Blog

1. 10 Shirley Road | Advocacy
1.1. ‘Gateway to the East’ (2018)
1.2. ‘You Are Here’: ‘A Place To Be’
1.3. ‘Shirley Centre’ Concept
1.4. ‘Shirley Centre’: Community Needs
1.5. ‘Shirley Centre’: Visitor Experience
1.6. Third Places & Bumping Spaces
1.7. Christchurch East Libraries
2. ‘Shirley Centre’ | Community Centre
2.1. Community Hub: Building Connections
2.2. Learning Library with Learning Spaces
2.3. Christchurch City Council Service Centre
2.4. Civil Defence & Voting Centre
2.5. Early Childhood & Youth Centre
2.6. Support Services Centre
2.7. Multicultural Centre
2.8. Local History Centre
2.9. Family History Centre
2.10. Visitor Information Centre
3. Shirley Community Reserve | Location
3.1. 10 Shirley Road: Placemaking
3.2. ‘Shirley Centre’ on Shirley Road: Information Centre
3.3. Community (Horizontal Roads)
3.4. Commercial (Vertical Roads)
3.5. Shirley Road to New Brighton Road (Scenic Route)
3.6. Transport Options
4. Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor | Activities
4.1. Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor City to Sea Pathway
4.2. Sutton Heritage House and Garden
4.3. Avebury House, Richmond Community Garden & Riverlution
4.4. Climate Action Campus
4.5. Sector 7 Events
4.6. Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor: Footbridges & Landings
4.7. Kerrs Reach Flatwater Sports Hub
5. Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor | Ideas by Joanna Gould (2018)
5.1. Red Zones Future: Ideas Map
5.2. Sutton’s Place | Idea (2018)
5.3. River Road Park | Idea (2018)
5.4. River Bank Centre | Idea (2018)
5.5. Retreat Road Park | Idea (2018)
5.6. Draft OARC Regeneration Plan: ‘Tell Our Stories’
5.7. Draft OARC Regeneration Plan: Visitor Experience
5.8. Draft OARC Regeneration Plan: Community Needs

1. 10 Shirley Road | Advocacy
1.1. ‘Gateway to the East’ (2018)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-8LmUPeGcg
Verbal Submission for the Christchurch City Council Long Term Plan in 2018:
– Former Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel:
“I really liked your submission, largely because of the imagery around the history of the site & what’s planned for the future.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/building-ideas/
Are you saying, rather than just building back a Community Centre, that actually we should look at the whole of the area & look at the whole of the needs.
Maybe what we need to be considering for the Long Term Plan, is a budget that would enable a full needs analysis & to look at what the different options are.
There is a Facebook page that’s been setup that suggests moving the Library & other things…”
– Joanna Gould:
“Yes, my research was that. I created 10shirleyroad.org.nz. When I had the idea, I was standing across the road from Shirley Primary School with Ben [my son].
I just thought “what if”, what if we could dream big & create this whole block as a destination space, that invites everybody.
It’s a meeting place, it’s a community centre, but we also have so many nations settling in our area. I wanted to welcome them into this area & make them feel part of this area.
I see the whole space alive with people, all sorts of people, young or old, disabled or whatever, they can still access this space, they can come in.
It can be put back as a destination space, a learning space for the whole community, for Christchurch & to get the tourists involved in it as well, because it is the ‘Gateway to the East’.”

1.2. ‘You Are Here’: ‘A Place To Be’
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/you-are-here-a-place-to-be/
On a map, the ‘You Are Here’ icon is a reminder of your location.
‘You Are Here’ locators are usually to help tourists or those new to an area, find their bearings again & see which way they need to go.
‘You Are Here’ in these communities surrounding 10 Shirley Road: Shirley, Dallington, Richmond, Edgeware, St Albans & Mairehau.
Whether you have just arrived in this country, recently moved into these communities, here temporarily (renting) or permanently (bought a house), while ‘You Are Here’ welcome to the Shirley Centre, ‘A Place To Be’, within our local communities.

1.3. ‘Shirley Centre’ Concept
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-concept-image/
‘Shirley Centre’: Identity | Well-being | Learning
– New ‘Contemporary’ Community Centre/Citizen Hub.
– Relocate the current Shirley Library from The Palms car park.
– New Library with Learning Spaces & Meeting Rooms.
– New Inclusive Accessible Playground & Shirley Playcentre.
– Community Education & Support Services in ‘Learning Libraries’.

1.4. ‘Shirley Centre’: Community Needs
‘Learning Libraries’:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/learning-libraries-concept/
What happens inside the library has more impact on our communities.
How? By creating Learning Libraries: citizen hubs where Community Education is at the centre & the Learning Spaces are utilised by the Government, Christchurch City Council & other Organisations, as an outreach to the residents in the surrounding communities.
Learning Libraries are ‘schools in the community for everyone, all ages & stages of life are welcome.’

1.5. ‘Shirley Centre’: Visitor Experience
– AI Overview | Key Benefits of Libraries for Visitors:
Libraries are essential for visitors, acting as vital community hubs that provide public toilets, free Wi-Fi, travel resources, and quiet, accessible spaces to relax, work, or explore local culture.
They serve as trusted information centers, offering maps, local guides, and expert knowledge from staff to enhance the visitor experience.
– Free Technology & Connectivity:
Libraries provide free, reliable Wi-Fi, public computers, and printers, essential for travelers managing tickets, exploring digital resources, or working remotely.
– Information & Local Knowledge:
They offer access to tourist brochures, local maps, and detailed guides. Librarians often act as local guides, offering insider tips on regional history, culture, and attractions.
– A ‘Third Place’ Refuge:
Libraries provide a quiet, free, and comfortable refuge from busy city streets or limited hotel space, offering a relaxing environment and, in some cases, air conditioning or heating.
– Cultural Immersion:
Many libraries showcase local art, host local history exhibitions, or offer programs that allow visitors to deeply engage with the community’s heritage.
– Architectural Landmarks:
Many libraries, have become attractions themselves, drawing travelers with unique, world-class design and architecture.
– Inclusive Spaces:
Libraries offer welcoming spaces for everyone, providing, for instance, sensory-sensitive areas for neurodivergent visitors.
– For visitors looking to connect with a community authentically, libraries provide a unique, free, and valuable resource.

1.6. Third Places & Bumping Spaces
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/third-place/
Libraries are ‘third places (social)’ the ‘living room’ of society in our communities.
We have many in our communities who don’t have a ‘second place (work)’: stay at home parents, caregivers, retirees, unemployed, people working from home etc.
Some due to their circumstances don’t feel like they have a safe and relaxing ‘first place (home)’.
This is why it is so important that our ‘third places (social)’ are welcoming and inclusive for everyone in our communities.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/bumping-spaces/
“Bumping Spaces are places in the community where we naturally bump into each other, they are our communal spaces, gathering places.
A trusted environment where we spend time together, share space together…
Community is built on relationships and people develop relationships through frequent contact with others.
So, if you want to build community, you need places to bump into other people.
The closer those places are to where you live, the more likely you are to bump into the same people over and over again…
If you want to develop an inclusive community, you need to have inclusive bumping spaces.”

1.7. Christchurch East Libraries
– Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board
(5 suburban libraries)
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/christchurch-city-libraries-by-community-board/
Coastal Ward: Parklands Library & New Brighton Library
Burwood Ward: Shirley Library & Aranui Library
Linwood Ward: Linwood Library
– Shirley Library | The Palms Mall
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-libraries/
The current/2nd Shirley Library is located in a ‘Commercial Zone’ car park with no outdoor space or learning spaces & no toilets available in the Library area.
These other East Libraries (Aranui, Parklands & New Brighton) are standalone buildings with their own identity, clearly visible from the street, easy to give location directions to visitors, ‘destination spaces’ in their communities, with outdoor spaces surrounding their buildings.

2. ‘Shirley Centre’ | Community Centre
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-community-overview-map/
2.1. Community Hub: Building Connections
Promoting awareness of the existing Community Facilities, Recreational Spaces & Local Green Spaces to residents & visitors to the area.
2.2. Learning Library with Learning Spaces
Providing opportunities for Community Education through book collections, activities & events in the new multipurpose Learning Spaces.
2.3. Christchurch City Council Service Centre
Co-located Council Services with the new Shirley Library & Customer Service Hub.
2.4. Civil Defence & Voting Centre
Central accessible location for a new Civil Defence Centre for emergencies (to provide safety, information & assistance) & Voting Booth location for elections.
2.5. Early Childhood & Youth Centre
Creating connections from babies to preschoolers, through the new inclusive accessible playground, Shirley Playcentre (located on the Reserve) & Shirley Library: Wā Pēpi-Babytimes & Wā Kōrero-Storytimes.
Centrally located for Youth, between Mairehau High School & Shirley Intermediate School, bus stops both sides of Shirley Road (transfer point between The Oribter & East bus routes) & Half Basketball Court/Youth Space (free WiFi & outdoor seating).
2.6. Support Services Centre
Promoting & connecting residents with local Support Services available in our communities like The Loft, Citizen Advice Bureau, Crisis Recovery Café, Human Library Organization etc.
Through our new Learning Spaces, providing outreach opportunities for Support Services in a centrally located familiar safe space.
2.7. Multicultural Centre
Acknowledge New Zealand’s bicultural foundation based on the Treaty of Waitangi (te Tiriti o Waitangi) between Māori and the British Crown.
Supporting multiculturalism by offering resources in various languages, plus outreach programs & technology services to support new residents & visitors.
2.8. Local History Centre
‘Tell Our Stories’ to locals & visitors to our area by sharing information & resources that document our heritage, culture & the development of our communities around Shirley Road.
2.9. Family History Centre
The NZ Society of Genealogists – Canterbury Branch were located in the former Shirley Community Centre for 21 years from February 1990 until the February 2011 earthquakes. Now Canterbury Genealogy, located in the Parkview Community Lounge, 75 Queenspark Drive, Parklands.
DNA & Genealogy drop-in sessions at current Shirley Library on the first and third Saturdays of each month.
2.10. Visitor Information Centre
‘First Impressions Count’, what will our visitors to this area see?
10 Shirley Road is the first stop for visitors as they enter Shirley Road/‘Gateway to the East’, before traveling along New Brighton Road, beside the Ōtākaro Avon River to New Brighton.
Providing local information, activities, events, bus routes/timetables, map of the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor.

3. Shirley Community Reserve | Location
3.1. 10 Shirley Road: Placemaking
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/placemaking/
“The Power of 10+ is a concept Project for Public Spaces developed to evaluate and facilitate Placemaking…The idea behind this concept is that places thrive when users have a range of reasons (10+) to be there.
These might include a place to sit, playgrounds to enjoy…history to experience, and people to meet. Ideally, some of these activities will be unique to that particular place, reflecting the culture and history of the surrounding community.”
https://www.pps.org/article/the-power-of-10
1. ‘Suburban’ Library
2. Christchurch City Council Service Centre
3. Learning Spaces
4. Meeting Rooms
5. NZ/Genealogy Area
6. Internal Courtyard
7. Indoor/Outdoor Seating Options
8. Natives Garden (Dudley Creek)
9. Wellbeing Sensory Garden
10. Events/Market Space (Carpark)
11. Inclusive Accessible Playground
12. Basketball Court/Youth Area
13. Shirley Playcentre
14. StoryWalk
15. Dudley Creek Trail

3.2. ‘Shirley Centre’ on Shirley Road: Information Centre
Information Centre: “a place where members of the public can get information about an area, organization, activity, etc.”
– Māori Settlements & Early Settlers History
– Area History: Pre Earthquakes
– Area History: Post Earthquakes
– Architecture: George Penlington, Chancellor Street Heritage Houses & Dudley Character Area
– Engineering: Dudley Creek Flood Remediation
– Landscape Architecture: George Brington Malcolm & Emmett Street Trees
– Residential Red/Green Zone: ‘Tell Our Stories’
– Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor: Landings & Bridges
– Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor: Activities & Events

3.3. Community (Horizontal Roads)
From Edgeware Road to Shirley Road, Community Facilities include:
Rehua Marae, Kohinga St Albans Community Centre, Edgeware Pool, Shirley Community Reserve, Te Oraka Community Pool (Shirley Intermediate) & Avon Hub (Recreation Centre). With MacFarlane Park Centres to the North & Avebury House to the South.

3.4. Commercial (Vertical Roads)
– Stanmore Road | From Avonside Drive to North Avon Road
Regenerate Christchurch have suggested as part of the Ōtākaro Loop Reach ‘Christchurch on a Plate’…Heritage NZ describes the Richmond area “as a food resource for Maori and Pakeha settlers.”
https://lifeisajourney.co.nz/rur/kai-town/
‘Idea to make Stanmore Rd an international smorgasbord’ (2018)
https://lifeisajourney.co.nz/rur/idea-to-make-stanmore-rd-an-international-smorgasbord/
– Marshland Road | From Shirley Road to Prestons Road
Approx. 5km of Commercial/Retail along Marshland Road includes:
The Palms Mall, 42 – 50 Marshland Road (New Development), Shops/Restaurants (between Joy & Pagoda Streets), Homebase (Existing), Homebase (New Development), Homebase (Future Development), Orchards, Fruit & Veges Markets, Shops/Restaurants (Cnr Marshland & Prestons Road).

3.5. Shirley Road to New Brighton Road (Scenic Route)
– Shirley Road to New Brighton Road | ‘Gateway to the East’
10 Shirley Road is a very visible historic location at the beginning of Shirley Road, which then becomes New Brighton Road, a scenic road to travel by bus or car through the Residential Red/Green Zones, following the Ōtākaro Avon River to New Brighton.
“The first route from Christchurch to New Brighton in European times was via Fitzgerald Avenue (then the East Belt), and Shirley and New Brighton Road. Because it was the first route, it was sometimes called the ‘Old Brighton Road’. New Brighton Road dates from 1860s.”
https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/blogs/post/how-to-get-to-new-brighton/
– Shirley Road to New Brighton Road | Residential Red Zone, Christchurch
“Welcome to the Residential Red Zone. This zone encompasses areas around Bexley Wetland, Brooklands, South Brighton, Southshore, the Port Hills and the Ōtākaro River Corridor including Richmond, Dallington, Avonside and Brooker Ave.”
https://ccc.govt.nz/parks-and-gardens/explore-parks/residential-red-zone
– Shirley Road to New Brighton Road | History & Post Earthquakes
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/historic-landmark/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/the-christchurch-districts-of-windsor-and-shirley/
1st: Shirley | Shirley Community Reserve, former Shirley School/Shirley Community Centre site, building demolished after the earthquakes in 2012.
2nd: Dudley Creek (located at the back of the Reserve), part of the Dudley Creek Flood Remediation, along Stapletons Road, Petrie Street to Medway Street.
Through wayfinding signage, share the technical behind-the-scenes information and lessons learnt, with visitors to these sites.
https://lifeisajourney.co.nz/rur/dudley-creek/
3rd: Chancellor Street Heritage Houses (Workers Dwelling Act & Social Housing Heritage) in Dudley Character Area, Richmond.
4th: Housing Intensification from Bungalow & Villa homes to Townhouses.
5th: The Palms Mall
6th: Burwood Park
7th: Residential Red Zone/Green Zone (Dallington, Horseshoe Lake, Burwood, New Brighton) with Landings & Footbridges.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-post-earthquakes-map/
8th: New Brighton | “Eastern Christchurch’s main entertainment and tourist centres” includes:
New Brighton Beach, New Brighton Pier, He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools, New Brighton Seaside Playground, New Brighton Mall/Shopping Centre, New Brighton Village Green, New Brighton Museum & New Brighton Library.
– Shirley Road to New Brighton Road | Public Transport
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2025/route-7-frequency-increase-causing-increase-in-patronage-too
“In April the route switched to running every 10 minutes from 5.30am to 6.30pm on weekdays and every 15 minutes outside of those hours, and on weekends.”
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/588286/country-s-lightest-electric-double-decker-bus-to-hit-christchurch-s-roads-next-week
“The [electric double-decker] bus was intended to start on the Route 7 Halswell-Queenspark service and would be tested on several of Metro’s busier routes.”
“The bus can take up to 95 customers including 14 standing downstairs.”
https://www.metroinfo.co.nz/news/metro-welcomes-its-first-electric-double-decker-bus-the-lightest-in-the-country/

3.6. Transport Options
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-transport/
10 Shirley Road is located between two main intersections/arterial roads:
– Shirley Road / Marshland Road / New Brighton Road / North Parade &
– Shirley Road / Hills Road / Warrington Street intersection
This location at 10 Shirley Road is accessible by public transport for residents & visitors to Christchurch in:
Shirley, Dallington, Richmond, Edgeware, St Albans & Mairehau
Plus: Citywide (Orbiter), Merivale, Parklands, Burwood & Avonside.
– Christchurch Bus Routes Map:
https://smartview.ccc.govt.nz/data/bus-network/map
– Christchurch Cycling Map:
https://ccc.govt.nz/transport/getting-around/cycling/cycling-maps
– Christchurch Walking Track Map (includes Dudley Creek Walk):
https://ccc.govt.nz/parks-and-gardens/explore-parks/walking-track-map

4. Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor | Activities
4.1. Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor City to Sea Pathway
https://ccc.govt.nz/parks-and-gardens/regenerationareas/otakaro-avon-river-corridor/city-to-sea-pathway
“The 11-kilometre-long, shared-use, all-weather route will largely follow the course of the Ōtākaro Avon River from Barbadoes Street in the central city to Pages Road in New Brighton.”
Plans: https://ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/Parks-Gardens/Regeneration-areas/C2SPublic.pdf

4.2. Sutton Heritage House and Garden
http://www.suttonhouseandgarden.org.nz/
“…the house, including a studio, built in 1962 for the renowned Canterbury artist and educator William Alexander Sutton, (1917 – 2000) – usually known as Bill Sutton – at 20 Templar Street, Richmond.
He lived there for thirty eight years. Most of his celebrated work created during this period – both landscapes and portraiture – was painted here.
Sutton’s house was designed by Tom Taylor, (1925 – 1995), a friend and teaching colleague and a sculptor who had studied architecture for two years; it is the only remaining Tom Taylor designed house in Christchurch which has retained its original design.
The luxuriant garden around the house was designed and planted by Bill Sutton himself.”
“Graham Densem – (B.A., Dip.L.A.) Retired Landscape Architect and former Senior Lecturer in Landscape Architecture at Lincoln University.
Graham’s experience with Sutton House began in the 1990’s when Bill Sutton graciously allowed student visits to his most characterful garden.
His mission is to see the heritage garden maintained as its creator intended, and the surrounding park developed as a community facility honouring Bill Sutton.”
http://www.suttonhouseandgarden.org.nz/our-trustees/

4.3. Avebury House, Richmond Community Garden & Riverlution
https://www.aveburyhouse.co.nz/
https://richmondcommunitygarden.co.nz/
https://richmondcommunitygarden.co.nz/project/riverlution-eco-hub/

4.4. Climate Action Campus
https://climateaction.school.nz/

4.5. Sector 7 Events
https://ccc.govt.nz/parks-and-gardens/regenerationareas/otakaro-avon-river-corridor/sector-7-events
“Sector 7 is an event space in the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor (OARC), between Locksley Avenue and New Brighton Road. Events for approximately 5000 people can be held in this space. Public parking is not available on-site, so attendees are encouraged to plan to use alternative transport to the site.”

4.6. Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor: Footbridges & Landings
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-post-earthquakes-map/
(see Layer: ‘3. Shirley Centre | Information Centre’)
Medway Footbridge, Dallington Bridge, Snell Place Footbridge, Avondale Footbridge, Dallington Landing & Wainoni Landing.

4.7. Kerrs Reach Flatwater Sports Hub
https://ccc.govt.nz/parks-and-gardens/regenerationareas/otakaro-avon-river-corridor/changes-to-kerrs-reach
“We plan to relocate the existing sports clubs’ facilities and buildings from the east side of the river to the west side, to create a new flatwater sports hub with space for growth. Minor river-edge modifications to the western side will allow boats to launch safely. Road access will be via a new link from Gayhurst Road to Halberg Street, and there will be some car-parking allowances included for visitors to the hub and area.”
Plans: https://ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/Parks-Gardens/Regeneration-areas/KRFWHubPublic_Optimized.pdf

5. Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor | Ideas by Joanna Gould (2018)
5.1. Red Zones Future: Ideas Map
https://lifeisajourney.co.nz/rur/red-zones-future-ideas-map-by-joanna-gould/
My ideas for Richmond/Avonside and the Red Zone Futures: Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor, include:
Shirley Community Centre, Dudley Creek, Kai Town, Street Art, Sutton’s Place, River Road Park, River Bank Centre, Retreat Road Park, Kerrs Reach & Woodham Park.

5.2. Sutton’s Place | Idea (2018)
https://lifeisajourney.co.nz/rur/suttons-place/
‘Let’s go to Sutton’s Place’: a creative space for our local Christchurch Arts Community, and a place to welcome creatives from all around the world. With Bill Sutton’s house/garden as the centrepiece, we could add:
– living/studio spaces for artist’s in residence,
– learning spaces: day/night classes for arts & crafts, art business classes,
– eco-friendly cafe/gallery/shop/information centre,
– car parking and bike stands for those using the Avon-Ōtākaro Cycle Route,
– outdoor natural wood easels for painting, picnic tables and seating
– landscape design that creates a ‘picture’ you want to capture, with whatever medium you like to use as an artist
– outdoor natural wood picture frames, that frame a view, and/or create an opportunity to take a selfie or group photo, to share on social media,
with Sutton’s Garden for Outdoor Teaching, Art/Sculpture Park, and Outdoor Arts Related Events, set in a beautiful garden setting over looking the Avon River, for all types of artists/creatives to come and be a part of Sutton’s legacy.
‘Bill’s Story: a Portrait of W. A. Sutton’ by Pat Unger
https://christchurch.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S37C591338
“Bill’s story goes behind the artist to discover the child, the student, the tutor, the citizen, the well-mannered bohemian.
The book is derived mainly from Sutton’s extensive archives, and from the author’s personal knowledge of the artist…
Pat Unger portrays an attentive son, a steadfast friend and erudite academic, a resolute administrator and a multi-skilled professional artist.”

5.3. River Road Park | Idea (2018)
https://lifeisajourney.co.nz/rur/river-road-park/
My vision for ‘River Road Park’ is a place to enjoy “rest and relax”, where we remember our “identity, sense of place and history of the Christchurch”.
Dudley Creek Trail, River Road, Medway Street Bridge, Medway Street Bridge Memorial, R. B. Owen Lime Trees, Avebury House, Avebury Paddling Pool & Playground, Richmond Community Garden, Avon-Ōtākaro Cycle Route, Park Benches/Picnic Tables & ‘White Picket Fence’ Garden.

5.4. River Bank Centre | Idea (2018)
https://lifeisajourney.co.nz/rur/river-bank-centre/
My vision for ‘River Bank Centre is a place for Research, Design & Technology Centre.
Using Technology to create Digital Story Telling, where we remember our “identity, sense of place and history of the Christchurch”.
My idea for the ‘Ōtākaro Loop Reach’ is ‘River Bank Centre’, based at Avonside Girls’ High School.
The ‘River Bank Centre’ [named after Richard Bedward Owen, Mr R B Owen, but unofficially he was called “River Bank” Owen] could include:
Studios, Learning Spaces, Exhibition Spaces, STEAM Businesses, Day/Night Classes, KidsFest Program etc.

5.5. Retreat Road Park | Idea (2018)
https://lifeisajourney.co.nz/rur/retreat-road-park/
My vision for ‘Retreat Road Park’ is a place to enjoy “rest and relax”, where we remember our “identity, sense of place and history of the Christchurch”.
Māori Heritage Park, Natural Playgrounds, Star Gazing, set amongst the residential gardens of the Avonside Red Zone, with new native trees/plants and Accessible/Sensory Playground.

5.6. Draft OARC Regeneration Plan: ‘Tell Our Stories‘
https://lifeisajourney.co.nz/rur/draft-oarc-regeneration-plan-tell-our-stories/
Local History, Local People (Pre Earthquakes):
– John Deans (Pioneer, Riccarton House & Bush)
– Richard Bedward Owen (‘River Bank’ Owen, Businessman, Conservationist, Philanthropist, “a man of great vision”)
– William A. [Bill] Sutton (Artist, Painter, Craftsman, Teacher)
– Elsie Locke (Writer, Historian, Activist)
– Rod Donald (Politician, Green Party co-leader)
– Alexander William Bickerton (First Professor of Chemistry at Canterbury College, taught Ernest Rutherford, Partial Impact Theory)
– James Arthur Flesher (Mayor of Christchurch (1923-1925), Politician, Solicitor, Barrister)
– Cora Wilding (Physiotherapist, Artist)
Local History, Local People (Post Earthquakes):
– Park Benches/Picnic Tables
To honor the families that had a home in the residential Red Zone along River Road, with a named plaque, to honor what they have lost, and so they can come back to visit and have somewhere to sit and enjoy the Avon River views again.
– ‘White Picket Fence’ Garden
Use a white picket paling, to mark the address of each house, with the house number on the paling, and a QR code, to link to a website/street view map, to remember and show visitors to the area the homes along River Road, from the 1900s to pre Christchurch earthquakes.

5.7. Draft OARC Regeneration Plan: Visitor Experience
https://lifeisajourney.co.nz/rur/draft-oarc-regeneration-plan-visitor-experience/
“Welcome to Christchurch the Garden City, City of Exploration.”
Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor: Website & App, Cultural Trail, ‘Our People, Our Places’ Park Rangers & Māori Wardens.

5.8. Draft OARC Regeneration Plan: Community Needs
https://lifeisajourney.co.nz/rur/draft-oarc-regeneration-plan-community-needs/
– OARC Regeneration Plan Idea for Shirley/Richmond
“Shirley/Richmond, new Community Centre at 10 Shirley Road opposite Shirley Primary School, includes Shirley Library, Learning Spaces, Service Centre, sell Shirley Library building at The Palms.”
– OARC Regeneration Plan Idea for Dallington/Burwood/Avondale
“Dallington/Burwood/Avondale, new Community Centre at 255 New Brighton Road close to All Saints Church, includes Coastal-Burwood Governance Unit more central to their residents, small Meeting/Learning spaces with kitchen, Service Centre, Volunteer Library similar to Redcliffs Village Library, sell Shirley Library building at The Palms.”
– Community Needs Profiles For East Christchurch.

1. Written Submission (.pdf) by Joanna Gould
2. AI Summary of Written Submission (.pdf)
3. Blog Post Links (included in the .pdf)
4. LGOIMA Info Links (included in the .pdf)
5. Verbal Submission by Joanna Gould (YouTube video)
6. Verbal Submission by Joanna Gould (Presentation)
7. Verbal Submission by Joanna Gould (Transcript)
8. Verbal Submission by Joanna Gould (Councillors Questions)
– Councillor Tyla Harrison-Hunt (Riccarton Ward)
– Councillor Pauline Cotter (Innes Ward)
Includes background info on the following:
– ‘Shirley Community Facility’ Working Party
– ‘Shirley Community Facility’ Plans from Co-Studio Architects
– Lack of Community Input (Re: Deputations & No Consultation)
9. ‘Shirley Community Facility’ Budget Allocated & Budget Spent

1. Written Submission (.pdf) by Joanna Gould
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CCCDraftAnnualPlanMarch2026JoannaGould.pdf

Written Submission (.pdf) includes the following:
1. ‘Shirley Community Facility’ Plan v1
2. ‘Shirley Community Facility’ Plan v2
3. Shirley Community Reserve Landscape Plans
4. Community Changes
5. Community Needs
6. Community Developments
7. Christchurch City Council
8. Christchurch City Libraries
9. Shirley Library
10. ‘Shirley Centre’ Community Overview Map
11. ‘Shirley Centre’ Vision
12. ‘Gateway to the East’

2. AI Summary of Written Submission (.pdf)
Project No. 20053 – Shirley Community Facility
“The document outlines a submission to the Christchurch City Council’s Draft Annual Plan 2026-2027, focusing on the proposed Shirley Community Facility at 10 Shirley Road. Below are the key points:

1. Advocacy for the ‘Shirley Centre’ ​
Proposal to establish a new Shirley Library and Information Centre at 10 Shirley Road. ​
The facility aims to serve as a community hub, connecting surrounding suburbs (Shirley, Dallington, Richmond, Edgeware, St Albans, and Mairehau). ​
The vision includes creating an inclusive, accessible space for community education, support services, learning spaces, meeting rooms, and recreational activities. ​

2. Reallocation of Funding ​
Suggestion to cancel the 2025 Board-approved plans for a 280m² building and reallocate the 2026 funding to the Long-Term Plan (LTP) 2027.
Proposal to increase the budget to replace the original 1,500m² building. ​
Concerns raised by elected board members about the current design, including security issues, lack of community input, and unclear management plans. ​

3. Collaboration
Recommendation to involve both the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board and the Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board in decision-making. ​
Suggestion to include stakeholders like Christchurch City Libraries, Shirley Playcentre, Shirley Primary School, and community advocates in discussions. ​
Proposal to remove the delegated authority from the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board for decisions regarding the facility. ​

4. Community Needs
Highlights socio-economic deprivation in the surrounding wards (Innes, Central, and Burwood). ​
Emphasizes the need for community facilities to address the lack of accessible spaces for education, recreation, and social services. ​
Notes the impact of housing intensification and NZ Post location closures on the area.

5. Shirley Library
Criticism of the current Shirley Library’s location in a commercial zone with no outdoor space and inadequate facilities. ​
Proposal to create a “Learning Library” with dedicated learning spaces, meeting rooms, and community-focused amenities. ​

6. Shirley Community Reserve ​
The site of the former Shirley Community Centre has been underutilized since its demolition in 2012. ​
Proposal to transform the reserve into a vibrant community hub with inclusive facilities, recreational spaces, and educational resources. ​

7. ‘Gateway to the East’ Vision ​
Positioning 10 Shirley Road as a key entry point to the eastern suburbs and the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor. ​
Plans to integrate the facility with local history, green spaces, recreational areas, and transport routes. ​
Emphasis on creating a welcoming and informative space for both residents and visitors. ​

8. Community Feedback and Concerns ​
Mixed reactions from residents about the current proposed design, with some calling it “not fit for purpose.” ​
Concerns about the size, functionality, and management of the proposed building. ​
Lack of community consultation and exclusion of certain advocates from the decision-making process. ​

9. Proposed Features for the Shirley Centre ​
Inclusive accessible building with learning spaces, meeting rooms, and community education services. ​
Outdoor spaces including a sensory garden, playground, basketball court, and recreational areas. ​
Integration with local history, green spaces, and the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor. ​

10. Call to Action
The submission urges the Council to reconsider the current plans, reallocate funding, and involve more stakeholders in the decision-making process to ensure the facility meets community needs. ​

The document emphasizes the importance of creating a community-focused, inclusive, and functional space at 10 Shirley Road to serve as a hub for the surrounding neighborhoods and visitors.” ​

3. Blog Post Links (included in the .pdf)
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-community-overview-map/
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-community-facility-plan-v1/
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-community-facility-plan-v2/
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-post-earthquakes-map/

4. LGOIMA Info Links (included in the .pdf)
– LGOIMA Request | Ticket 1467939
Re: Landscape Plans for Shirley Community Reserve
– LGOIMA Request | Ticket 1522533
Re: Lancaster Park Community Centre and Changing Rooms
– LGOIMA Request | Ticket 1523989
Re: Community Facilities Built Post Earthquakes
– LGOIMA Request | Ticket 1568772
Re: South Library Build Cost
– LGOIMA Request | Ticket 1574763
Re: Christchurch City Libraries Visitor & Issues Stats
– LGOIMA Request | Ticket 1574538
Re: 20053 Shirley Community Centre/Facility Rebuild

5. Verbal Submission by Joanna Gould (YouTube video)

6. Verbal Submission by Joanna Gould (Presentation)

The above image was on screen during my verbal submission:
1. Shirley ‘Community’ Reserve (left image)
– Former building located on the Reserve site
– Map of Christchurch highlighting the most earthquake damaged Wards in Red.
2. ‘Shirley Centre’ Post Earthquakes Map (middle image)
– Community Facilities built post earthquakes, highlighting the gap between St Albans and Aranui.
No community facilities have been built in the most earthquake damaged areas.
3. ‘The Press’ article from 15th September 2025 (right image)
– ‘Crappy room with a couple of toilets’ – residents divided over community centre.

7. Verbal Submission by Joanna Gould (Transcript)

“Good afternoon
Everyone knows following the earthquakes, the Wards most affected by damage, were located in the North East of Christchurch, as highlighted in red area on the first map on screen.

But does everyone know what community facilities have been built since 2012 & where they are located?

I didn’t. So the second map on screen, is based on my Official Information request, regarding the Community Facilities Built post earthquakes.

I created this map using Google My Maps, where you can search for an address, it zooms in to this location & you have the option to add a marker.

When I zoomed out to see the whole of Christchurch, I was shocked to see that from St Albans to Aranui, there had been no community facilities built, in the most damaged areas in the North East.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-post-earthquakes-map/

The Equity and Inclusion Policy was adopted by Council in 2024.
I made a submission & attended the Hearing Panel meetings.
The Policy details include:
– We will use an equity, access and inclusion lens to inform decision-making to avoid discrimination, promote inclusion and increase fairness in the city, wherever possible.
– As an organisation with resource, influence, and authority, using this lens means that our decisions do not create or perpetuate further inequities.

The last remaining project in the original Rebuild Programme is the Shirley Community Centre.

Since 2018, I have been advocating for a new Shirley Centre, to relocate Shirley Library to Shirley Road, in the Shirley Community Reserve.

According to Council staff:
what I proposed was not considered a viable option.

As the options presented to the Board:
– aligned with what was budgeted for in the LTP
– no request has been made by the Board or by a Councillor to increase the LTP budgeted fund for a future facility.

In 2025, our Board approved plans for an ‘on budget’ 280m2 building to ‘replace’ our former 1,500m2 centre.
As The Press article on screen said: ‘Crappy room with a couple of toilets’.

If the Shirley Community Reserve
– was your Crown owned land, in your ward,
– that was set apart as a Local Purpose reserve,
– with the primary purpose to be a Community Centre,
– knowing the needs of your community,
– seeing your residents repeatedly make submissions &
– present a petition with over 1,200 signatures.
Would you endorse this plan?

When it doesn’t align with:
– the Reserve’s classification,
– the Equity & Inclusion Policy
– Nor the Best Practice Community Facility Design, included in the Community Facilities Network Plan.

Please support my call to:
– Cancel the plan, reallocate & increase the LTP budget for the Shirley Centre.
– Remove the Delegated Authority &
– Start discussions with both Boards & other stakeholders that were excluded from the decision-making process.
– Advocate for the Shirley Centre, library & information centre on Shirley Road, as the Gateway to the East.

Otherwise, if this plan gets built, you as the Council, are literally ripping up the Equity and Inclusion Policy, for the residents in the communities around the Shirley Community Reserve.”

8. Verbal Submission by Joanna Gould (Councillors Questions)

Councillor Tyla Harrison-Hunt (Riccarton Ward)
– Councillor Harrison-Hunt: I remember you in the hearing…
(Councillor Tyla Harrison-Hunt was on the Hearings Panel for the Draft Equity and Inclusion Policy:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc-equity-and-inclusion-policy/).
Please forgive me if I forgot, but did you have a child that used to go to Tūranga?
– Joanna: Yes.
– Councillor Harrison-Hunt: Just in terms of the facility itself, you’ve talked about the space etc.
I’m more worried about the wider scope within the Equity and Inclusion, things we want to think about.
What within this current plan is sort of inaccessible?
– Joanna: The current plan excludes the majority of the community.
Our community is low income. They’re not going to be able to hire out this space.
The space is basically going to be a venue for hire.
It’s not got a current operator. So it’s basically going to be a swipe card access. That’s not inclusive.
The equity is that we had a 1,500m2 building.
This doesn’t replace what we lost.
– Councillor Harrison-Hunt: I see.
– Joanna: My idea is to bring [relocate] the Shirley Library, because it’s the busiest suburban library.
We don’t have spaces in the library for people to sit. There’s no outdoor space.
There’s no learning spaces. So, anytime there’s an activity like in the school holidays, they have to move bookshelves to put in [setup] spaces. The area is basically out of bounds for anybody who’s not participating in that activity.
– Councillor Harrison-Hunt: I know what you mean. Thank you.

Councillor Pauline Cotter (Innes Ward)
– Councillor Cotter: It’s just the Community Board did approve this design after a lot of backwards and forwards and tweaking it.
So now all the three rooms have got their own access way to make it accessible and reasonable for people to hire.
It’s about to start being built. So there’s a lot of money already gone into this.
What’s your view on the sunk capital that we would lose if we didn’t…
– Joanna: You didn’t include the right people in the decision-making.
As far as I’m concerned, that is your loss, because you had the opportunity to invite the people who should have been in the working party.
You only included people who were involved in the existing community centres.
Of course, they’re going to opt for the lowest possible build.
They’ve got a bias.
– Councillor Cotter: Thanks for coming in. That is your view and I can assure listeners and other Councillors around the table that is not the case. It was a really inclusive project.*

* ‘Shirley Community Facility’ Working Party:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/lgoima-request-ticket-1323259/
Working Party Members:
– Shirley Community Trust (MacFarlane Park Centres)
– Shirley Village Project
– St Albans Residents Association (Kohinga St Albans Community Centre)
– Eastern Community Sport and Recreation Inc (Avon Hub)
– We are Richmond (Avebury House).

The Working Party did not include:
– Shirley Playcentre (located on the Reserve)**
– Shirley Primary School (located opposite the Reserve)**
** The current plan has halved onsite car parking at the Reserve.
– Shirley Recreational Walkers (meet at the Reserve)
– Canterbury Genealogy (formerly NZ Society of Genealogists – Canterbury Branch. Located at 10 Shirley Road from February 1990 until the February 2011 earthquakes. Now located at Parkview Community Lounge, with drop-in sessions at Shirley Library on the first and third Saturdays of each month.)
– Community Advocates or
– Residents from the communities around Shirley Road.

The Working Party met 3 times: April, June & July 2025.

Council said the ‘role of the Working Party’ was to:
– Raise the profile of the project and provide a channel of communication so that the wider community feels confident, informed, and engaged about the project and the progress being made.
– Provide recommendations, and suggestions to the Project Team to ensure that the design meets the needs of the community.
– Act as a conduit between Council and the Community to inform the development of the facility and park space.
In my opinion, this has not been achieved.

‘Shirley Community Facility’ Plans from Co-Studio Architects:
– Concept/Preliminary Design 100%, 28th March 2025
– 100% Developed Design, 9th July 2025
– Issued for Information, 20th August 2025
– 100% Detailed Design, 1st September 2025
– 100% Detailed Design, 10th November 2025

Lack of Community Input (Re: Deputations & No Consultation):
The ‘100% Detailed Design’ plans were not made public, until they were included in the agenda for the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board meeting on the 11th September 2025.
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2025/09/PCBCC_20250911_AGN_9141_AT_WEB.htm

Deputations were allowed at the 11th September 2025 meeting, but not at the 11th December 2025 meeting, where the Board approved the final design.

At no stage in the process of developing the ‘Shirley Community Facility’, has there been a Consultation on the ‘Concept’, ‘Developed Design’ or ‘Detailed Design’, to allow the whole community to give feedback on their community facility.

9. ‘Shirley Community Facility’ Budget Allocated & Budget Spent
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/lgoima-request-ticket-1574538/
Budget Spent – Year, Amount, Item Description
– FY 2025 = $110,000
Planning, Procurement, Investigations, Design.
– FY 2026 = $247,000
Research, Design, Iterations, Construction.
– Current Total Spent = $357,000

In my opinion, both Feasibility Studies & Consultations, plus the Geotechnical reports, were needed to enable the Board to make informed decisions.

Councillor Pauline Cotter referred to ‘sunk capital’, during my verbal submission.
The Board have previously ‘sunk capital’ into the failed ‘Crossway Church’ proposal from 2013 to 2016:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/crossway-church-proposal/

The only ‘sunk capital’ that I see, is the cost of the current ‘Developed’ & ‘Detailed Design’ plans, that led to the procurement costs.

Many residents in the communities around Shirley Road (Shirley, Dallington, Richmond, Edgeware, St Albans & Mairehau) are unaware of the Board’s current plans for 10 Shirley Road/Shirley Community Reserve, as they have not been consulted since 2023…

I’ve been following the Board’s progress for the ‘Shirley Community Centre’ rebuild since 2018.
I read the Board’s agenda for each meeting, to make sure I keep up to date with the Board’s progress regarding this capital project.
I was not included in the ‘Shirley Community Facility’ Working Party, so I had to wait to see the proposed plans.
I voiced my concerns regarding these plans, emailing the Board my .pdf submissions for both the 11th September 2025 & 11th December 2025 Board meetings.
Since the Board approved plans, I’ve been doing more research & preparation in order to provide Council with the information I did, for the current Draft Annual Plan 2026-2027.

The Board could have avoided the current ‘sunk capital’, if the:
– ‘Shirley Community Facility’ Working Party, included all stakeholders &
– ‘Concept/Preliminary Design’ had gone out for Consultation, like they did during the ‘St Albans Community Centre’ rebuild process:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/facility-decision-making/

‘St Albans Community Centre consultation begins’, 25th May 2016
https://www.newsline.ccc.govt.nz/news/story/st-albans-community-centre-consultation-begins
The local community will be able to discuss how they think the new community centre could enhance St Albans, and how they see themselves using the facility, before the final design is approved by the Shirley–Papanui Community Board…
Mike Davidson, chair of the Shirley–Papanui Community Board, says the Board is excited with the development and progress of the new centre and is looking forward to the design going out for public consultation…
“Using information from both pre- and post-earthquake, a design has been created that truly captures the essence of St Albans.
This group has worked with Council staff to create a concept design, which is now ready for feedback from the wider community.” Mr Davidson says.
There will be two drop-in sessions at the transitional St Albans Community Centre, 1049 Colombo Street for the public to come and meet the working party and discuss the project.

New Building Updates:
1. New Building | Background (Prior to 13th June 2024)
2. Working Party | Members, Role & 2023 Consultation Feedback
3. New Building | Timeline (From the 13th June 2024)
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/new-building-updates/

The ‘Shirley Centre’ Post Earthquakes Map includes info/layers* on:
1. Schools & Adult Community Education (ACE) Closures
2. Community Facilities Built Post Earthquakes (see Tables below)
3. Shirley Centre | Information Centre

* The other info/layers from the ‘Shirley Centre’ Community Overview Map are also included in this map.
The current view has these info/layers turned off.
Click on the ‘Square with Arrow’, in the top left hand corner, to show/hide info/layers.

‘Shirley Centre’ Post Earthquakes Map info/layer details:
1. Schools & Adult Community Education (ACE) Closures
– Shirley Community Centre
– Shirley Boys’ High School
– Marian College
– Banks Avenue School
– Avonside Girls’ High School
– Hammersley Park School
– Richmond School
– St Paul’s School
– Floyds Creative Arts Centre
2. Community Facilities Built Post Earthquakes
– Aranui Library
– Graham Condon Recreation and Sport Centre
– Norman Kirk Memorial Pool
– Te Hāpua Halswell Centre
– Aranui Community Centre
– Heathcote Community Centre
– Governors Bay Community Centre
– Ōrauwhata Bishopdale Library & Community Centre
– Redcliffs Village Library
– St Martins Volunteer Library
– Matuku Takotako Sumner Centre
– Taiora QEII Recreation and Sport Centre
– Woolston Community Library
– He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools
– Manuka Cottage
– Opawa Volunteer Library
– Rārākau Riccarton Community Centre
– Kohinga St Albans Community Centre
– Te Pou Toetoe Linwood Pool
– Matatiki Hornby Centre
– Lancaster Park Community Centre
– Ōmōkihi South Library and Customer Service Hub
3. Shirley Centre | Information Centre
– Sutton Heritage House & Garden
– City to Sea Pathway
– Medway Footbridge
– Dallington Bridge
– Snell Place Footbridge
– Avondale Footbridge
– Dallington Landing
– Sector 7 Events
– Avon Park
– Kerrs Reach
– Wainoni Landing
– Climate Action Campus
– Riverlution Eco Hub
– Rehua Marae
– Nga Hau E Wha National Marae