The Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board’s vision is for the Shirley Community Reserve to become:
– a destination of choice for the community,
– a safe space,
– a place that enhances well-being, and
– provides a place for social connection.
Q.1. Who will achieve this vision & how will they address this question, “What will lead to the highest activation of this facility?”
Q.2. Why not let one of the existing community groups manage & activate the new building?
Q.3. What does ‘Community-Led Development’ & ‘Activation’ currently look like in our communities & how could it be improved?
1. Shirley Community Centre – Expressions of Interest
2. Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study (2019)
3. CCC Community Facilities Network Plan (2019)
4. ReVision Youth Friendly Spaces Audit Report | 10 Shirley Road (2021)
5. Shirley Community Reserve | Updated Feasibility Study (2023)
6. Boffa Miskell | MacFarlane Park CPTED Review (2024)
7. ‘Local Activities Available’ Audit (2024)
8. Shirley Community Reserve Development Plan Consultation Feedback (2026)
9. Shirley Library | Current Activities
10. Activities available at other Christchurch Suburban Libraries
11. Other Potential Reserve Users
12. Reserve Activation through Apps & Websites
13. Other Relevant Blog Posts
Q.1. Who will achieve this vision & how will they address this question, “What will lead to the highest activation of this facility?”
A. The Shirley Library Team have a proven track record, as one of the busiest suburban libraries in Christchurch, with the highest visitor numbers.
A.1.1. Although the Board made the decision not to incorporate the Shirley Library into the new Reserve building, the Shirley Library activities could be relocated & run from this location: accessible, centrally located, Open Green Space.
A.1.2. The Shirley Library Team have created an inclusive space & provide the most activities per location (compared to other local community facilities), without having any dedicated learning spaces or meeting rooms.
A.1.3. Librarians are making the most of the limited space available, to host their current activities between bookshelves, or by moving the book bins in the Children’s area to create space for Wā Pēpi-Babytimes & Wā Kōrero-Storytimes (highest number of attendees in Christchurch).
A.1.4. Community Engagement Librarians are trained outreach professionals with local knowledge, that deliver these mostly free activities/programmes to Shirley, Dallington, Richmond, Edgeware & Mairehau residents.
A.1.5. Our local Community Engagement Librarians are ‘information specialists’.
They are familiar trusted local faces, that are already engaged with our local communities through our schools, rest homes, community events etc.
A.1.6. The Shirley Library Team will be able to create & provide the opportunity for new groups/activities, based on residents interest & feedback.
A.1.7. Librarians are available to help any resident navigate the ‘Ō Tātou Wāhi Our Spaces’ Online Booking Portal & local events are advertised online through the Libraries website.
Q.2. Why not let one of the existing community groups manage & activate the new building?
A. Since I began advocating for the development of 10 Shirley Road in 2018, the local community groups have consistently advocated against a new building being built on this site.
The answers below highlight the issues with a community group(s) managing & activating the new Community Centre building.
A.2.1. Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study (2019):
11. Ownership, Governance and Management Review
– Each Trust and its umbrella collectives in the area has a limited reach that naturally extends to the boundary of the neighbourhood they serve…
– Not one Trust that spans these two neighbourhoods.
– That trust would not necessarily hold the vision (Community Plan) for the whole area.
A.2.2. Shirley Community Reserve Consultations (votes/comments):
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/your-ideas-wanted-for-10-shirley-road/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/2023-consultation-feedback/
A.2.3. The local community groups have ignored residents who signed the ‘Where is our Community Centre?’ petition for the Shirley Community Centre to be replaced.
A.2.4. In 2021, Shirley youth were invited to participate in Youth Audits at 3 locations: Shirley Library, MacFarlane Park Basketball Court & 10 Shirley Road/Shirley Community Reserve.
The audits were conducted by ReVision & organised by Shirley Village Project.
‘Youth Audit Tool’: Feedback from Council staff and community partners have highlighted the value of input at an early stage of facility design/redesign, and that the Youth audit it is a valuable tool for obtaining youth perspectives on a project.
Why wasn’t the ‘Youth Audit Tool’ used by the Working Party to design the facility?
A.2.5. “One of the key messages which came through clearly in the community workshop was that there was a real need and desire for meaningful connection and things to do.”
A.2.6. Only local community groups were invited to be a part of the Working Party to design a new building.
These community groups will have read the Lucas Associates report, Richmond Community Needs Assessment, ReVision Youth Audits, Boffa Miskell CPTED Review, Shirley Village Community Led Development Plan (2023), Consultations feedback & comments, highlighting residents needs & wants…
Yet the option they approved, was a significantly smaller building (177m2) than the original Shirley Community Centre (1,500m2).
“WAR AGM 2025 Minutes, Update from the Chair: 10 Shirley Road project will go back to the community board in September. It has an endorsement from us and will be a great asset for Richmond and Shirley. If the budget is not completely spent, it will be available for use (hopefully) in Richmond.”
A.2.7. “Residents divided over plans for new community centre: Plans are finally underway for a new community centre in Shirley but residents say it is not big enough and want the city council to go back to the drawing board.
Some residents say the proposed design is “not fit for purpose”, another described it as “a crappy room with a couple of toilets” and one said Shirley residents were being “short-changed.”
…a working group endorsed a 177sqm building…However, council staff also included an option for the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board to consider increasing the building by another 100sqm, which the board ultimately supported.
Shirley Community Trust manager Jane Mitchell and We are Richmond chairperson Murray James, who were both on the working group, defended the proposal.”
Based on my experiences since 2018, I don’t believe that the existing community groups will be able to:
– create an inclusive, welcoming, secular, ‘safe space’
– provide the level of service our communities need &
– activate the space with a range of accessible activities, based on residents feedback.
Q.3. What does ‘Community-Led Development’ & ‘Activation’ look like in our communities & how could it be improved?
A. Currently the local community groups (Shirley Community Trust, Shirley Village, We Are Richmond) & the Shirley Library Team, provide these opportunities with varying degrees of participation by local residents.
A.3.1. By Community Group
Currently by my observations & through my involvement with our local community groups, it looks like this:
1. We have decided, based on ‘our interests/skills’, that we will run an activity/event, at this location, on this day, at this time.
2. We are taking the lead on this. Often this looks like we are organising this ‘for’ you, not ‘with’ you. Think ‘playdate’: “pre-arranged meeting organized by parents [community group] for children [residents] to play together, distinct from spontaneous neighborhood play.”
3. Residents are invited to attend the activity or take part in implementing ‘our ideas’ for this project.
– Many residents in these communities feel they are ‘told’ by government agencies ‘how to live’. They are reliant on them for housing, financial support & support for the care of their children etc.
– Due to financial constraints, many residents feel ‘trapped’ living in these communities: ‘having’ to live here vs. ‘wanting’ to live here.
– Community groups need to understand the barriers to participation & engagement from residents point of view.
– Our existing Community Centre buildings have visibility issues.
If the building is hard to locate, where am I suppose to go?
From a safety/anxiety perspective, if you can’t see inside the building from the street, is it welcoming?
– The local community groups have access to all the reports/audits/consultation feedback & residents surveys. How are they advocating for residents needs & wants?
– For years, residents have been sharing their ideas for their local communities, yet many feel they are not listened to & their ideas haven’t been implemented.
A.3.2. By Shirley Librarians
– Currently the Shirley Librarians have limited space available.
– They have skills and resources that are underutilized.
– The ‘Shirley Centre’ vision focused on providing our Librarians with dedicated Learning Spaces & Meeting Rooms, to allow them to provide the opportunities to residents in our communities, that other suburban libraries have.
Based on the below three points:
1. the conversations/enquiries from residents asking for help/info on a topic/skill
2. the type of books being issued/reserved
3. the age groups of residents in the library on this day, at this time
– We could host a resident initiated group, to determine whether there is interest from residents to meetup & discuss this topic/learn this skill.
– Offer the opportunity to connect with like minded people in our communities, based on their interests/needs.
– Invite relevant guest speakers & introduce the group to complementary groups/organisations, for collaborations & outreach opportunities into the community.
– Suburban Libraries with permanent, dedicated learning spaces & meeting rooms, make space for their residents, with different seating areas set aside.
This space allows residents to ‘be’ in this space, with the opportunity to bump into other residents, where spontaneous connections can be made.
– Residents attending Shirley Library, see our Librarians making temporary layout changes, to make sure there is enough space available to fit in the activities.
What message does this send to our communities?
In my opinion & based on my research below, I believe the best option for the Board to achieve their vision for the Shirley Community Reserve, is a partnership between Christchurch City Council & Christchurch City Libraries, to manage & activate the new building at the Reserve.
– Christchurch City Council: ‘Ō Tātou Wāhi Our Spaces’ Online Booking Portal
This information (how to book & room availability) is easy to find through the Council’s or Libraries website, for locals & non-locals who are passing by the facility on Shirley Road.
https://ccc.govt.nz/culture-and-community/our-spaces/our-spaces-booking-information
https://bookings.ccc.govt.nz/bookingportal/Booking/Casual#/facility
https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/bookable-spaces/
– Christchurch City Libraries: Shirley Library Activities & Programmes
The Shirley Library Team have a captured audience already for their activities & programmes, with some ‘Fully Booked’ due to space constraints.
This Library is consistently in the Top 3 (behind Tūranga & Matatiki Hornby Centre) for the number of events available.
https://christchurch.bibliocommons.com/v2/events?locations=SHIRLEY
1. Shirley Community Centre – Expressions of Interest
1.1. CCC Public Notice (16 September 2026)
“Christchurch City Council is seeking a community organisation to lease, manage and activate the new Shirley Community Centre at 10 Shirley Road. The new community facility is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Council is inviting Expressions of Interest from suitably experienced community organisations interested in operating the Centre as a welcoming, accessible and affordable facility for the Shirley community and surrounding areas.
The successful organisation will be responsible for managing and activating the Centre, including community bookings, programmes and activities, and agreed day-to-day operational responsibilities.
The Centre must remain available for broad community use.
Expressions of Interest close 5pm, Monday 19 October 2026.”
1.2. SCC Expression of Interest | Community Management and Activation
5. Operating Principles
The Shirley Community Centre is intended to operate as a multipurpose community facility.
It must not become, in practice, the exclusive headquarters or activity space of one organisation or one user group, except for any limited office or storage areas expressly approved through the lease.
Applicants must demonstrate how their proposed operating model will:
– preserve reasonable public access to bookable spaces;
– accommodate other community organisations and activities;
– provide affordable opportunities for community use;
– ensure the Centre is welcoming and accessible to a wide range of people;
– complement rather than unnecessarily duplicate existing community services and facilities;
– balance any anchor or regular activities with wider community access; and
– support recreation, participation, community connection and social wellbeing.
Booking decisions must be transparent, consistent and non-discriminatory.
6. Proposed Lease and Operating Model
Applicants should not assume that this EOI provides entitlement to exclusive use of the entire Centre, alterations to the building, additional Council funding, or any particular lease term or rental subsidy.
8.3 First-year Activation Plan
– proposed programmes and activities;
– proposed days and hours of operation;
– anticipated participant numbers and utilisation;
– proposed regular users and partner organisations;
– how casual and community bookings will be accommodated;
– how different age groups and communities will be catered for;
– how the Centre will be promoted and activated;
– how periods of low utilisation will be addressed; and
– proposed measures of success and reporting.
– implementation and opening plan;
– proposed booking charges and concessions;
– indicative weekly programme;
– management of casual enquiries, conflicts, and complaints.
8.5 Accessibility, Equity and Inclusion
– how the activities and premises will be welcoming, accessible and inclusive;
– how physical, financial, cultural and communication barriers will be reduced;
– how people with disabilities, Māori and diverse communities will be supported; and
– how the proposal will provide culturally safe and equitable access and reduce barriers to participation.
1.3. SCC Expression of Interest | Response Form
2. Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study (2019)
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.
– 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.
11. Ownership, Governance and Management Review, Governance and Trusts as vehicles to drive Community Outcomes
– Each Trust and its umbrella collectives in the area has a limited reach that naturally extends to the boundary of the neighbourhood they serve…
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.
3. CCC Community Facilities Network Plan (2019)
Facility Activation – The Value Proposition (Page 56):
It is important in the implementation phase of the CFNP to ask the question, “what will lead to the highest activation of the facilities?”
By this we mean not just levels of us, ‘utilisation’, but also the mode and types of use to meet wider community needs for bumping space, for learning space and social spaces.
The lowest form of activation is to make the facility ‘available’ to the community as a vessel-for-hire. The highest form is programmed space.
The programmed facilities will have participants from a wider and more diverse cross-section of the population which typically includes those people who have access difficulties including but not limited to:
– Those groups/individuals who find cost to participate a barrier
– Those groups/individuals who find physical access a barrier
– Those who have difficulties in social space, or issues with formalised situations
– Time as a barrier (working or family care related)
– Age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation as barriers
Programmed space tailors activities to overcome barriers to participation including those listed above.
In programmed space some users will have ‘free’ access while others may pay more for value added services.
The beauty of this approach is that it still enables vessel-for-hire provision alongside programmed usage.
4. ReVision Youth Friendly Spaces Audit Report | 10 Shirley Road (2021)
– The areas young people thought could be improved on were the lack of basic amenities in the space and the underutilisation of the space.
– Another idea the auditors raised was to add an information board which includes youth-focused information and advertising.
It should also include contacts to youth services and providers, in both Shirley and neighbouring areas. This will help young people feel comfortable with accessing support and could possibly introduce them to new groups and clubs.
– Another auditor mentioned that they would feel safe if more people were around.
This could be achieved by adding more seating to attract more users and introducing more activities.
– Due to its location on a main road, the space is easy for not just Shirley residents to access, but everyone in the city.
– With council already planning to build a new structure in the space, the youth auditors agreed that they would like this to be a building that would be a place to both run activities and relax.
5. Shirley Community Reserve | Updated Feasibility Study (2023)
“It should not be assumed that if the Council establishes a new community building that it will be well used. Identifying community groups and classes to have regular bookings alongside casual bookings for birthdays and celebrations requires activation and resources.” (Page 77)
‘Activation’ of a ‘Venue for Hire’ Community Facility requires two participants:
– Activity Providers/Community Groups who can afford to ‘hire the venue’ &
– Residents who can afford to ‘pay to attend’ the activity/event.
6. Boffa Miskell | MacFarlane Park CPTED Review (2024)
‘Need For Things To Do’:
Many of the people within this community do not own a vehicle and spend much of their time locally. One of the key messages which came through clearly in the community workshop was that there was a real need and desire for meaningful connection and things to do. (Page 5)
7. ‘Local Activities Available’ Audit (2024)
In September 2024, I researched & created the following ‘Local Activities’ tables, based on the information (at the time) for our existing Community Centres & Shirley Library.
7.1. Local Activities | Timetable Coded
This timetable highlights the ‘Activity’ options currently available at our local existing community centres/facilities & Shirley Library:
– Most activities are held between 10am – 2pm.
– Shirley Library is the top ‘Location’ provider for ‘free’ activities.
7.2. Local Activities | Activities Coded
This coded timetable highlights the ‘Activity’ options by ‘Age’ currently available at our local existing community centres/facilities & Shirley Library:
– The main type of ‘Activity’ currently provided is physical exercise related:
Gentle Exercise, Saygo – Rowena, Shake It Out, Universal Martial Arts, Pickleball, Yoga with Alison, Zumba with JB, Tai Chi with Roger, Yoga with Tracy, Football Dropin, Kapa Haka, Pilates with Dee, Dance Fitness, Ungu Capoeira, Capoeira Angola, Yoga with Timea, Saygo – Daph, Yoga with Dakota, Walking Group & Social Square Dancing.
– There are 4 ‘Activities’ available specifically for the ‘Preschool Age’:
Sparkling Stars, Multicultural Mums & Bubs, Wā Kōrero: Storytimes & Wā Pēpi: Babytimes.
– There are 5 ‘Activities’ available specifically for the ‘Junior School Age’:
Dungeon Delvers – Junior, Children’s Gardening Club, Football Dropin, Pippins (Girls) & Code Club.
– There are 3 ‘Activities’ available specifically for the ‘Senior School Age’:
Football Dropin, Dungeon Delvers – Senior & Impact Youth.
8. Shirley Community Reserve Development Plan Consultation Feedback (2026)
The information in this section below was included in my Consultation Feedback:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/ShirleyCommunityReserveDevelopmentSept2026JoannaGould.pdf
F. Reserve Activation
F.1. Christchurch City Libraries | Shirley Library
– Although the Board made the decision not to incorporate the Shirley Library into the new Reserve building, the ‘Shirley Library’ activities could be relocated & run from this location: accessible, centrally located Open Green Space.
– The Shirley Community Reserve is located in North Richmond on Shirley Road.
The former Shirley Community Centre attracted locals and residents from other parts of the city, due to its accessible location by main arterial roads & public transport.
– The Shirley Library/The Palms car park, is one of the busiest suburban libraries in Christchurch, yet has no bookable Learning Spaces or Meeting Rooms.
– Activities are provided in between bookshelves or by moving the book bins in the Children’s area to create space for Wā Pēpi-Babytimes & Wā Kōrero-Storytimes (highest number of attendees in Christchurch).
– The Shirley Library provides the most activities per location, compared to other local community facilities.
– Community Engagement Librarians are ‘information specialists’, trained outreach professionals with local knowledge, that deliver these mostly free activities/programmes to Shirley, Dallington, Richmond, Edgeware & Mairehau residents.
– The distinctive ‘Mobile Library Waka Hau–kōrero Van’ could be parked in the adjacent car park to the new Reserve building & would highlight to the community when ‘Shirley Library’ activities are running in the Reserve.
– “Christchurch residents have access to library services via mobile library vans servicing the community, visiting a range of locations and providing a portable social, recreational and learning space…promoting access to library services through community events and activities.”
– Bringing the ‘Mobile Library Waka Hau–kōrero Van’ to the Reserve, would help engage with those residents who rarely access a library, have library anxiety, get overwhelmed by sensory sensitivities, or avoid going to The Palms/Shirley Library due to the busy car park & no dedicated car parking.
F.2. Auahatanga – Creative Spaces
– Christchurch City Libraries has dedicated Auahatanga Creative Spaces located at:
Tūranga, Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre & Matatiki Hornby Centre.
– There are no permanent opportunities in the East for residents to learn new skills, develop their creativity & connect with other creative people in their communities.
– Creative/Technology activities could be provided by the Libraries Team, in the new Reserve building.
– The Christchurch City Libraries ‘Auahatanga Mobile Van’ brings creative technology, innovation, and hands-on learning directly into local communities.
– Parking the distinctive van in the adjacent car park to the new Reserve building & would highlight to the community when ‘Auahatanga – Creative Spaces’ activities are running in the Reserve.
– Opportunity to speak directly with Library Staff about the tech, tools, and resources available at permanent Auahatanga spaces around Christchurch.
F.3. Ō Tātou Wāhi Our Spaces
– New Button on the Christchurch City Libraries website for the ‘Shirley Centre’?
– When the new Reserve building isn’t being activated by the ‘Shirley Library’ Team, residents/community groups/schools/organisations are able to book these spaces online through ‘Ō Tātou Wāhi Our Spaces’.
https://ccc.govt.nz/culture-and-community/our-spaces/our-spaces-booking-information
https://bookings.ccc.govt.nz/bookingportal/Booking/Casual#/facility
F.4. New Reserve Building Users
– Our local Community Engagement Librarians are ‘information specialists’.
Familiar trusted local faces that are already engaged with our local communities through our schools, rest homes, community events etc.
They are able to promote the Reserve facilities available, when asked at the Shirley Library for suggestions on available community facilities, plus help with online bookings through ‘Ō Tātou Wāhi Our Spaces’.
– Librarians will be able to create & provide new groups/activities, based on residents interest & feedback.
– Better location for Wā Pēpi-Babytimes & Wā Kōrero-Storytimes, opportunities to utilize inside the building, E.7. ‘Grass’ & E.5. ‘Play’ Zone.
– ‘Reading to Dogs’ can be held inside the building or outside on the E.7. ‘Grass’ Zone.
– Privacy for residents needing ‘JP Clinic’ or ‘TechMate’ services, with options to use either Meeting Room.
– ‘Canterbury Genealogy’ can come back ‘home’, for their Saturday ‘Family History Help’ sessions.
– ‘After School Activity Zone’ & ‘Study Zone’ for different age groups, with Youth organisations utilizing the Meeting Rooms, plus E.7. ‘Grass’ & E.5. ‘Play’ Zone.
– More space for Kidsfest & School Holiday programmes (away from The Palms, less stress to spend $) .
9. Shirley Library | Current Activities
– Keep the current ‘Passive/Quiet’ activities located at the Shirley Library: Cards, Board Games, Book Discussion etc.
– Relocate the current ‘Active/Noisy’ activities to the new building on the Reserve, where attendees can utilize the indoor/outdoor spaces available at the Reserve.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/reserve-development-plan-feedback/
Current Activities available at Shirley Library/The Palms
https://christchurch.bibliocommons.com/v2/events?locations=SHIRLEY
9.1. ‘Wā Pēpi-Babytimes’:
New location in the new Reserve building with opportunities to use the ‘Grass’ & ‘Play’ Zones. Opportunity to walk to this location, with space available for strollers.
9.2. ‘Wā Kōrero-Storytimes’:
New location in the new Reserve building with opportunities to use the ‘Grass’ & ‘Play’ Zones. Opportunity to walk to this location, with space available for strollers.
9.3. ‘Reading to Dogs’:
New location in one of the rooms in the new Reserve building.
Able to create a sensory friendly zone inside or read outside on the grass.
Quieter space with more privacy, better access with bus stops & dedicated car parking.
9.4. ‘JP Clinic at Shirley Library’:
New location in one of the rooms in the new Reserve building. More privacy, better access with bus stops & dedicated car parking.
9.5. ‘TechMate at Shirley Library’:
New location in one of the rooms in the new Reserve building. More privacy, better access with bus stops & dedicated car parking.
9.6. ‘Family History Help’:
“A member of the Canterbury Genealogy Society will be available to help with your family history questions.” Bring the Society back to its original ‘home’ & more room for attendees to spread out their family history papers.
9.7. ‘Code Club @ Shirley (8-12 years)’:
New location in the new Reserve building, centrally located between our local schools, with better access to bus stops.
9.8. ‘Shirley Minecraft Club (8-13 years)’:
Fully Booked. Opportunity to increase the number of spaces available, in the new Reserve building, centrally located between our local schools, with better access to bus stops.
9.9. ‘Dungeon Delvers @ Shirley (10-16 years)’:
Fully Booked. Opportunity to increase the number of spaces available, in the new Reserve building, centrally located between our local schools, with better access to bus stops.
9.10. ‘The Great Library Seed and Plant Swap’:
The Reserve is centrally located between the MacFarlane Park Community Garden & the Richmond Community Garden, with a proposed Community Garden on site: see E.4. ‘Playcentre’ Zone (Shirley Playcentre & Shirley Primary School connection, with learning opportunities.)
10. Activities available at other Christchurch Suburban Libraries
These activities below could be started at the new ‘Community Centre’ building, to invite more residents in the suburbs (Shirley, Dallington, Richmond, Edgeware & Mairehau) surrounding Shirley Road to the Shirley Community Reserve.
10.1. ‘Everyday Heroes Storytimes’ (Bishopdale):
Indoor/Outdoor spaces at the Reserve & opportunity to utilise the adjacent car park for emergency vehicles & other mobile vans.
10.2. ‘SAYGo Falls Prevention Exercise Class’ (New Brighton):
Indoor/Outdoor spaces at the Reserve with adjacent car park for attendees with mobility issues.
Opportunity to utilise the proposed ‘Move’ Zone: 5.9. Surface Challenge 3
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/reserve-development-plan-move-zone/
10.3. ‘Citizens Advice Bureau’ (Fendalton):
Satellite clinic available weekly in the Linwood Library. The meeting rooms in the new ‘Community Centre’ building could be a new ‘Satellite clinic’ location, to support the residents living in the suburbs around Shirley Road.
10.4. ‘Let’s Have a Cuppa!’ (Fendalton):
The new ‘Community Centre’ building has a full sized kitchen, with indoor/outdoor seating available.
Opportunity for the youngest & oldest residents in our communities to connect.
10.5. ‘Afterschool Activity Zone’ (Redwood):
The new ‘Community Centre’ building is opposite Shirley Primary School, with Shirley Intermediate & Pareawa Banks Avenue School, within walking distance of the Reserve.
10.6. ‘Teen Takeover’ (Papanui):
Mairehau High School is located off Hills Road & with the bus stops located outside the Reserve on Shirley Road, Youth who attend schools ‘out of zone’, have the opportunity to mix with other local Youth living in the area.
10.7. ‘Sensory Hour’ (Redwood):
Shirley Library at The Palms does not have a ‘Sensory Hour’.
Getting to the Shirley Library through The Palms car park, is an overwhelming experience for a person with sensory sensitivities.
Utilise the new ‘Community Centre’ building to create a ‘Sensory Hour’, providing appropriate neurodiversity books for children/teens/adults/parents/caregivers, in a sensory friendly environment with access to the proposed fully fenced ‘Play’ Zone.
10.8. ‘Sewing Club’ (Hornby):
“We’ve got sewing machines and all the basics ready for you! Just bring your ideas and some fabric and see what happens. Work on your own thing, swap tips, do your mending or just enjoy the company of other makers.”
Opportunity for Adults/Older Adults to share their skills & pass them down to a new generation, who may have never used a sewing machine.
Outreach opportunity to make products to gift to organisations providing support for people in need.
10.9. ‘VR Virtual Reality’ (Hornby):
“Would you like to explore a whole new world in immersive 3D? You can choose an experience on our VIVE Virtual Reality device. Let us take you to a world where you can paint your own artwork or choose from several options that will truly amaze you.”
Many residents in our communities will have never experience Virtual Reality, due to the costs involved with buying this equipment.
11. Other Potential Reserve Users
11.1. Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board
Monthly drop-in session with one Elected Member & one Board Staff Member.
Many residents are unable to attend the Board meetings, due to other commitments.
Some residents find the Board meeting process confusing. They don’t understand the meeting process or how they can be involved.
Community groups have opportunities to discuss issues/ideas with the Board at different times throughout the year, but residents don’t currently have any opportunities.
11.2. Risingholme Learning (Adult Community Education)
https://www.risingholme.org.nz/
“With the relocation and rebuild of Shirley Boys and Avonside Girls High School, Risingholme ceased delivering ACE courses at Shirley Boys High School at the end of 2018.”
https://www.risingholme.org.nz/about-us/our-history/
There are currently 4 locations around Christchurch, new location at the Reserve?
https://www.risingholme.org.nz/about-us/our-locations/
11.3. Eastern Community Sport and Recreation (Avon Hub, 77 North Parade)
Pop-up Events, After School activities, Holiday Programmes, utilising the proposed ‘Play’ & ‘Move’ Zones at the Reserve.
https://www.easterncommunity.co.nz/facilities/avon-hub
11.4. Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust (New Hub: 126 North Parade)
The new ‘Community Centre’ building could be used for Group Programmes.
Centrally located, accessible by bus & opportunity to utilise the proposed ‘Move’ Zone.
https://www.lfbit.co.nz/services/group-programmes/
11.5. Ferndale Te Ahu School (New Base School: North Parade)
New specialist school for high-needs students, next to Pareawa Banks Avenue School in North Parade, Richmond.
The new ‘Community Centre’ building & proposed fully fenced ‘Play’ Zone could be used by students/teachers/therapists/support staff.
https://www.ferndale.school.nz/blog
11.6. Seabrook McKenzie Centre (68 London Street, Richmond)
“Provides assessments and educational support to improve the quality of life for people with specific learning disabilities.
Our SLD specialist teacher training courses and professional development help ensure qualified teacher-tutors are available to help people in the community.”
The new ‘Community Centre’ building & proposed fully fenced ‘Play’ Zone could be used by students/specialist teachers & for teacher training.
https://www.seabrookmckenzie.net/
11.7. Autism NZ – Canterbury & West Coast (250 Westminster Street)
The new ‘Community Centre’ building could be used by Outreach Coordinators for meetings, Education Programmes, Support & Social Groups.
Centrally located, accessible by bus & opportunity to utilise the proposed fully fenced ‘Play’ Zone.
https://autismnz.org.nz/support-locations/canterbury-west-coast/
11.8. Age Concern Canterbury
New location for ‘SayGo (Steady as You Go) Falls Prevention Exercise Programme’.
Many of the current Christchurch locations are fully booked, with a waitlist.
Centrally located, accessible by bus & opportunity to utilise the proposed ‘Move’ Zone: 5.9. Surface Challenge 3.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/reserve-development-plan-move-zone/
https://ageconcerncan.org.nz/courses-and-groups/falls-prevention/
11.9. GenConnect (Connecting generations by sharing knowledge)
Mairehau High School students could create this programme at the new ‘Community Centre’ building, after school or on the weekends.
“Come and get help with your technology issues at Upper Riccarton Library, where Riccarton High School students will be available every Thursday during term time. High school students offer help during their lunch hour & in the holidays, the programme is run by library staff.”
https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/genconnect/
11.10. Imagination Station (Lego & STEAM activities)
New location for Pop-up Events & School Holiday classes, currently available at the following libraries: Tūranga, Fendalton & New Brighton.
https://imagination-station.org.nz/collections/school-holiday-classes
11.11. KidsFest (Winter School Holiday Programmes & Activities)
New location for Bookable & Drop-in Events.
Centrally located, accessible by bus & opportunity to utilise the proposed ‘Play’ & ‘Move’ Zones at the Reserve.
https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/kidsfest/
11.12. Te Mātāpuna Mātātahi Children’s University
New ‘Learning Destination’ for activities to log in your ‘Passport to Learning’ through “discovery trails, days out with rangers, scavenger hunts and planting days.”
New ‘GoBots’ games app location utilising the proposed ‘Play’ & ‘Move’ Zones, plus Dudley Creek.
https://ccc.govt.nz/the-council/learning-resources/gobots
https://ccc.govt.nz/parks-and-gardens/learning-projects-and-programmes/childrensuniversityparks
11.13. CCC ‘Learning Through Action’ Programmes
“Free environmental and city programmes provide authentic learning experiences through hands-on activities.”
New location at the Shirley Community Reserve with Dudley Creek.
Centrally located to local schools, accessible by bus & opportunity to have indoor/outdoor learning experiences.
https://ccc.govt.nz/the-council/learning-resources/learning-through-action
11.14. Kingdom Resources
Centrally located, accessible by bus, new location at the new ‘Community Centre’ building for courses:
‘Money Education’ https://kingdomresources.org.nz/moneymates/ &
‘Taking the First Step’ Confidence and Pre-Employment course for Women:
https://kingdomresources.org.nz/pre-employment-course/
Meeting rooms available for the “opportunity to have an individual chat with a Kingdom Resources Financial Mentor.”
https://kingdomresources.org.nz/money-help/
11.15. Christchurch Resettlement Services
Centrally located, accessible by bus, new Satellite clinic location in the new ‘Community Centre’ building, to provide “core services to enhance the resettlement of people from refugee and migrant backgrounds.”
https://crs.org.nz/services
11.16. Te Tumu Waiora Canterbury
Centrally located, accessible by bus, new Satellite clinic location in the new ‘Community Centre’ building, for Health Improvement Practitioners (HIP), Health Coaches & Support Workers to help people with their wellbeing and mental health.
Opportunity to utilise the Meeting Rooms & proposed ‘Move’ Zone at the Reserve.
https://www.tetumuwaioracanterbury.co.nz/
11.17. Te Tahi Youth (Life + Wellbeing Support)
Centrally located, accessible by bus, new Satellite clinic location in the new ‘Community Centre’ building.
‘Building Confidence Through Movement’: New Fitness & Wellbeing Programme.
“Delivered from The Loft at Eastgate Mall, the programme combines physical activity with practical wellbeing support.
Participants will be supported by experienced youth workers and health professionals, with access to Te Tahi nurses throughout the programme.”
Opportunity to utilise the Meeting Rooms & proposed ‘Move’ Zone at the Reserve.
https://tetahiyouth.org.nz/2026/04/building-confidence-through-movement-new-fitness-wellbeing-programme/
11.18. Puāwai-Kai (previously known as ‘Appetite for Life’)
Centrally located, accessible by bus, new location in the new ‘Community Centre’ building, for “Puāwai – Kai (Lifestyle Education & Cooking) is a free healthy lifestyle course for all ages. It runs for eight sessions, two hours per week. It is delivered in small groups of up to 16 participants by trained facilitators.”
Opportunity to utilise the full sized Kitchen, Meeting Rooms & proposed ‘Move’ Zone at the Reserve.
https://www.puawai.org.nz/
11.19. Pae Ora ki Waitaha (replaces the ‘Green Prescription’ in Canterbury)
Centrally located, accessible by bus, new location in the new ‘Community Centre’ building, for “Pae Ora ki Waitaha is a healthy lifestyles promotion service developed in consultation with Kaupapa Māori and Pasifika providers to support priority populations to access holistic health improvement programmes.”
Opportunity to utilise the Meeting Rooms & proposed ‘Move’ Zone at the Reserve.
https://waitaha.health.nz/health-professionals/pae-ora/
11.20. Ministry of Awesome (‘Coffee & Jam’ Outreach)
Starting point for entrepreneurs, startups, and innovators in Christchurch. Delivering support, guidance, capability training, and networks that entrepreneurs need to succeed.
More residents are working from home & maybe socially isolated due to their business.
Support network for artists/crafters involved in our Christchurch markets.
https://ministryofawesome.com/
12. Reserve Activation through Apps & Websites
https://ccc.govt.nz/parks-and-gardens/play-in-parks/backyard-explorers
– Agents of Discovery
– iNaturalist and Seek
– Pokémon GO
13. Other Relevant Blog Posts
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/community-hub-support/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/gateway-to-the-east/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/placemaking/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/bumping-spaces/