First neighbourhood at Wigram Skies about to take off
After many years of careful planning, Ngai Tahu Property will begin marketing its first release of land at the new
Wigram Skies development this month.
The history of Wigram will remain an integral part of the new community, with names and historic buildings celebrating
those who contributed to aviation in New Zealand.
The first Wigram neighbourhood will be known as Cecil Hill in recognition of the former Chief Instructor of the
Canterbury Flying School. He made the first flight at Wigram on 7 May 1917 in a Caudron bi-plane. As further areas are
developed, the flight theme will be continued and will encompass names that link to both the former airbase and to the
language and history of tangata whenua.
Chief Executive of Ng?i Tahu Property Tony Sewell says Ngai Tahu Property is very focused on projects and developments
that fit with the long-sighted values of Ngai Tahu and the vision ‘for us and our children after us’.
“Those early aviators were contributing to the future of the region and Ng?i Tahu is also future focused, so for us the
launch of Wigram Skies is exciting because it reflects a theme that captures both the lofty aspirations of those who
worked at the former airbase as well as the intergenerational focus of Ng?i Tahu.”
People interested in making their future in what will be one of the last developments of its kind to be situated so
close to the centre of Christchurch will appreciate the careful planning that has gone into Wigram Skies, says Mr
Sewell. We are pleased to announce that our first residential sections are going on sale shortly.
Development Manager Alan Grove says Wigram Skies aims to be one of the largest mixed-use developments in Christchurch to
be undertaken in recent times. “Many years of careful planning and long-term thinking has been invested into Wigram
Skies. We have aimed for an urban form that creates a sense of place, a sense of belonging. We have enjoyed a good
working relationship so far with the Christchurch City Council and Environment Canterbury to get Stage 1 to the point
where the first neighbourhood sections are able to be released and will continue to do so as we work through the
required planning matters for the remaining Stages.”
Wigram Skies is a new community being built on the site of the former Wigram Aerodrome, which was purchased by Ngai Tahu
Property in 1996 after the Royal New Zealand Air Force made the decision to transfer training away from the site in
1993.
Expressions of interest are being called for the first 62 sections, part of Stage 1, that are being released to the
market. These are the sections that will be in the neighbourhood of Cecil Hill.
“When complete this master-planned community will be home to around 4000 people and will provide a sense of place, with
recreational facilities, parks and employment opportunities. The area will also be home to the Wigram heritage sites
which will include the former Control Tower and Hangers 4 and 5. The Kingsford-Smith landing site will be another
carefully honoured and preserved area,” says Alan Grove.
Tony Sewell says there are clear indications of demand for a project such as Wigram Skies and the sense of place that
master planned communities create
“We have incorporated cycle and pedestrian networks into our design, there is thoughtful integration of roads, provision
of plentiful open space and native vegetation, rejuvenation of water ways, allowance for an education centre and a
business and town centre precinct.”
ENDS