International competition launched to design new urban village

An international competition to design and build a new place for living in Christchurch’s Central City has been launched today (15 October).

The new urban village is a joint Christchurch City Council, Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and CERA/CCDU development. It will be built on the corner of Madras and Gloucester streets.

Competition entrants will design and build a new medium-density urban residential complex that provides a variety of housing options and lifestyle choices based on the key principles of sustainability, affordability, innovation and a strong sense of community.

“The new development will inspire and excite a new generation of residents to live within Christchurch’s Central City, where we are rebuilding what will be one of the most modern and liveable cities in the world,” says Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker.

“Pre-registrations for the competition, from architects and designers working throughout the world, have already drawn almost 130 responses; this is exciting for our city.”

He says Christchurch needs to develop new living options within the Central City that not only respond to today but think about how the next generation want to live in the Central City and the type of community they will want to be part of.

“The winner of this competition will not only be creating a new place of living in our Central City but also a catalyst for change in the way the world thinks about communities and lifestyle choices.”

Mr Parker says the eyes of the world are on Christchurch as it redevelops. “We have been given a chance to change our living environment and as a city we need to embrace that opportunity.

“Our new urban village will be an exciting place to live, right in the heart of the city; close to the Avon River/Otakaro precinct, across the road from the park-like communal green setting of the Frame and within easy walking distance of the new performing arts precinct, entertainment and retail areas and new employment opportunities. This truly is an exciting time for Christchurch.”

Minister for Building and Construction Maurice Williamson said he was delighted to be working with the Christchurch City Council and Ngāi Tahu on this inspiring project.

“Central Christchurch has always been iconic and this competition to rebuild a bold and visionary inner city will see that tradition continue. It will create new icons and set an international benchmark for inner city living.”

For further information on the competition: www.newurbanvillage.org.nz