Council to adopt final draft Central City Plan

The final draft Central City Plan will be adopted by the Christchurch City Council this Thursday (December 15).

After nine months of development, the Plan will be adopted by Council at its last meeting for 2011 and presented to the Minister for Earthquake Recovery on 21 December for consideration and approval.

Mayor Bob Parker says it will be a historic day for the city, as the final draft Central City Plan sets the framework to guide the redevelopment of the Central City following the devastating earthquakes.

“Thursday will be the most significant day for Christchurch since the city was settled in 1850. It is when we, as a Council, adopt the framework that will develop Christchurch into one of the most modern, green cities in the world for the 21st century.”

He says elected members and Council staff have worked tirelessly during the last nine months, in close collaboration with the community, key stakeholders and partners Ngai Tahu and ECan to develop the final draft Plan.

“It has been an intense process and one of the most critical plans ever developed for the city. We have had to look to the future and be visionary; we are not just rebuilding for today but for future generations.

“It is rare that a city ever gets the opportunity to completely remodel its Central City. Devastation and heartache have presented this opportunity to Christchurch, and while the earthquakes have brought much tragedy to our city, our community has shown resilience, compassion and tenacity to look to the future and rebuild their city.

“What Council will adopt this week is truly the People’s Plan for the Central City, our wider community having contributed 106,000 ideas for the redevelopment of the Central City.”
Mr Parker says the Central City Plan identifies projects and initiatives to be implemented during the next 10 to 20 years which will make Christchurch one of the most exciting, modern and liveable cities in the world.