3 October, 2013

Council supports New Brighton development

Christchurch City Council today agreed to move the Draft New Brighton Master Plan forward while also signalling support for the development of small scale aquatic facilities, such as salt water pools.

The Council agreed to continue working with stakeholders towards providing a variety of attractions and public space improvements that would revitalise the commercial core of New Brighton.

Mayor Bob Parker says it is important that work on the revitalisation of New Brighton continues. “By demonstrating its support for a range of small scale and complementary attractions, the Council is reaffirming its commitment to the recovery and development of New Brighton as a place with special character and appeal; alive with recreational facilities, cafes and restaurants, shops and businesses.”

Staff will also consider options for consolidating commercial zones in accordance with the proposals in the Draft New Brighton Master Plan, something Urban Design and Regeneration Unit Manager Carolyn Ingles says makes it possible for Stage 2 of the District Plan Review to consider proposals for the rezoning of commercial zones in New Brighton Centre.

“The Council’s decision gives clarity to staff who can now fully assess submissions to the Draft Master Plan and report back to the Council in December on options for a way forward.”

In summary, the key resolutions passed today were to:

• Support in principle the development of a variety of appropriately-sized and privately funded attractions and public place-based initiatives in New Brighton.
• Work with key stakeholders to develop a preferred model of small-scale public and private aquatic initiatives, improvements to the public and private realm, and funding options for these.
• Consider options for consolidating commercial zones in New Brighton.
• Approach the Prime Minister’s Earthquake Fund to see if there is an opportunity to use the proposed $6.5 million grant separately from the Eastern Recreation and Sport Facility.

The Council also resolved to recommend to the incoming Council that:
• The proposed Eastern Recreation and Sports Facility is located wherever it best meets the needs of the communities of the East.
• Use of the Transformational Fund be considered to assist revitalisation initiatives.
• The use of additional funds to support revitalisation of New Brighton through the next Long Term Plan be considered, if good progress is being made by business and landowners to rejuvenate the centre.

ENDS

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