Community profile Christchurch Central

Transcription

1 Community profile Christchurch Central (Census area units: Avon Loop, Cathedral Square, Hagley Park) Christchurch central is the geographical centre of Christchurch. For the purposes of this report this area includes Hagley Park, Cathedral Square and Avon Loop census area units. It is defined as the area within the four avenues (Bealey Avenue, Fitzgerald Avenue, Moorhouse Avenue and Deans Avenue) and includes the Central Business District (CBD); areas of residential, educational, and commercial /industrial usage; and green space including Hagley Park, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and the Barbadoes Street Cemetery. A number of central government and local government agencies were sited within the Hagley Park census area of Christchurch central, including Christchurch City Council Civic Offices, Canterbury Area Central Police Station, Christchurch Public Hospital and Environment Canterbury. This area also contained the Arts Centre, Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Art Gallery, Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park which is home to a number of sports clubs and organisations. Some of these have had to relocate into temporary premises following building closures as a result of the 22 February 2011 earthquake. The Cathedral Square area unit is the central business district hub and contained a number of entertainment, leisure and events precincts, including Canterbury Public Library, Our City O-Tautahi, Christchurch Town Hall, and Christchurch Convention Centre. The iconic Christchurch Anglican Cathedral is found in Cathedral Square and the Catholic Basilica is located on Barbadoes Street. There is a concentration of educational facilities in the Christchurch central area, including Christchurch Polytechnic, Catholic Cathedral College (decile three), Christ s College (decile 10), St Michael's Church School (decile nine), Hagley Community College (decile five), Christchurch East School (decile three), St Mary s Catholic Primary School (decile four) and Cathedral Grammar School (decile 10). Unlimited Paenga Tawhiti and Discovery One are special character (decile six) state secondary schools that have had to relocate out of the Christchurch central business district (CBD).

2 Key demographics Usually resident population count Data from Statistics NZ Ethnic groups in the area (%) Data from 2006 Census, Statistics NZ Other MELAA Asian Pacific Peoples' Mäori European 68.4 Median personal income compared to Christchurch city Data from Statistics NZ Central City Christchurch City 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5, Employment status (%) Data from 2006 Census, Statistics NZ Not in the Labour Force Unemployed Central City Christchurch City Employed Part-time 11.8 Home ownership (%) Data from 2006 Census, Statistics NZ Employed Full-time 46.9 Dw elling Ow ned or Partly Ow ned by Usual Resident(s) Dw elling Not Ow ned by Usual Resident(s) Family Trust Not Stated Family type (%) Data from 2006 Census, Statistics NZ Couple w ithout Children Couple w ith Child(ren) One Parent w ith Child(ren)

3 Social infrastructure mapping Christchurch Central Community development/support organisations Sport/recreation/leisure groups Faith-based organisations Schools Community facilities (Council owned) Libraries (Council owned) Residents/business associations The above ratings have been based on reach, diversity, and participation. For example, bigger circles tend to be groups that provide a wider range of services, or have large numbers of participants. They also tend to be groups that are well networked within the community. Before the 22 February 2011 earthquake, there were many organisations and groups that operated from Christchurch Central. Most of these have been displaced and are working from locations across the city. The focus of these organisations has remained largely metropolitan. Organisations identified as active in social and community development based in Christchurch central include 23 community groups and organisations, 21 sport/recreational/leisure groups, 17 churches, and 11 residents /community groups. There is at least one business association in the area. Organisations with wide reach and depth of focus in this area include ten organisations and two churches.

4 Community resilience mapping 5c 3 1a 1b 5b 2 1c 5a 1 2a 4c 0 2b 4b 2c 4a 3a 3c 3b Scale: 1 = Low 5 = High 15 Measures of resilience Community development organisations rating 1a Number of organisations (2) 1b Strength of organisations (3) 1c Community development principles (3) Volunteering rating 2a Investment in volunteers (2) 2b Number of volunteer hours (funded groups) (3) 2c Number of people volunteering from Census (2) Connectedness rating 3a Number of Neighbourhood Support groups (3) 3b Number of residents' associations (3) 3c Access to networking groups/forums (3) Participation rating 4a Community events (3) 4b Funded projects participation rates (3) 4c Club membership numbers (2) Preparedness rating 5a Number of Neighbourhood Support groups (3) 5b Households involved in Neighbourhood Support (3) 5c Capability of groups to lead local response (3)

5 Earthquake impact analysis 5 a. l. 4 b. k. 3 2 c. 1 j. 0 d. i. e. h. f. g. Pre-earthquake Nov-11 Nov-12 Pre Sep 10 Nov 11 Nov 12 Social environment a. Community organisations b. Community connectedness c. Community participation Built environment d. Housing stock e. Roading infrastructure f. Community facilities Economic environment g. Local business/services h. Access to local services i. Local economy Natural environment j. Land condition k. Parks and spaces l. Accessibility to natural environment 4 1 2

6 Social environment Community environment Christchurch central is predominantly viewed by many as a hub for business and social activities, it was also home to a considerable number of people. A red zone cordon was put in place shortly after the 22 February 2011 earthquake, many of those who lived in Christchurch central could not gain access to their residences and many have still not returned to their homes. A large number of bed-sit and other units previously occupied by older adults on low-incomes were damaged in the February 2011 earthquake. Organisations working with older adults report increased isolation, as most of the older adults they worked with have been displaced and are finding it challenging to cope outside their usual environs. A few organisations have engaged in discussions to work with landlords in the inner city east area to build affordable accommodation for this demographic. They are seeking assistance from central government to make this possible. Recreation, leisure and arts activities within the Christchurch central area were significantly affected with the loss of the Christchurch Town Hall, Christchurch Convention Centre, Arts Centre, Centennial Recreation and Sports Centre and many other facilities. There has however been significant increase in events and leisure opportunities especially in Hagley Park, inner city venues and vacant spaces. Relocation of schools from the central business district has also meant that students have had to adapt to new routines and different school environments. In August 2012 the Ministry of Education announced a proposal to merge the local primary school with the secondary school. Both school boards of trustees agree to the proposal in principle and are currently consulting with the community, students and staff. Discovery 1 School, ( states the 'rationale for change' given by Ministry of Education will form the basis of consultation, and Christchurch central is well supported by residents' groups. A range of formal associations and informal associated groups have been actively meeting and participating in earthquake recovery and Christchurch central rebuild activities. In general the groups are well connected with evidence of collaboration on projects and recovery initiatives especially through a combined residents association. Built environment The 22 February 2011 earthquake had the most devastating effect on Christchurch central infrastructure, with damage exacerbated by buildings and infrastructure already weakened by the 4 September 2010 earthquake and its aftershocks. A total of 1350 building were partly or fully demolished by September With so many buildings demolished and others set to go, Christchurch central will look very different during the recovery and rebuild phase and then again when new buildings have been constructed. Already Re:START offers hope for the start of a central city that will be vibrant and offer creative architecture. The red zone cordon reduced over the past year and is now bounded by Peterborough Street to the north, Cambridge Terrace to the west, Tuam Street to the south, and Madras and Manchester streets to the east. There is an awareness that crime could increase in the area. All sections that have come out of the red zone cordon have been subject to crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) and injury prevention through environmental design (IPTED) to assess what the crime and injury issues are likely to be and mitigate these where possible. Economic environment The impact of the earthquakes continues to affect those who worked in the central business district and the area within the red zone cordon prior to the 22 February 2011 earthquake. Displacement of businesses and inner-city residents from their buildings or homes may have a significant economic impact on the business and family unit and the economic stability of the residents of Christchurch. While a number of businesses have been able to relocate or absorb staff into other trading points, some businesses whose premises were destroyed in the earthquake, or have been subject to demolition, have ceased to trade or are trading in a limited capacity. This has had a compounding effect on the ability to retain staff, resulting in reduced employment hours or discontinuation of employment. Although the area within the red zone cordon has decreased, there is still a considerably large part of the business district that remains within the cordon. In August 2011 the Council adopted a draft Central City Plan that was developed after a period of consultation that attracted 106,000 ideas. Details of over 70 projects to be implemented during the rebuilding phase, building heights, river parks and recreational spaces were included in the plan. The plan went out for further consultation under the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA). In July 2012 CERA made public the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan which had been developed by its Central City Development Unit ( The plan creates a smaller central city core which includes commercial, retail, residential and hospitality. There are 17 anchor projects to be developed by central government, the Council, Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu, private sector and the community.

7 Community environment Economic environment Key anchor projects proposed for Christchurch central include an earthquake memorial, precincts for health, justice and emergency services, retail, convention centre and performing arts and innovation. There will be sporting and recreational facilities including a proposal for a stadium and cricket oval on Hagley Park. It is envisaged that there will be greater accessibility to facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. The central city core will be distinct as the Avon River on the west and a Frame will bound it on the north, east and south. As the city rebuilds, there will be a transition period during which time, demolitions, repairs to infrastructure, construction and other activities will take place. Initiatives to bring life into vacant spaces within Christchurch central have begun. At least three organisations are working to activate these sections to attract people into Christchurch central so that businesses get customers. A number of businesses have agreed for their land to be used for such activities with agreements in place that the land will be returned to the owner in the condition it was when given over for community use. There has been enthusiasm by the community to get involved in making the central city vibrant by participating in projects to fill vacant sites and activities therein. Re:START is a shopping precinct in Christchurch central that opened in October The shopping precinct is made of shipping containers and has 27 retailers. Re:START businesses include cafes, food caravans, clothing and shoe stores, bookstore, grocery store and is anchored by Ballantynes department store. The precinct is busy and has attracted activity such as primary schools offering entertainment through performances that include cultural groups, orchestras, choirs, dance groups and rock bands. While it was expected that Re:START would draw a significant number of weekend shoppers, the visitors to the precinct during the week has steadily increased as more and more buildings are repaired and occupied. Statistics provided by Statistics New Zealand show that business in the CBD has been considerably impacted see New Zealand Business Demography Statistics, February 2012 ( ). On the whole the number of business locations as at February 2012 was 36,420, a 2.5 per cent drop in comparison to the same period a year ago in Christchurch. The number of business locations within the CBD plummeted by 34.6 per cent from The eastern suburbs also experienced decrease in the number of business locations while the western suburbs experienced an increase of 6.1 per cent. A decrease of 0.8 per cent was noted in the number of employees engaged by businesses throughout the city. In the CBD there was a decrease of employees by 38.4 per cent from 47,500 to 29,300. The numbers of employees in the eastern suburbs remained the same as the same period in February There was an increase of 15.9 per cent of employees in the western suburbs by February Natural environment The Avon River, a well-known natural landscape feature of Christchurch central, was affected by the 4 September 2010, 22 February 2011 and 13 June 2011 earthquakes. Water quality in the Avon River was compromised due to sewerage and liquefaction, and future use of the spaces adjacent to the river will be subject to river bank stability. The Christchurch central area includes Hagley Park, renowned for its extensive area of 165 hectares (407 acres), its wide-open spaces and mature woodlands. The park is a major sporting and cultural focal point with netball courts, a golf course, and soccer and rugby fields. While there has been substantial damage to buildings located in the park area, Hagley Park itself has generally been open for use with only small pockets of liquefaction affecting some areas. The Botanic Gardens are generally operational, but have sustained the loss of mature trees. There has been llimited or no access to parks and gardens inside the red zone cordon. Since the 22 February 2011 earthquake Hagley Park has been established as the major event and entertainment hub for the city. Land condition A large part of Christchurch central is taken up by Hagley Park. With only small amounts of liquefaction after the 22 February 2011 earthquake, the land does not seem to have sustained major damage. A large amount of land in Christchurch central is non-residential and has therefore not been assessed and put in a technical land category by Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) ( Most of the land in the living zones has been categorised as TC2 and TC3 with a significant amount of land in the Avon Loop being red zoned by CERA, ( Land that is classified TC2 may have liquefaction in future earthquakes that are significant causing minor to moderate land damage. Land that is classified TC3 may also have liquefaction in future significant earthquakes causing moderate to significant land damage. Red zone land would require repair over a prolonged period and has therefore been deemed uneconomic. CERA facilitated meetings for TC3 and red zone residents at local or nearby locations to discuss issues of concern to the community. Other organisations and agencies including the Earthquake Commission (EQC), insurance companies and the Council have attended these meetings to provide information and answer questions. Red zone residents have until April 2013 to move sell land to the Crown and move out of the area.

8 Future risks and opportunities Risk / opportunities Contemporary and innovative city that has been designed and built by and for those who live in Christchurch. Increased opportunities for innovative sustainable buildings. Greater spirit of community amongst those who continue to live in the parts of Christchurch central that are not red-zoned. Increased community events. A safer city that takes into account Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and Injury Prevention Through Environmental Design (IPTED). A city whose core meets the World Health Organisation Agefriendly environments standards and that is disability friendly. Creation of housing stock for older adults that is affordable for those on low income. Increased employment to support the inner-city rebuild. Christchurch central living may become affordable only to those on high incomes, excluding those on low incomes. Progress to date / outcomes A precinct within Christchurch Central has been set apart for innovation. A competition is part of this and it is hoped that great ideas will be generated for the area. This has continued with residents working together on issues of common interest. There have been some events held specifically for residents of the inner city. Areas of redevelopment are required to go through a process that considers CPTED and IPTED elements. Currently there is no proposal by the Council or central government to building housing for older adults on low incomes. Figures of between 1000 and 30,000 have been put forward as the number of people that will be required to assist with the rebuild. The law requires that employers only look to bring in employees from outside the country when they cannot fill the vacancies locally. The central city will become smaller and living within the core will probably be affordable to those on high incomes. Loss of heritage and character of the city. A significant proportion of heritage and character buildings have been demolished as they are deemed to be beyond repair. Loss of recreational facilities. The Christchurch Central Recovery Plan includes a stadium, cricket oval, sports facility and performing arts precinct. Aspirational plan for green space in Christchurch central may be difficult to fulfil due to the requirement for Council funding and collaboration with other stakeholders to implement. Businesses may not return to the CBD. Economic impact on green-zoned properties (DBH -Technical Classifications - blue and yellow) due to underdevelopment of red-zoned areas, resulting in decreasing property values. The Christchurch Central Recovery Plan has a green frame and river precinct. Some businesses have started to return to the CBD as the cordon has been reduced and repairs done. There is however a considerable number that remains unrepaired and/or vacant, possibly due to insurance claims that are yet to be settled. Gentrification of the inner city east area. This will happen especially due to the large number of boarding houses that were destroyed during the earthquakes. Organisations are working with landlords and the government to find ways to mitigate this. A significant number of sites may be used for parking. The inner city may become too expensive for community groups to afford. This has happened to a large extent. Life in Vacant Spaces and the CCC Transitional City Projects Fund will be instrumental in ensuring that there are creative ways in which privately own vacant spaces in the city are used in a creative way to attract visitors to the city centre. Creative solutions will need to be found to this including brokering relationships between private landlords and community groups so that there are social services available within Christchurch Central.