A plan to regenerate part of east Christchurch devastated by earthquakes has been approved.
Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration Megan Woods announced on Friday at an event in the city's red zone that the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor Regeneration Plan has been given the go-ahead.
The Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor is a 602-hectare stretch of land in east Christchurch that was once home to more than 5000 households.
In March, Wood announced she had received the plan which she has been considering since.
It sets out "a vision and objectives for short, medium, and long-term future land uses and opportunities" for the land, she said in a statement on Friday.
Regenerate Christchurch developed the draft plan, which proposes splitting the land into four parts, which can be used for ecological reasons, recreational activities, food, and culture.
There would be the main 345-hectare "Green Spine" which would run from the city to New Brighton, made up mostly of parkland. The other sections would be scattered along the stretch of land, with ideas like a water-based adventure park, walkways, and restaurants mooted.
"How often does a city have the opportunity to consider the development of an area of 602 hectares so close to its centre? This is a once in a lifetime chance," Woods said.
The plan has been described by Woods as "inter-generational" and will be implemented over many years subject to land access and funding.
"I would like to thank Regenerate Christchurch for the work and dedication in the development of the Plan and also to the many partners Christchurch City Council, Canterbury Regional Council, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Ōtākaro Limited – local leaders for their input, and feedback during the process," she said.
The full plan can be found here.
Newshub.
