Regenerate Christchurch a positive step forward

Property Council supports Regenerate Christchurch as a vehicle to speed up the Christchurch rebuild.

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee and Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel have outlined plans to establish the joint entity to oversee the long term development and enhancement of the Central City, residential red zone, New Brighton and other potential regeneration zones.

The working scope of the agency has been agreed to which paves the way for the next steps in its establishment.

Property Council chief executive Connal Townsend says the new agency is a positive step forward for Christchurch with the expectation that it will increase efficiencies and timely delivery.

“We’re happy to hear the foundation work for getting this agency off the ground has been laid. Anything that will reduce red tape and increase efficiencies will naturally have our full support.

In other countries such as Australia, there are state-level development agencies empowered with legislative reach in defined areas, who have private sector board members that help them make decisions that consider the risk and commercially viability of developments.

“We would like to see more of the same thing in New Zealand and especially with the opportunity Regenerate Christchurch provides. There is no doubt that the best decisions are made with the inclusion and collaboration of the private sector which brings a wealth of experience and expertise in commercial realities such as risk and feasibility.

“Property Council is keen to see private sector representation within Regenerate Christchurch that will assist with producing practical and positive solutions for Christchurch.”

Property Council believes it is important for Regenerate Christchurch to work closely with Development Christchurch Limited and other crown-controlled organisations to avoid duplication of services and misaligned objectives.

“We are a supporter of arms-length agencies which provide flexibility and responsiveness but it is important to ensure that they have a clear purpose, strategy and long term vision that do not compete with each other.”

ENDS

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