Avon Loop redevelopment underway
21 October 2019
Work to upgrade the Avon Loop, the section of Oxford Terrace between Kilmore Street and Fitzgerald Avenue, is now underway says Ōtākaro Limited Chief Executive, John Bridgman.
“This is the final section of Oxford Terrace to be redeveloped as part of the Te Papa Ōtākaro/Avon River Precinct Anchor Project, an entirely new pedestrian and cycle-friendly route through the city that puts the focus back on our much-loved river.
“Along with a new smooth, safe pathway that will replace the broken asphalt, the work also includes a new boardwalk and canoe/kayak ramp on the riverbank. The Avon Loop will connect the City Promenade to any future developments in the Residential Red Zone."
Integrated Planning Guide (version 3)

1 October 2019
The Greater Christchurch Partnership is delighted to endorse this updated Integrated Planning Guide (IPG) [PDF, 3.3 MB], which ultimately aims to achieve more sustainable places, better health outcomes and greater wellbeing for all members of our communities.
Responding to a need to broaden the focus beyond recovery, the IPG provides a versatile tool to help integrate outcomes thinking relevant to health, wellbeing and sustainability into policy and plan making.
The IPG can be used multiple ways during planning and policy development to assess impacts. The targeted questions aim to enhance constructive thinking and encourage innovation. This tool can be used as a desk guide right through to being the focus at stakeholder meetings or integrated assessments.
Regenerate Christchurch welcomes approval of Regeneration Plan
23 August 2019
Regenerate Christchurch welcomes the decision by the Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration to approve the Regeneration Plan for the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor(external link).
Chief Executive Ivan Iafeta says it is a significant milestone for Christchurch, with the plan not only reflecting the important history and heritage of the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor but also setting out a bold aspirational vision for its future.
“Extensive community engagement informed development of the vision of the river connecting us together - with each other, with nature and with new possibilities which are genuinely exciting. The Green Spine will connect the central city to New Brighton with a mix of recreational, commercial and community uses. And the opportunity to create an exemplar of climate change response that will benefit people and countries around the world will further enhance Christchurch’s national and international point of difference.”
Avon Loop work to get underway later this year
5 August 2019
Work on the final section of Te Papa Ōtākaro/Avon River Precinct is expected to get underway later this year with Ōtākaro Limited completing the design for the ‘Avon Loop’, and issuing a Request for Tender for construction.
The Avon Loop(external link) is the section of Oxford Terrace between Kilmore Street and Fitzgerald Avenue. The area has been closed to traffic for many years due to earthquake damage, and most of the properties have been removed.
“The Loop has become incredibly popular with pedestrians and dog walkers, and this work will make the area a safer, more pleasant place to be,” says Ōtākaro Chief Executive, John Bridgman.
Our Space 2018-2048 – planning for growth across Greater Christchurch
14 June 2019
The Greater Christchurch Partnership has endorsed Our Space 2018 -2048: Greater Christchurch Settlement Pattern Update Whakahāngai O Te Hōrapa Nohoanga [PDF, 2.5 MB] outlining how the region will support future housing and business growth for an expected population increase of 150,000 people.
The update sits within the Urban Development Strategy and looks out 30 years to 2048 to ensure we are planning ahead and considering the steps we need to take now to sustainably manage growth. It focuses on how land use, or development, integrates with planned transport investments to encourage a significant mode shift to public transport, walking and cycling.
SH74 Marshland to Burwood safety improvements
5 April 2019
Work on the $2.5 million upgrade to State Highway 74 between Innes Road and Burwood Road is going well and is on track to be finished in June.
Higgins Contractors have widened the road shoulders and installed side barriers down the high-risk stretch of road.
Over the next two weeks they will lay asphalt, then begin to put flexible road safety barriers down the middle of the road to help prevent head-on crashes.
Contractor secured for Metro Sports Facility
28 March 2019
Construction of the Metro Sports Facility will get underway in May with Ōtākaro Limited awarding a $221m contract for the construction of the facility to CPB Contractors Limited.
Ōtākaro Limited Chief Executive, John Bridgman, says construction is expected to be completed late in 2021.
“As the largest sports and recreation venue of its kind in New Zealand, the Metro Sports Facility will play an important part in Christchurch’s regeneration. It will give everyone the opportunity to get active and bring national and international competitions to the city."
Draft plan for the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor delivered
11 March 2019
Regenerate Christchurch has completed the draft regeneration plan for the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor - the culmination of significant collaboration with the community and partner agencies to establish a long-term vision for the area.
The Crown-Council agency has delivered the plan for decision-making by the Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration, the Hon Dr Megan Woods.
Board Chair Sue Sheldon says it is a significant milestone and a major step towards providing the community with greater certainty about the future of this area.
New cultural centre for Christchurch
6 February 2019
Waka tours on the Avon River are set to become a new central city attraction with Ōtākaro Limited divesting the site at 794 Colombo Street(external link) to Ko Tāne, for the development of a $3.5m riverside cultural centre.
Ōtākaro Chief Executive, John Bridgman, says it’s an ideal site for the Ko Tāne venture given how close it is to known visitor destinations like the City Promenade, Te Pae, Victoria Square and the Town Hall.
“The City Promenade has proved a hit since we opened it in November but it’s the private developments like this, that sit alongside it, that will make it a true asset for Christchurch.”