment to the Four Aves means the Northwest corner of the city centre effectively has a walkable catchment of zero metres, while other areas have a catchment of 650m. Bealey Ave, while large, is not uncrossable! It is unclear how the catchment as proposed by the IHP is congruent with the NPS-UD, and how this decision would withstand legal scrutiny.

About us

Greater Ōtautahi is a non-partisan organisation consisting of Ōtautahi Christchurch residents who want to help create a better city. We advocate for increasing access to housing, and improving public and active transport. We’re working for better amenities, safe streets, and a vibrant city.  We want to see a future Ōtautahi that is liveable and equitable for generations to come.

Email: greaterotautahi@gmail.com 
Twitter: @GreaterOtautahi
Instagram: @greaterotautahi
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greaterotautahi 
Media contact: M Grace-Stent 021 873 694
Secondary contact: Jack Halliday 022 477 4063