Better streets & spaces, Central city, Getting around, Infrastructure upgrades, Land use and growth  |  3h ago

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Pedestrian access from one of the Central City’s favourite attractions – New Regent Street – is set to be extended through to the Ōtakaro Avon River promenade.

Christchurch City Council has purchased a 378m2 piece of land from the Catholic Diocese, which owns the city block bordered by Manchester, Armagh, Colombo and Oxford streets. The Diocese has subdivided the site and offered the Council a 12m wide lot directly opposite New Regent Street for a laneway.

“This is a really great opportunity for us to connect New Regent Street to the promenade. This street is such a unique part of our city, and now we can continue the vibrancy of the area while providing opportunities for hospitality activities on both sides of the laneway,” Mayor Phil Mauger says. 

“With the decision to build our new Cathedral back on our historic home on Barbados Street, this block is now surplus to our requirements and remainder will be strategically divested over the medium to long term. The Diocese is delighted that the City has made this purchase to extend such an iconic street,” Rob Farrell, advisor to the Bishop, says. 

New Regent Street is a popular destination for both locals and tourists to the city, being home to unique stores and diverse eateries plus having Tākaro a Poi Margaret Mahy playground, the Performing Arts Precinct and Rauora Plark nearby. 

Mayor Mauger says the investment will be the starting point for further development in the area.

“Christchurch is already the country’s coolest city – and we’re just getting started. Expanding areas like New Regent Street will help bring businesses into the area, visitors to the city, and embrace the river more which is a key part of our identity.”

The extension will require careful design to make sure pedestrians can cross Armagh Street safely, especially near where the tram turns.

The cost of building the new laneway has yes to be determined, with funding to be included in a future Long Term Plan. Maintenance costs will also need to be factored into the Council’s operational budget.

Having a laneway at this location was first raised in the 2012 Christchurch Central Recovery Plan and again in 2017 following work by Regenerate Christchurch. It has also been raised in discussions related to the previous Catholic Cathedral precinct plans.