Blog – Page 2 – 10 Shirley Road

Shirley Centre Questions

1. Q. Does the community support a new centre being built?
2. Q. Do we need another community centre?
3. Q. Who would run a new ‘traditional’ community centre?
4. Q. Why don’t we leave the Reserve as a green space?
5. Q. Why don’t we make the Reserve a food forest?
6. Q. Why move the Shirley Library to 10 Shirley Road, Shirley Community Reserve?
7. Q. Why not relocate the Shirley Library to inside The Palms Mall?

1. Q. Does the community support a new centre being built?
A. Community Hub Support
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/community-hub-support/
1. ‘Shirley Road Central’ Group & ‘Where is our Community Centre?’ Petition
2. Letters of Support from Local Christchurch MPs
3. Richmond Residents & Business Association/We are Richmond
4. Shirley Village Project
5. Christchurch City Council Citizen Hub Strategy
6. Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study
7. Local Government New Zealand

2. Q. Do we need another community centre?
No, we don’t need another ‘traditional’ community centre, as we already have 7 community centres located within a 2km radius of the 10 Shirley Road, Shirley Community Reserve.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org/shirley-centre-map
A ‘traditional’ community centre would add operational costs, which is why I have been proposing a community hub (library/service centre/learning spaces/meeting rooms/playground/recreation space).
“Integrated, multi-discipline hubs will be created where it makes sense, and will be the preferred future model:
– Customers can go to one location to meet their requirements
– Lower building maintenance costs
– More efficient use of staff through rostering
In the longer term hubs can become a gathering place for more community services
Facilities are fit for purpose for the community it serves:
– Reduction in costs to council
– Community continues to have pride in their facilities and maximise use
– Locations meet customer demand and are centrally located in our communities
– Higher return on investment in facilities”
(Hub Principles, Page 16)
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc-citizen-hub-strategy/

3. Q. Who would run a new ‘traditional’ community centre?
A. “11. Ownership, Governance and Management Review, Governance and Trusts as vehicles to drive Community Outcomes
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-community-facility-feasibility-study/
– One key issue is how to gain a level of co-ordination of efforts across these neighbourhoods.
– Each Trust and its umbrella collectives in the area has a limited reach that naturally extends to the boundary of the neighbourhood they serve…
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 31)
Table 9. Governance options toward increased activation of 10 Shirley Road
Option ‘Support an existing Trust’, Negatives of approach:
– Unfavourable treatment of one Trust over others
– Not one Trust that spans these two neighbourhoods
– Would be either Church or Non-church aligned
– That trust would not necessarily hold the vision (Community Plan) for the whole area
Option ‘All comers’ Approach’, Positives of approach:
– Perceived as fair
– Council is not partisan”
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 33)

4. Q. Why don’t we leave the Reserve as a green space?
A. The land at 10 Shirley Road is classified as reserve, vested in the Council by the Crown to be held “in trust for local purpose (site for a community centre)”.
“That means the land could not be used for any other purpose than a community centre…It also appears the land could not simply sit ‘vacant’.”
Does not restore the service available pre-earthquake on what was a popular, heavily used site. Unlikely to be acceptable to the Community.
9. Shirley Community Facility Rebuild – 10 Shirley Road (2015)
5. Background (Page 19) & 9.9 Legal Implications (Page 27)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2015/08/SPCB_19082015_AGN.PDF
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/local-green-spaces/

5. Q. Why don’t we make the Reserve a food forest?
A. See above ‘4. Q. Why don’t we leave is as a green space?’
“There are 6 community gardens located within a 2km radius of the 10 Shirley Road, Shirley Community Reserve.”
https://www.10shirleyroad.org/shirley-centre-map

6. Q. Why move the Shirley Library to 10 Shirley Road, Shirley Community Reserve?
A. The current Shirley Library is located in the carpark of The Palms (Burwood Ward).
Shirley Library is considered a ‘suburban’ library, but there is a limited book selection, no board room, meeting rooms or learning centre (flexible spaces).
* There are no toilets available in the Library area.
Toilets for the building are located in the corridor off the main entrance to the building.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/christchurchcitylibraries/3978229955/in/album-72157611803290908/

– ‘Suburban’ library: Catchment ranges from 1.5km to 3km radius; services population range from 15,000 – 40,000.
Services could include a variety of activities and flexible spaces.
UDS – Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy and Action Plan 2007.
– ‘Neighbourhood’ library: Catchment ranges from 1km to 1.5km radius; serves population from 10,000 to 12,000 people. Services could include small, broad-spanning collections and a range of activities.
“…(2015) Council/ECan planning with mall owners in Shirley, with a view to possible relocation and upgrade of this library as a ‘suburban’ library.”
This implies that the current Shirley Library is actually a ‘neighbourhood’ library.
https://christchurchcitylibraries.com/2025/Libraries2025FacilitiesPlan.pdf

The actual floor space allocated to the Shirley Library, is less than half of the current building. As the Service Centre (which includes NZ Post) & the Coastal-Burwood Governance Team are also located in this building.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/south-library-report/

There are currently no local ‘suburban’ Christchurch City Libraries in the Innes or Central Ward.
Innes Ward: https://ccc.govt.nz/culture-and-community/statistics-and-facts/community-profiles/papanui-innes-central/innes-ward/
Central Ward: https://ccc.govt.nz/culture-and-community/statistics-and-facts/community-profiles/papanui-innes-central/central/

Shirley Library is still considered the second busiest suburban library in Christchurch, even without dedicated learning spaces & meeting rooms.
“It [South] is the third-busiest suburban library, behind Fendalton and Shirley, with 4552 weekly visitors.”
https://i.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/128047707/earthquake-repairs-spell-18month-closure-of-popular-christchurch-library
Shirley Library has become our community centre by default, since the Shirley Community Centre was demolished in 2012, as our residents are continuing to ‘vote’ with their feet.

Youth Audit Tool (Page 13) & ReVision Youth Friendly Spaces Audit Report: Shirley Library (Page 20)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2021/12/YTAC_20211201_AGN_5468_AT.PDF
“The Youth Audit Tool is an asset created by the youth sector of Christchurch, and offers a low-cost, robust methodology for capturing youth voice in the development of places and spaces around the city.”
As a parent of a teenager (diagnosed with ADHD, Autism & Sensory Processing Order), I’m concerned that the ‘Canterbury Youth Audit Check Card’ (Page 18) doesn’t include youth who are neurodivergent or have disability issues.
6. ReVision Youth Audit Shirley Library
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CCCDraftAnnualPlan2022JoannaGould.pdf, Page 6

7. Q. Why not relocate the Shirley Library to inside The Palms Mall?
A. “Libraries are one of the last non-commercial spaces we have where everyone is welcome.” Jenny Offill, Author
See: The Palms Mall https://www.10shirleyroad.org/shirley-centre-funding
See: https://www.10shirleyroad.org/ccc-equity-and-inclusion-policy &
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc-integrated-planning-guide/
“Community Facilities need to be as unique in their design as their communities.
There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution recommended in the literature for the provision of Community Facilities, in fact, the literature supports the exact opposite, as Community Facilities need to reflect the unique needs of the communities they serve.
A ‘Community Focal Point’ (CFP) is a means of enhancing community life by providing a ‘heart’ in each neighbourhood.
The entire space is designed to enable and encourage community connections, in a relaxed, inclusive and welcoming environment that is enjoyable to be in.
Figure 1. Neighbourhood Focal Point Approach to Community Facility Provision” (Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 9)

Table 4. Deprivation by Area Units (6 and above)
Here we see Richmond South, Edgeware and Shirley have higher levels of deprivation (6 and above) as a percentage of total population, much higher than the Christchurch Average.
These factors need to be considered in any analysis of the cost of access to community facilities.
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 16)

Location of Provision
There is no direct provision of Council facilities within the defined facility catchment area (Shirley, Richmond, Edgeware and Mairehau) and much of what is provided is Church based, with the area being home to a number of strong Church based Trusts.
There does appear to be a gap in the area identified on the boundary of Shirley and Richmond.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-community-facility-feasibility-study/

Shirley Centre Positives

Shirley Community Reserve: Positives to Participation

1. Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study (2019)
2. Christchurch City Council Equity and Inclusion Policy
3. Shirley Centre/Shirley Community Reserve Redevelopment Ideas
4. Other relevant Blog Posts

1. Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study (2019)
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-community-facility-feasibility-study/
7.3 Community Needs Analysis for Richmond
– Lack of low cost, creative and fun activities for after-school and school holidays.
– Mental health needs (adults through to children identified as a gap).
– Need for improved playground facilities across Richmond targeting pre-schoolers and small children.
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 22)
8. Need and Gap Assessment, Summary of Need
– With an aging population, it is important to also consider what has been lost that would be of value to older adults.
– Secular Bumping space (for casual interactions and cross-over between activities and areas) for adults like that provided in libraries.
– With increases in younger populations in some areas continued and increased provision could include:
School and pre-school age play, game and playground area space, linked in particular to young people population growth mainly in Shirley and Edgeware.
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 24)
9. Discussion, Fit with Christchurch City Council Network Plan
Providing hubs and focal points are important network plan outcomes.
9. Discussion, Breaking out of the box
– They make the point that often open space becomes a location for community centres (of a single-use type) and not a multi-use type.
– The space at 10 Shirley Road is an ideal location to consider in this way…it has a rich history of provision of community services, firstly as a school then as a community facility.
– Its high visibility is particularly attractive to young people.
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 26)
Potential Activity for the 10 Shirley Road Site
– With the provision of the correct infrastructure this site could be reborn as a new interpretation of a contemporary community centre.
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 27)
11. Ownership, Governance and Management Review, Governance and Trusts as vehicles to drive Community Outcomes
– One key issue is how to gain a level of co-ordination of efforts across these neighbourhoods.
– Each Trust and its umbrella collectives in the area has a limited reach that naturally extends to the boundary of the neighbourhood they serve…
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 31)
Table 9. Governance options toward increased activation of 10 Shirley Road
Option ‘Support an existing Trust’, Negatives of approach:
– Unfavourable treatment of one Trust over others
– Not one Trust that spans these two neighbourhoods
– Would be either Church or Non-church aligned
– That trust would not necessarily hold the vision (Community Plan) for the whole area
Option ‘All comers’ Approach’, Positives of approach:
– Perceived as fair
– Council is not partisan
Option ‘All comers’ Approach’, Negatives of approach:
– Council will need to manage the community planning process on behalf of community groups
– Councils role does not cover Welfare, Crime, Social and Housing areas directly
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 33)

2. Christchurch City Council Equity and Inclusion Policy
https://www.10shirleyroad.org/ccc-equity-and-inclusion-policy
“While school was a ‘safe’ place, any outings in the community felt like an obstacle course. With many barriers (known/unknown) to engagement/participation & concern over what would be the triggers in the environment today, that could/would create a sensory overload & lead to a meltdown/shutdown…
While out in the community, I feel like I’m ‘Secret Service for a VIP’ (very vigilant & observant of our surroundings) when I’m in ‘mum mode’, especially when my son was younger & I was just learning about sensory processing & what triggers him.
Outings to new places/events require preparation & become a research project: ‘The 5 W questions: Who, What, When, Why and Where’, interior/exterior photos, location, map route, car parking, costs involved, food options, what we need to take etc…During the outing, you are scanning the environment, making a mental memory map of layout/exits, tagging potential barriers/triggers, rerouting when required, answering questions, thinking of distraction tactics, exit strategies etc all the while trying to enjoy the outing, as you get live updates of sensory overload levels & whether a meltdown/shutdown is imminent…
When I wrote this post: https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/imagine/ & started advocating for a new Centre to be built, for me it was never about just building a replacement centre. After living in both Shirley & Richmond, I was very aware of the different groups of people living in these suburbs & what their needs were after observing in them in the school & community environments.
At the time, the school had families who spoke over 20 different languages & it made me realise how do you communicate/connect with someone who doesn’t speak or understand English very well?
What if we had a library with learning spaces across the road, easy instructions on how to get to it & computers with internet access, so we could use English translation websites to communicate/connect & give them the opportunity to attend ESOL programmes to help them improve their English skills, while their children were learning at school.
For those children like my neurodiverse child, where do they learn & have the opportunity to develop their social skills, outside of their school environment?
Where could their parents go to get the education/help/support they need to parent a neurodiverse child, before their child is diagnosed & afterwards?
I recently had a meeting with an AutismNZ Outreach Coordinator, I said ‘it shouldn’t be this hard to find/access resources to help you parent your child & support for the parent/caregiver.’ Most of the resources available are targeted at helping the child.
So where do you go as a parent/caregiver? I shared my vision for the Shirley Centre & she loved the idea ‘it would be so beneficial for so many families.'”
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CCCHaveYourSayDraftEquityandInclusion2023JoannaGould.pdf , Page 2

3. Shirley Centre/Shirley Community Reserve Redevelopment Ideas
Shirley Centre: Identity | Well-being | Learning
“You Are Here”: a place to be, in our communities.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/you-are-here-a-place-to-be/
Community Education & Support Services in Learning Libraries

https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/placemaking/
The building of a new Centre & redevelopment of the Shirley Community Reserve, could include the following:
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

Shirley Centre Map

Each pin is clickable and has more info/links, + & -, are in the bottom left hand corner, so you can zoom in/out.
Click on the square with arrow, in the top left hand corner, to show/hide map legend/layers.

Shirley Centre | Libraries
There are 17 Christchurch City Council Libraries located in the Christchurch area.
https://christchurch.bibliocommons.com/v2/locations

The current Shirley Library is located in the carpark of The Palms (Burwood Ward).
Shirley Library is considered a ‘suburban’ library.
From Papanui Road (Papanui Library) to Marshland Road (Shirley Library), residents/visitors are without access to a local suburban sized library.
https://ccc.govt.nz/culture-and-community/statistics-and-facts/community-profiles/papanui-innes-central/ (Ward Boundary Map, Quick Stats & Facilities)

The current Shirley Library has a limited book selection, no board room, meeting rooms or learning centre (flexible spaces) & didn’t rate well in the Youth Audit.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/youth-audit-shirley-library/

* There are no toilets available in the Library area.
Toilets for the building are located in the corridor off the main entrance to the building.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/christchurchcitylibraries/3978229955/in/album-72157611803290908/
Why is this an issue?:
– you have to leave unissued books in the library, due to security gates as you leave the Library area or take issued books into the Toilets.
– you can’t see the Toilets from the Library area:
a. Young children left unsupervised, could leave via the main entrance doors by the carpark.
b. If you have more than one child you can’t see them in the library, while attending to another child wanting to go to the toilet.
c. These toilets don’t align with the new ‘CCC Equity and Inclusion Policy’
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc-equity-and-inclusion-policy/

Shirley Centre | Education Providers
There are 14 schools, kindergartens & playcentres located within a 2km radius of the 10 Shirley Road, Shirley Community Reserve.
This map does not include all early childhood education centres.

Shirley Centre | Support Providers
There are 11 support providers located within a 3km radius of the 10 Shirley Road, Shirley Community Reserve.

These Support Providers available in our area, help locals & those travelling to these area from around Christchurch:
– Child Development: Shirley Toy Library & North Parade Plunket (Shirley)
Specialist Teaching: Seabrook McKenzie Centre, Ferndale Te Ahu School & The Champion Centre
– Neurodiverse: Autism NZ (Canterbury & West Coast)
– Adult Education: Hagley Adult Literacy Centre (Literacy & Numeracy, First Steps, Computer Skills, ESOL)
– Intellectual Disabilities: Helen Anderson Trust & Delta Community Support Trust (Friendship Link)
– Pain Management: Burwood Hospital Pain Management Centre
– Brain Injury: Laura Fergusson Trust
– Older Persons: Delta Community Support Trust (Evergreen Club)

Shirley Centre | Community Centres
There are 7 community centres located within a 2km radius of the 10 Shirley Road, Shirley Community Reserve.

Shirley Centre | Community Gardens
There are 7 community gardens located within a 2km radius of the 10 Shirley Road, Shirley Community Reserve.

Shirley Centre | Recreational Facilities
There are 32 recreational facilities located within a 2km radius of the 10 Shirley Road, Shirley Community Reserve.

* 32. Shirley Pump Track (currently located on the grass area/site of the former community centre building at 10 Shirley Road) could be relocated to 5. Avon Hub (co-locating outdoor sports activities with 26. North Parade Fitness Equipment)

Shirley Centre | Playgrounds
There are 17 playgrounds located within a 2km radius of the 10 Shirley Road, Shirley Community Reserve.
This map does not include school, kindergarten or playcentre playgrounds.

* 1. Shirley Community Reserve Playground needs a renewal, see https://smartview.ccc.govt.nz/data/parks
– Swing, See-Saw & Senior Play Modular Unit: Commissioned 1998-12-31
– Platform, Ladders, Climbing Net, Slide, Tunnel & Firemans Pole: Commissioned 2010-12-29

This playground needs to be redeveloped so that it is inclusive & accessible.
see https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc-equity-and-inclusion-policy/ &
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/playground-ideas/

“7.3 Community Needs Analysis for Richmond
– Need for improved playground facilities across Richmond targeting pre-schoolers and small children.”
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 22)
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-community-facility-feasibility-study/
[see 14. Shirley Playcentre in ‘Education Providers’, located in the Shirley Community Reserve, next to the current playground.]

Shirley Centre | Parks
There are 18 parks located within a 2km radius of the 10 Shirley Road, Shirley Community Reserve, including the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/local-green-spaces/

Shirley Centre | Transport
Modes of transport to 10 Shirley Road, Shirley Community Reserve include:
2. Driving: Off Street & Street Parking
3. Public Transport: Buses
4. Bikes & Scooters
5. Walking
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-transport/

Shirley Community Reserve Feedback

Christchurch City Council
Waipapa Papanui Innes Central Community Board
Shirley Community Reserve Consultation
https://letstalk.ccc.govt.nz/SCR
Open for feedback from 17 July to 14 August 2023

“Earlier this year, the Waipapa Papanui Innes Central Community Board made the Shirley Community Reserve a key priority in their community board plan. Together, we want to develop a meaningful, dynamic and fun space for everyone, so that the reserve becomes a destination of choice for the community – a safe space, a place that enhances wellbeing, and provides a place for social connection.

The options that we’ve developed take into consideration feedback received by the Shirley community in 2020, as well as what we’ve seen works well around Ōtautahi Christchurch.
– Option 1. Leaving the space as it is.
– Option 2. A recreation space with a full basketball court, renewed playground, planting, a picnic and BBQ area, a community garden and a walkway.
– Option 3. Creating a community hub that’s open to partnerships with local organisations.”

My ‘Shirley Community Reserve Consultation’ feedback:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ShirleyCommunityReserveConsultation2023JoannaGould.pdf

Rank the options that best capture your ideal community reserve:
1. A community hub
2. A recreation and play space
3. Keep the space as it is

Based on your selection, tell us what’s important to you, for us to consider:
Option 1. Leaving the space as it is.
No. Why?
The land at 10 Shirley Road is classified as reserve, vested in the Council by the Crown to be held “in trust for local purpose (site for a community centre)”.
“That means the land could not be used for any other purpose than a community centre…It also appears the land could not simply sit ‘vacant’.”
Does not restore the service available pre-earthquake on what was a popular, heavily used site.
Unlikely to be acceptable to the Community.
9. Shirley Community Facility Rebuild – 10 Shirley Road (2015)
5. Background (Page 19) & 9.9 Legal Implications (Page 27)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2015/08/SPCB_19082015_AGN.PDF

Option 2. A recreation space with a full basketball court, renewed playground, planting, a picnic and BBQ area, a community garden and a walkway.
No. Why?
Most of these suggested ‘additions’/activities already exist at the Shirley Community Reserve, or in nearby suburbs.

– Residents have plenty of opportunities to connect with & utilise the existing local green spaces, through Christchurch City Council parks/walking trails/fruit trees, school grounds, community gardens, birdsong trails, Dudley Creek/Esplanade Reserve & the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/local-green-spaces/

– Full Basketball Court: there is already a half basketball court on site.
1. Shirley Community Reserve, Richmond (Half Court)
https://goo.gl/maps/912h2UUc99K2dRQG6
2. Avon Hub, Richmond (Full Indoor Court)
https://goo.gl/maps/unZcBWFDRTsBNUFE9
3. MacFarlane Park, Shirley (Full Outdoor Court)
https://goo.gl/maps/SF5CGR7i6fhZiBc47

– Community Garden: there are already well established local community gardens in the surrounding suburbs.
1. MacFarlane Park Community Garden, Shirley
https://shirleycommunitytrust.org.nz/activity/community-garden/
2. Dallington Community Garden
http://www.ccga.org.nz/garden-directory/dallington-community-garden/
3. Delta Community Garden, Richmond
http://www.ccga.org.nz/garden-directory/delta-community-support-trust/
4. Richmond Community Garden
http://www.ccga.org.nz/garden-directory/richmond/
5. Packe Street Park and Community Garden, Edgeware
http://www.ccga.org.nz/garden-directory/packe-street/
6. St Albans Community Garden
https://www.facebook.com/groups/sustainable.stalbans.christchurch/

– Walkway: there is already a CCC Walking Trail located at the back of the Shirley Community Reserve, that starts in the Shirley Shopping Centre, located at the corner of Hills & Shirley Road.
https://smartview.ccc.govt.nz/map/layers/walkingtracks#/@172.65369,-43.50847,15

Option 3. Creating a community hub that’s open to partnerships with local organisations.
Yes. Why?
– Community Hub Support
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/community-hub-support/
What is in a community hub?
“A community hub is a building or space that is: open and accessible to the local community & providing services that the local community wants and needs.”
1. ‘Shirley Road Central’ Group & ‘Where is our Community Centre?’ Petition
2. Letters of Support from Local Christchurch MPs
3. Richmond Residents & Business Association/We are Richmond
4. Shirley Village Project
5. Christchurch City Council Citizen Hub Strategy
6. Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study
7. Local Government New Zealand

– Christchurch City Council Citizen Hub Strategy
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc-citizen-hub-strategy/
– Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-community-facility-feasibility-study/
– Christchurch City Council Community Facilities Network Plan
– Third Place | https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/third-place/
– Bumping Spaces | https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/bumping-spaces/
– Placemaking | https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/placemaking/
– Shirley Centre Concept | https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-overview/

Community Hub Support

What is in a community hub?
“A community hub is a building or space that is: open and accessible to the local community & providing services that the local community wants and needs.”
https://localtrust.org.uk/news-and-stories/blog/community-hubs-the-importance-of-developing-a-sustainable-business-model/

What is the role of a community hub?
“Community hubs are opportunities to create lively spaces and deliver often missing critical social infrastructure…When developed correctly, they can serve as a place to bring people and ideas together under one roof…The reach of these community hubs extends beyond the structural walls of the buildings; they can reconnect people with their neighborhoods by creating spaces that integrate social and functional needs.”
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2023/02/02/developing-community-hubs-to-drive-purpose-and-profit/

‘Shirley Road Central’ Group & ‘Where is our Community Centre?’ Petition
– Why ‘Shirley Road Central’? 10 Shirley Road is central to connecting communities in Shirley, Dallington, Richmond, Edgeware, St Albans & Mairehau.
Why the suburbs of Shirley, Dallington, Richmond, Edgeware, St Albans & Mairehau? When you draw a 2km radius from 10 Shirley Road, these are the suburbs included in this area.
https://www.shirleyroadcentral.nz/shirley-road-central/
– “Our communities lost our well used and well loved community centre at 10 Shirley Rd, following the February 2011 earthquake. We need a new community facility to serve the wider communities of North Richmond, Shirley, Mairehau, Edgeware and St Albans east of Cranford Street. We the undersigned, request that Christchurch City Council work with us to rebuild our beloved community centre as soon as possible.”
‘Shirley Road Central’ group members collected signatures/comments through an online ‘Change’ petition & in person via door knocking, outside local schools & onsite at ‘activation’ events like ‘Skip Day’, held at 10 Shirley Road.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/where-is-our-community-centre-petition/
– “The library at the Palms is outdated and too small, it lacks meeting spaces and is not central to all local schools and bus routes.
Our communities are ethnically and socially diverse. We have areas of social deprivation, and others of relative well being. We have increased social housing, and increased high density, infill housing. As our population grows, the demand for community facilities grows also. Church facilities can be a barrier for some of our secular community members. School facilities are often limited in the times they are available. Private venues are too expensive.
https://www.shirleyroadcentral.nz/the-future-for-shirley-road-central/
– ‘Pop up’ activities to ‘activate’ the 10 Shirley Road site have had little success. Events like ‘Skip Day’ & the ‘Car Boot Sale’ organised by the ‘Shirley Road Central’ group, required many people to be involved in the planning & running of these events. More hours were invested in planning/meetings, than the actual duration of the event. Events had to be postponed or cancelled due to the weather.
– “Today at the Christchurch City Council Long Term Plan submissions hearing, Shirley Road Central Incorporated, presented their verbal submission advocating for a new civic centre to be built on 10 Shirley Road.
The ‘Where is Our Community Centre?’ petition was presented to Council, with over 1,200 signatures.
Letters of Support from Poto Williams, MP for Christchurch East & Duncan Webb Labour MP for Christchurch Central.”
‘Shirley Road Central’ group, 12th May 2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhAT6iATaE8

Letters of Support from Local Christchurch MPs
– “The Richmond, Avonside, Dallington and Shirley Locals have a brilliant concept in their application to provide a Library and Education space and this new Community Centre could also provide a range of opportunities for the locals…A space for after school activities and holiday programmes and possibly a venue for hire.
The Community Centre could also house NGO’s as well as drop in sessions for local organisations who could provide advice and assistance to those in need including Wellbeing/Health and Youth Clinics.
A Community Centre is a place where you are bringing everyone in the community together of all ethnicities and therefore I fully support this application.”
Hon Poto Williams, Member of Parliament for Christchurch East
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/poto-williams-support-letter/
– “I write in support of further exploration of the community centre concept proposed for 10 Shirley Road.
While this is not in my electorate the area serviced by such a centre would cross into Christchurch Central and benefit my constituents.
I have read the support letter provided by MP for Christchurch East, Hon Poto Williams, and I am happy to add my support to her views and encourage council to consider exploring the idea further, such as commissioning a feasibility study for full review including the future of the current Shirley Library.”
Dr Duncan Webb, Member of Parliament for Christchurch Central
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/duncan-webb-support-letter/

Richmond Residents & Business Association/We are Richmond
– “The current library is situated inside the Burwood/Pegasus ward outside of Innes and Central although it is seen as a Shirley Richmond Amenity.
A large sector of our community wants this relocated to 10 Shirley Road as a true public non partisan community facility we do not want nor need another community organisation or church based facility.
We need a place that ALL people feel free to come to and be part of and a library/service centre is the best example of this.
Our community needs the type of facility that Halswell and Sumner do more than they do, but yet we are left with a building shoved in the back of a mall requiring a full time security guard, not delivering the services other libraries do because they do not have the space.
We as a community are fully prepared to take what money there currently is and fund raise for more money to situ a modern, exciting, community focused facility at 10 Shirley Road to replace the number of amenities that we have been stripped of.
A citizen lead hub facility incorporating the library and service centre would support/inform/direct people out into the activities in the community and current community lead facilities (Avebury, Richmond Community Garden, Delta, Shirley Trust, etc etc).
We need to get people out of their houses and engaging with others in the community.”
Hayley Guglietta (Email from Hayley to Ali Jones, former Papanui-Innes Community Board Chairperson, 4th April 2019)
– “There is much debate about the need for a Community Centre as we knew it pre-earthquake. Some of the services provided at the old centre have been absorbed by other agencies and do not need replicating at a new amenity. There have been reviews and reports presented to Council discussing the amenities we have and those we need. Although these have not been released to the general public as yet, one would assume that these include social, recreation, pastoral care elements and take into account the composition of the population.
There is a groundswell of support for a (new) library to provide an amenity that would serve the Richmond/Shirley communities. Libraries have changed markedly in the last decade and now provide opportunities for interaction amongst age groups, ethnic groups, interest groups, etc through the way they are designed and staffed. While they still address their original core function of providing information and leisure reading opportunities, modern technological developments have had a major impact on how libraries achieve that core function.
Perhaps it is time for the Richmond Community to come together and discuss the needs and determine some action so that, eventually, we get an amenity at 10 Shirley Road which recognizes the past but focuses on our needs in the future.”
David Duffy (current Chairperson), 22nd May 2019
https://wearerichmond.co.nz/rrba/what-to-do-with-10-shirley-road/

Shirley Village Project
– Shirley Village Project Feasibility Report and Implementation Plan
5th February 2018, Steve Jones-Poole, Shirley Community Trust
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Shirley-Village-Project-Feasibility-Report.pdf
– Youth Audit 10 Shirley Road
“10 Shirley Road performed averagely in the Youth Friendly Spaces Audit, scoring a total of 42% and received a poor Net Promoter Score of -37.5.”
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/youth-audit-10-shirley-road/
– Youth Audit Shirley Library
“The Shirley Library performed below average, in the Youth Friendly Spaces Audit, scoring a total of 64.5% and producing a Net Promoter Score of -50.”
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/youth-audit-shirley-library/
– Youth Audit MacFarlane Park
“The MacFarlane Park Basketball Court performed averagely in the Youth Friendly Spaces Audit, scoring a total of 59.5% and producing a Net Promoter Score of 0.”
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/youth-audit-macfarlane-park/
– “Many of the issues identified in the Youth Audits for Shirley Library & 10 Shirley Road, could be addressed by creating a new central ‘Community Hub’ at the Shirley Community Reserve, that would complement the existing community facilities in MacFarlane Park & surrounding suburbs.
More youth living in the suburbs surrounding Shirley Road: Shirley, Dallington, Richmond, Edgeware, St Albans & Mairehau, could benefit from the positive aspects of the 10 Shirley Road site highlighted in the Youth Audit above.”
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-youth-audits/
– Community Led Development Plan for Shirley
“The needs and wishes of Shirley residents have been recorded in various surveys and events over many years. We’ve looked back as far as 2000 at existing reports, surveyed residents in 2018 and 2021, and collected feedback at various community events in 2022 and 2023.”
https://www.shirleyvillage.org/community-plan

CCC Citizen Hub Strategy
– “We currently operate a very “bricks and mortar” service arrangement, where different Council services have developed stand-alone service locations and approaches (often all in the same neighbourhood).
– The review has found that this siloed legacy service model is no longer fit for purpose. Customers increasingly expect joined up services, easy one-stop transactions, and channel choice in how they engage with us.
– We are proposing a shift to integrated service delivery arrangements whereby Council physical services are grouped together in convenient locations for citizens to access – a Citizen Hub with no wrong doors.
– A set of design principles have been developed to guide improvement opportunities and the future state model. An implementation approach whereby council libraries will form the base for integrated, multi-discipline citizen hubs is proposed.”
– Libraries: Shirley (Burwood Ward, 5 Council libraries: Parklands, New Brighton, Aranui, Shirley, Linwood in the Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board area)
Service Desks: Shirley (Burwood Ward, 2 Council service centres: Shirley, Linwood in the Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board area)
Governance Services: Shirley (Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board)
(Location map for Christchurch City Council Libraries, Service Desks and Recreation and Sports Centres, Page 19)
– There are 3 Christchurch City Council services (Library, Service Centre & Governance) co located in the Shirley Library and Service Centre building, located in The Palms carpark.
But there is no suburban sized Library or Service Centre in the entire Innes Ward.
(Location map for Christchurch City Council Libraries, Service Desks and Recreation and Sports Centres, Page 19)
– The Shirley Community Centre, has not been ‘replaced’, not even ‘like for like’.
In 2015 when this Strategy was written, why wasn’t a new integrated service delivery Citizen Hub option considered, at 10 Shirley Road, Shirley Community Reserve, site of the former Shirley Community Centre?
21: Shirley Community Centre, Replace. Section 38 (claim insured value).
26: Shirley Library, Cosmetic repairs.
Christchurch City Council Facilities Rebuild Plan – Tranche 1
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2022/06/SACRC_20220601_MAT_7539.PDF#PAGE=25
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc-citizen-hub-strategy/

Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study
“As a result of the 2011 earthquakes there was a community groundswell to reinstate the destroyed Shirley Community Centre.
The Community Facility at 10 Shirley Road was a significant provider of a range of community activity and had been for a long time.
The way it did this and the range of groups based there was a credit to community development and initiative in the area.
On this basis, there was a logic in considering a replacement and updated facility.”
“- Table 4. Deprivation by Area Units (6 and above): Here we see Richmond South, Edgeware and Shirley have higher levels of deprivation (6 and above) as a percentage of total population, much higher than the Christchurch Average.
– Location of Provision: There is no direct provision of Council facilities within the defined facility catchment area (Shirley, Richmond, Edgeware and Mairehau) and much of what is provided is Church based, with the area being home to a number of strong Church based Trusts. There does appear to be a gap in the area identified on the boundary of Shirley and Richmond.
– 6.4.1 Asset data Across Council Owned Community Facilities: This suggests current provision is lower than the city-wide average in terms of community facilities.
– 6.4.2 Community Provision (Non-Council): There seems a gap (or at least less provision) of non-Church community space across the Community Board, especially as we see the current range of facilities available is split between ‘Community’ and ‘Church-based’ Trusts.
– 7.3 Community Needs Analysis for Richmond: Lack of low cost, creative and fun activities for after-school and school holidays. Mental health needs (adults through to children identified as a gap). Need for improved playground facilities across Richmond targeting pre-schoolers and small children.
– 8. Need and Gap Assessment, Summary of Need: With an aging population, it is important to also consider what has been lost that would be of value to older adults.
Secular Bumping space (for casual interactions and cross-over between activities and areas) for adults like that provided in libraries.
– 9. Discussion, Fit with Christchurch City Council Network Plan: Providing hubs and focal points are important network plan outcomes.
– Potential Activity for the 10 Shirley Road Site: With the provision of the correct infrastructure this site could be reborn as a new interpretation of a contemporary community centre. The location of 10 Shirley Road is perfect for this as there is no other Trust close by and yet the location is important to Shirley, Edgeware, Mairehau and Richmond.
– 10. Options: An important consideration in this options analysis is how to achieve a sustainable outcome, not just for the community but for Council. One other factor is how to ensure any provision aligns with what is currently and likely to happen in the foreseeable future.
– Table 9. Governance options toward increased activation of 10 Shirley Road: Unfavourable treatment of one Trust over others, Not one Trust that spans these two neighbourhoods, Would be either Church or Non-church aligned, That trust would not necessarily hold the vision (Community Plan) for the whole area.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-community-facility-feasibility-study/

Local Government New Zealand
“How much is your library worth to your community?
We’re delighted to share with you new research we’ve undertaken with FrankAdvice on the value of public libraries. The report explores both the role of libraries as community hubs, their value as a vehicle for public service delivery, and their contribution to community wellbeing.
Public libraries are vibrant community hubs that enhance community wellbeing and social cohesion.
They’re also important places where local government and central government can deliver key local services – ones specific to their communities needs and wants.
The findings paint a clear picture that councils need more support to deliver the services that central government increasingly relies on public libraries to provide. The report also showcases great examples of services libraries across the motu provide to enhance community wellbeing.
We’ll encourage councils to consider how they can enable and resource public libraries to evolve their services and better enhance community wellbeing.
And we’ll use this research to engage with the Government on ways it can better support public libraries to deliver value to communities.”
https://www.lgnz.co.nz/news-and-media/2023-media-releases/research-reveals-libraries-are-huge-contributors-to-community-wellbeing/
Summary: https://www.lgnz.co.nz/assets/PDFs/Value-of-public-libraries-executive-summary.pdf
Research Paper: https://www.lgnz.co.nz/assets/FFLG/Frank-Advice-Libraries-as-a-vehicle-for-service-delivery.pdf?vid=5