Reports – 10 Shirley Road

Matatiki Hornby Centre

Did you know the Matatiki Hornby Centre is located 1km from the previous Hornby Library, the same distance from the current Shirley Library to 10 Shirley Road?

At the 13th June 2024 Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board meeting, during the discussions regarding ‘Item 9. Shirley Community Reserve: Proposed Community Facility’, the following statement was made by a Board member:
“Can’t justify the expense in moving the Shirley Library to the Shirley Community Reserve.“

• The new purpose-built Matatiki Hornby Centre is located 1km from the previous Hornby Library building at 8 Goulding Avenue.
Google Maps Distance: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EetbMHFVhVYbK1819

• The current Shirley Library is located 1km from the Shirley Community Reserve.
Google Maps Distance: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LTGd1FZQJYpUu82t8

Why is the Christchurch City Council able to invest in the residents of Hornby & not the residents living around Shirley Road in Shirley, Dallington, Richmond, Edgeware, St Albans & Mairehau?

Why didn’t the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board advocate for all their residents in the Innes/Central areas during the Christchurch City Council LTP 2024-34, for Council to approve an ‘appropriate new budget’ to build a new ‘Shirley Centre’/relocate Shirley Library & Service Centre, from the Burwood Ward to the Central Ward at 10 Shirley Road, Richmond?

https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/christchurchs-forgotten-suburb/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/location-location-location/

In our local communities, we don’t need a pool included in a Citizen Hub like the Matatiki Hornby Centre, as there are already two pools currently being developed:
– Edgeware Pool, 43A Edgeware Road, St Albans (west of 10 Shirley Road)
https://www.edgewarepool.co.nz/
– Te Oraka Community Pools, 60 Shirley Road, Richmond (east of 10 Shirley Road)

But we do need a new Shirley Library/Citizen Hub in an accessible location, connected to our major bus routes & not in a car park, for all the residents living in the Innes/Central Wards, who are currently without access to a suburban library.

The St Albans Public Library closed on the 29th November 1997, after 130 years of service to the community.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/st-albans-libraries/

The current Shirley Library was built in 1995 & is now 30 years old.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-libraries/

Christchurch City Libraries Asset Management Plan LTP 2024
https://www.ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/The-Council/Plans-Strategies-Policies-Bylaws/Plans/Long-Term-Plan/ltpdraftAMP2024/Libraries-Draft-Asset-Management-Plan-LTP-2024.PDF
– 2.3 Network Age and Lifecycle Stage: ‘Libraries – Age and Replacement Cost’, Figure 2-3: Age Profile and Replacement Costs. [Page 12]
“In 2050 there will be a number of libraries passing the 50 year mark as they were built in the mid- 1990s to 2000s.
As an asset becomes aged, maintenance costs tend to increase until the useful life of the asset expires.”
This cycle ensures assets are managed cost-effectively to meet community needs, with asset information used to inform decisions about maintenance, renewal, and disposal to maintain service levels and resilience.
– 5.2 Asset Portfolio Value Breakdown, Table x-x: Asset Portfolio Value by Site (as at 1 May 2023) [Page 27]
– 5.3. Libraries Site Summary, Table x-x: Libraries Site Summary [Page 28]
– 5.4. Typical Component Life Cycles [Page 29]
Most Cycles are between 8 – 30 years.

We need Council to invest in a ‘purpose built’ Citizen Hub at 10 Shirley Road, Shirley ‘Community’ Reserve, that provides our communities (Shirley, Dallington, Richmond, Edgeware, St Albans & Mairehau) with the amenities & resources we need.

https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-funding/

Matatiki Hornby Centre | Ngā Kōrero Auaha – Creative Stories
https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/library-stories/
The Kings are Hornby locals and watched Matatiki Hornby Centre being built. Now it’s like a second home.
https://vimeo.com/1106287587
“Matatiki is a place where you can find something to do.”
“We like to come to Matatiki to do everything they have on offer here.”
“Having grown up in Hornby all of my life, there’s been times when it’s been a little bit sad that not enough care and attention has been given to the local community.”
“Matatiki is like a brand new shining beacon in the area.”
– Richard
“When I think of Matatiki, I think of a place where all of us can do something…a very inclusive space.”
– Sandra

‘About Matatiki Hornby Centre’
https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/matatiki-hornby-centre/

‘Matatiki Hornby Centre – Our Māori name’
https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/matatiki-hornby-centre-our-maori-name/

‘Matatiki Hornby Centre timeline’
https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/matatiki-hornby-centre-timeline/

‘Matatiki Hornby Centre’ flickr Album by Christchurch City Libraries
Matatiki Hornby Centre is a new Hornby library, customer services, and recreation and sport centre planned for the growing south-west community.
Construction of the new centre began in November 2021 and opens 19 April 2024.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/christchurchcitylibraries/albums/72177720309893061/

‘Limitations of a brownfield site overcome to deliver long-awaited community facilities’
Matatiki Hornby Centre is a single-level community hub with a library, pool complex, activities and meeting rooms, café and customer services area.
The facility sits on a former landfill, which posed challenges for our team early in the build when the site settled more than anticipated.
https://www.naylorlove.co.nz/project/matatiki-hornby-centre/

‘A recreation facility to provide a much-needed social hub and encourage more people to get active’
A 40-year community campaign for a public swimming pool in Hornby was finally rewarded in 2019 with the decision to build a $37-million multi-use facility within Kyle Park.
The complex includes two pools, a water play area, library and community spaces along with a Council service desk.
The project aims to form a ‘hub’ for the growing population in the western part of the City with close connections to the adjacent schools and commercial centre.
The site is within a lower socio-economic area and the surrounding neighbourhood has some of the most challenging social conditions in Christchurch.
This area has one of the highest concentrations of crime in New Zealand.
For this reason, CPTED has been embedded into the design process across all phases of the project.
There’s an emphasis on creating a high-quality environment with clear sight lines and well-activated spaces will encourage a sense of community stewardship and safe use of the facility day and night.
https://www.boffamiskell.co.nz/projects/matatiki-hornby-centre

‘Full steam ahead for new Hornby community facility’ | 12 November 2020
The job of building Hornby’s new multi-use community facility is about to go out to the market.
Christchurch City Council has approved the project’s procurement plan, which means the construction can now go out to tender.
“This decision means the project is now locked into our schedule, and that everything is now full steam ahead for construction to start in early 2021. Our aim is to have the facility open towards the end of 2022,” says Mayor Lianne Dalziel.
“This is very welcome news for the community, who have been campaigning for years to have a facility like this to fill the very real gap in library and recreation services in their corner of town.
This new community facility is going to be a good investment in Hornby’s future and will provide work for our local construction sector.”
The Council is investing $35.7 million into the multi-use centre to meet the needs of the growing population living in the south-west of Christchurch.
The facility will be built on the east side of Kyle Park.
An early works package will be tendered first, to get the site prepared starting in early 2021.
The main construction work will be tendered separately, and will get underway in mid 2021.
Architectural firm Warren and Mahoney developed the concept designs for the 4000 square metre Hornby Centre following discussions with the community.
https://www.newsline.ccc.govt.nz/news/story/full-steam-ahead-for-new-hornby-community-facility

‘New pool and library latest Christchurch City Council project to go over budget’ | 15 November 2022
The long-awaited $39.9 million Hornby pool, library and service centre is the latest city council development facing cost increases and construction delays.
Work on the 4000m² Matatiki: Hornby Centre started in November last year and was due to be finished early next year, but the completion date has now been pushed back to late 2023.
Christchurch City Council is blaming supply chain issues, Covid-19 and piling delays for the postponed opening.
The facility, at Kyle Park on Waterloo Rd, is also likely to cost more than its $39.9m price tag, which has already previously increased from the original $34m budget.
The council would not disclose exactly how much over budget the project was likely to be, due to commercial sensitivity.
However, comments made at a recent council meeting made it clear there were problems with the cost.
In response to questioning by councillor Yani Johanson, council citizens and community general manager Mary Richardson admitted there were cost escalations, partly due to groundwork and design.
Johanson said he was concerned the council had already put additional money into the project when others had been tweaked to ensure they stayed within budget.
When asked this week how much over budget the project was likely to be and where the money to cover it would come from, Nigel Cox, the council’s sports, recreation and events head, said the information was commercially sensitive and would not be released.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/130475969/new-pool-and-library-latest-christchurch-city-council-project-to-go-over-budget

‘Council still refuses to release actual cost to build new Hornby pool and library’ | 8 November 2023
The 4000m² facility was originally expected to open earlier this year, but was pushed out to early next year due to supply chain issues, Covid-19 and piling delays.
The cost has also increased from the original $34m budget, to about $46.9m.
The council has refused to publicly release the actual cost to build the facility, citing commercial sensitivity.
It decided behind closed doors in November last year to increase the budget, but would not say by how much.
However, two days later the $46.9m was mistakenly released on page 240 of a 494-page meeting agenda.
The council said at the time, the figure was not “quite correct” and should not have been included in the agenda.
When asked this week what the final figure was, council head of recreation, sports and events Nigel Cox reiterated the $46.9m was “not quite correct”.
He said the figure would be publicly released once there was no longer commercial sensitivity around the budget.
https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/350105833/council-still-refuses-release-actual-cost-build-new-hornby-pool-and-library

‘Christchurch’s newest library to include creative space’ | 27 November 2023
The new library being built at Matatiki Hornby Centre will include a bookable recording space, editing equipment and other creative resources.
Hornby Library is relocating from Goulding Avenue to the new centre, which is currently under construction in Kyle Park.
Christchurch City Council Head of Libraries Carolyn Robertson says the Auahatanga Creative Space is an exciting addition.
“Similar resources at Tūranga, Central Library, South Library and Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre have all been really popular, so it’s great to be adding another location to the Christchurch Libraries network.”
The Audio/Video space will be equipped with professional-grade video, sound and image editing software, and hardware including microphones, sound mixing boards and computers.
“People will also be able to sign up for classes to learn their way around the software, hardware and other equipment so they are qualified to work directly with the technology available.
“If you’ve ever wanted to start a podcast, record a song or learn to make beautiful graphics, this is a great, affordable and accessible place to start or take your skills to the next level,” says Ms Robertson.
Katie Beer, Head of Music at Hornby High School, says students being able to access recording technology in their own community will be “epic”.
“Hornby High School has some wonderfully talented musicians. We do not, however, have any digital or recording equipment,” says Ms Beer.
NCEA Music students are required to create and record music to submit for assessment.
“We do this at a basic level, using student devices. It is not great quality recording, and also does not give students a real experience of recording music. Having a studio over the road will mean we can build recording time into our curriculum,” says Ms Beer.
The Auahatanga Creative Space at Matatiki Hornby Centre will also be equipped with a laser cutter, 3D printer, sewing machines and overlocker, heat press, embroidery machine, and other resources.
https://www.newsline.ccc.govt.nz/news/story/christchurchs-newest-library-to-include-creative-space

‘Date set for Matatiki Hornby Centre opening’ | 23 February 2024
City Council head of libraries and information Carolyn Robertson said the Hornby Library team is gearing up for the big move from Goulding Ave.
The Goulding Ave library will close on Thursday, March 28, for the shift.
Hornby city councillor Mark Peters said the opening will be “a landmark day for Hornby”.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing the Hornby and southwest Christchurch communities having ready access to this fabulous indoor aquatic centre, customer services hub, and a great, modern library.”
The Matatiki Hornby Centre pool complex also includes a lane pool, learn-to-swim pool, family spa pool, and toddlers’ wet play area.
It also has the Auahatanga Creative Space, which includes resources like a laser cutter, 3D printer, audio/visual recording equipment, and sewing machines.
The library will have 12 public computers.
The 4000m2 site includes a café, bookable meeting rooms and outdoor courtyard.
https://www.odt.co.nz/star-news/star-christchurch/date-set-matatiki-hornby-centre-opening

‘Grand opening for Matatiki Hornby Centre’ | 15 April 2024
Christchurch’s newest pool and library is opening on Friday, April 19, at Kyle Park in Hornby.
Serving the greater Hornby area, the Christchurch City Council-operated community facility, Matatiki, includes indoor pools, a library, customer service desk, cafe, and courtyard area with a stage and outdoor seating.
Located at 25 Smarts Rd, the site is a short walk from the Hub Hornby and Hornby High School.
“The centre is going to be absolutely amazing for the community in Hornby and surrounding areas,” says council head of recreation, sports and events Nigel Cox.
“With multiple amenities in one location, Matatiki will be a one-stop shop. Drop the kids off at their swimming lessons, register the dog, pick up a new library book, and grab yourself a snack at the café all in one visit.”
The new Hornby Library, which has shifted from its previous home on Goulding Ave, includes a creative activities space, 12 public computers, printing and photocopying facilities, as well as free wifi internet access.
Acting head of Christchurch libraries and information Erica Rankin says the creative resources on offer open up possibilities for people to try something new.
“Matatiki has an audio/video space equipped with professional-grade video, sound and image editing software, and hardware including microphones, sound mixing boards and computers. People will also be able to sign up for classes to learn their way around the software, so they are qualified to work directly with the technology available,” says Rankin.
There is also a laser cutter, 3D printer, sewing machines and overlocker, heat press, embroidery machine, and other resources.
https://www.odt.co.nz/star-news/star-sponsored-content/grand-opening-matatiki-hornby-centre

’13. Matatiki Hornby Centre Close-out’ Report | 27 August 2025
Christchurch City Council Finance and Performance Committee
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2025/08/FPCO_20250827_AGN_8625_AT_WEB.htm

– 3.1 In 2017, the Council approved a combined ‘co-located’ configuration for the Hornby Library, Customer Services Hub, and Leisure Centre. The co-location of facilities provided opportunity for integrated services. This provided the basis for the development of the Matatiki Hornby Centre.

– 3.2 The Project Team consulted and worked closely with the community and the Waipuna Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board, along with Council’s Libraries, Customer Services, and Recreation Sport and Events units to develop the scope and core functional requirements of the project.

– 3.3 The location and scope were confirmed by the Council in September 2019, with the concept design and updated cost estimate approved by the Council in October 2020. Additional budget for a hydrotherapy pool was agreed to by the Council in January 2022 which included a commitment from the community to fundraise for its inclusion. Further cost escalations were discussed with the Council in a public-excluded meeting in November 2022.

– 3.4 In August 2022, the Waipuna Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board accepted the name Matatiki, which was gifted, along with a narrative, by Ngāi Tūāhuriri for the facility. The cultural artwork incorporated in the facility design was done through Matapopere, who were engaged in December 2020, and again in November 2021 and February 2022.

https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2025/08/FPCO_20250827_AGN_8625_AT.PDF

– Background [Page 361]
Due to population growth, planning for both a new library and new leisure facilities (including swimming pools) for the south-west area of Christchurch commenced in the 2000’s…
A building including a library, service centre, and leisure facilities was therefore
required in the south area of Christchurch.
Council made a commitment to make its facilities accessible for its residents, however at that time, this strategic objective was not being satisfied for a significant number of residents within the Hornby / Southwest Christchurch community.
As such, a decision was made to construct an integrated Library, Customer Services Hub and Leisure Centre within the area.

– Plans and Strategies [Page 361]
The ‘Libraries 2025 Facilities Plan’ was a framework to guide the future development of the Christchurch City Libraries network through to 2025.
The Plan noted the need for a new modern community facility in Hornby and the opportunities for co-location of facilities.
Council’s ‘Citizen Hub Strategy 2015’ outlined a shift to integrated service delivery arrangements whereby Council’s services are grouped together in convenient locations for citizens to access.
In 2017, the Council approved a combined ‘co-located’ configuration for the Hornby Library, Customer Services, and South West Leisure Centre.
The co-location of facilities provided opportunity for integrated services. This provided the basis for the development of the Matatiki Hornby Centre.

– Project Benefits and Community Outcomes [Page 363]
a) Objective: To provide a Library and recreation and sport centre that meets the identified local needs of the Southwest community.
a) Comments: The success and high patronage of this building demonstrates that the community needs have been met.
b) Objective: Reduced barriers to participation in aquatic, learning and civic activities.
b) Comments: The facility has been designed to be welcoming of all members of the community of varying ages, background, ethnicities and physical ableness.
Programmes and classes have also been curated to build on reducing these barriers.
c) Objective: Allow opportunities to be with others through provisions of safe, inclusion, welcoming and inspiring spaces.
c) Comments: As with reducing barriers, the building has been curated to be approachable and welcoming. The spaces and programmes included within enhance opportunities for human connection, whether this is bonding over the creation of 3D printed items, through a knitting class or participating in an aqua fitness class.
d) Objective: Providing equal access to multi-purpose spaces that offer learning, relaxation and creative opportunities.
d) Comments: The facility includes a creative room, meeting rooms, AV spaces and pool facilities to all.

– Lessons Learned [Page 367]
A lessons learned process was completed in June 2024 with key feedback to be implemented in future establishment projects.
A survey was completed for all team members who had been involved in the planning, development and opening of the centre. The responses were compiled and group sessions facilitated to dig deeper into how we could do things better in the future.
• Item 2. ‘Fit out’ Workstream: Increase consultation with frontline staff during the decision-making process and then update them on decisions that will impact their role. Avoid assuming staff have already provided input; actively circulate information to ensure everyone is informed.
• Item 3. ‘Fit out’ Workstream: Encourage teams to identify storage needs early on, this should inform a comprehensive storage plan. Determine where storage units will be fixed to walls and consider restraints for seismic safety.
• Item 4. ‘Fit out’ Workstream: Obtain visuals or 3D walkthroughs from architects to help operational teams understand the layout and usage of each room.
Recognize that not everyone can read architectural plans, and more information may be required.

– Lessons Learned [Page 368]
• Item 6. ‘Fit out’ Workstream: Have a contingency budget for additional equipment, especially for larger rooms that can be utilized in different ways. Allow for last-minute walkthroughs to assess spaces and order additional equipment if needed.
• Item 7. ‘Fit out’ Workstream: Consider window treatments earlier in the process to avoid last-minute decisions. Address concerns about frosting size; communication with artists should be clear. Evaluate how these may impact other teams and ensure effective communication about decisions.
• Item 11. ‘Operations’ Workstream: Create a centralized location on the Hub for all facility documents, SOPs and training info.
• Item 12. ‘Activations & Community Engagement’ Workstream: Implement regular check-ins with mana whenua to maintain a consistent relationship. Assign a dedicated contact person to facilitate communication.
• Item 13. ‘Activations & Community Engagement’ Workstream: Develop a way to accurately track stakeholder engagement and the conversations being had across the unit. One way to do this could be to hold monthly meetings to discuss who is engaging with the community.
• Item 14. ‘Activations & Community Engagement’ Workstream: Provide clear information about what the facility space entails. Many community members may not be aware of new concepts, such as the Creative space.
• Item 15. ‘Activations & Community Engagement’ Workstream: Be proud and confident in the services offered. Extensively advertise them from the outset. To do this, staff will need information on activations as early as possible.
• Item 16. ‘Activations & Community Engagement’ Workstream: Continue promoting services even after the facility opens. Utilize digital signage near the facility.

– Lessons Learned [Page 369]
• Item 17. ‘Activations & Community Engagement’ Workstream: Consider forming a community working party. This group would bring together leaders from different community areas to hear about the project and provide input.
• Item 19. ‘IT’ Workstream: Set up systems early to provide training and build staff confidence. Ensure that emergency response systems are thoroughly tested before facility opening.
• Item 20. ‘IT’ Workstream: Consult staff who understand service delivery needs in the planning process. Ensure that data aligns with current and future requirements.
• Item 21. ‘IT’ Workstream: Enhance communication with the IT Team. Understand decision-making processes and communicate changes effectively. Part of this is clarifying roles and responsibilities for IT installation—whether handled by internal IT or external contractors.
• Item 22. ‘IT’ Workstream: Involve the IT team from project inception. Encourage ownership of tasks and alignment with project goals. Encourage their participation in the wider commissioning plan so that there is wider understanding across areas.
• Item 24. ‘Marketing & Communications’ Workstream: Invest time and resources in educating both staff and the public about the cultural narrative of the facility. Share stories behind room names to create a deeper connection.
• Item 25. ‘Marketing & Communications’ Workstream: Ensure the facility’s website serves as the catchall place for all information, including recruitment and notices.
• Item 26. ‘Marketing & Communications’ Workstream: Distribute content and collateral to local schools and community groups. Share information about the facility’s opening and activities. Create a buzz within the local community.
Try to reach a wider audience, including commercial partners.

– 6. Policy Framework Implications [Page 378 & 379]
• Strategic Alignment:
6.1 This report supports the Council’s Long Term Plan (2021 – 2031):
6.2 Communities and Citizens
6.2.1 Activity: Citizens and Customer Services
6.2.2 Activity: Libraries – Level of Service: 3.1.2.5 Maintain visits per capita of national average or better, per annum, for level 1 New Zealand public libraries
6.3 The project supports the resilient communities, liveable city, and prosperous economy community outcomes in Council’s 2020 Strategic Framework.
6.4 The project supports Council’s Citizen Hub Strategy 2015.
• Accessibility Considerations:
6.11 Matatiki: Hornby Centre is designed as an inclusive and accessible environment for all. The building exceeds the New Zealand building code requirements for accessibility.
This approach aligns with Christchurch City Council’s Equity and Access for People Policy.
6.12 During the design process, the design team included an accessibility consultant, and we formed a separate advisory group of accessibility group representatives to inform the design. The Disability Advisory Group have received several briefings on the project.

Shirley Community Centre

1. Why did the Shirley School move from the 10 Shirley Road site?
2. What were the plans for the old ‘Shirley School’ building at the time?
3. When did the ‘Shirley Community Centre’ start?
4. What facilities where added to the ‘Shirley Community Centre’?
5. When was the ‘Shirley Community Centre’ officially opened?
6. When did the ‘Shirley Community Centre’ building become a ‘Historic Place’?
7. What is the history of the ‘Shirley Community Centre’ since opening?

1. Why did the Shirley School move from the 10 Shirley Road site?

‘Shirley School to be rebuilt’, The Press, 19th March 1976
“Work is expected to start soon on the rebuilding of the Shirley School [across from the 10 Shirley Road site, at 11 Shirley Road], the Minister of Education has announced.
The school, which dates from 1915, is to be replaced for structural reasons.
Replacement accommodation will comprise an eight classroom block, two relocatable classrooms, a library-multi-purpose room, and administration accommodation.”
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19760319.2.76

2. What were the plans for the old ‘Shirley School’ building at the time?

‘Shirley Community Centre’: Letters to the Editor, The Press, 9th September 1977
“Sir, If the City Council’s reserve account has been drained to pay for the much needed Centennial Park project, where does the Shirley Community Centre and Adventureland Park project now stand?
The council, at a full meeting, after consideration of the community services report and others, earmarked funds to ensure that a whole community could get into gear and do their bit to ensure the old Shirley School site and buildings become a useful and working point for the community.
It is to be hoped that our funds have not also been drained while we await an agreement between the council and the Government.”
Yours, etc. G.D. Stanley, Chairman, Adventureland Community Team (Shirley).
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19770907.2.146.4

‘Shirley Community Centre’: Letters to the Editor, The Press, 19th September 1977
“Sir, In reply to G Stanley’s letter, may I say first this Citizens’ City Council has built more community centres than any other previous City Council, and the Shirley area will not be neglected.
We are waiting to acquire the old Shirley School site as soon as it can be released by the Education Department. We have been in close touch with the Minister of Lands who knows that the council is determined that this splendid site be not lost to the local community.
In the meantime a council community officer is working with local groups and the council has set aside $13,800 to help with building alterations.”
Yours, etc. P.N.G. Blaxall, Chairman, Community Services Committee, Christchurch City Council.
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19770909.2.85.2

‘Shirley community centre’, The Press, 19th September 1977
“Shirley residents are a step closer to gaining a community centre, according to the Community Centre Society. This prospect came with the Housing Corporation’s decision not to use the old Shirley School site.
“We had been notified that the Housing Corporation wanted the land.” said the society’s chairman (Mr I. Finlayson). “However, after discussions with the corporation it agreed to drop its claim to the site.”
He was assured by the Ministry that the site would be handed over to the Minister of Lands for disposal within the next few days.
It would then be possible for the Minister to consider declaring the site a reserve, and leasing it to the Christchurch City Council, which would lease it to the society. “We are tremendously pleased that this progress has been made and expect that if all goes well we will have the building in use as a community centre within a very short period” Mr Finlayson said.”
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19770919.2.14

3. When did the ‘Shirley Community Centre’ start?

‘Shirley centre starts with fair’, The Press, 31st October 1977
“Government approval in principle has been given for the old Shirley Primary School to be used as a community centre.
The decision has been greeted with delight by the Shirley Community Centre Society, which has been lobbying for rights to the old school – at the corner of Shirley Road and Slater Street.
The old school site has been set aside as a reserve for community purposes, and the Christchurch City Council has been appointed officially to control and manage it.
The Minister of Lands had said this will allow the land and buildings on the site to be available as a community centre, and the council to delegate day-to-day management to the society. The council would assume control of the school site immediately.
Several local organisations have said they will use the old school buildings, and a skateboard area and adventure playground are planned already. The secretary of the society said her group was delighted with the decision.
It would give the area a focal point, and would be much appreciated by the locals.
The City Council has promised $13,800 towards the community centre – on the condition that the society raises $5250.
The combined funds will go towards structural improvements, heating, a ramp for wheelchairs, rewiring and general alterations. To raise its share of this money, the society will hold a fair today at the old school.”
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19771031.2.56

4. What facilities where added to the ‘Shirley Community Centre’?

‘Need seen for creche’, The Press, 10th February 1978
“The Shirley Community Centre may soon have creche facilities for working parents and those attending activities at the centre.
The centre’s committee is now trying to assess demand for such facilities.
The secretary said it was hoped that the creche would run during the mornings and afternoons. Three hours would be the maximum time in each period for a child…the committee felt that there was a need for child care facilities for parents attending the centre as well as for parttime working parents.
The creche might also cater for parents wanting to attend appointments and for school holiday care.”
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19780210.2.107

5. When was the ‘Shirley Community Centre’ officially opened?

‘Shirley centre to be opened’, The Press, 31st October 1978
“The Shirley Community Centre will be officially opened by the Mayor (H. G. Hay).
The centre, on the corner of Slater Street, Shirley Road and Chancellor Street, has been the venue for various social and cultural activities for about a year, but has not been officially opened.
A community fair will be held at the centre, and Mr Hay will perform the opening ceremony.”
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19781031.2.30

‘Centres “good investment”’, The Press, 8th November 1978
The opening of the Shirley Community Centre represented another milestone in the Christchurch City Council’s policy to provide strategically sited centres throughout the city, said the Mayor of Christchurch (H.G. Hay) at the opening of the centre.
It was not long since centres were opened in Aranui, Hoon Hay, and Sydenham and, during the last few years, the Council had spent a considerable amount of ratepayers’ money in this field, said Mr Hay.
“But I believe we are receiving a good return on our capital investment in terms of the variety of uses to which these centres are being put.” he said.
The Shirley Community Centre had been a good example of co-operation at “grass roots” level, the council responding to a strong local citizens’ move and genuine desire to provide a community amenity.
The buildings for the centre had been school buildings: Mr Hay said that he hoped the former Bromley School site could soon be vested in the City Council and re-established like the Shirley centre as a community centre for a developing residential area.
The council was waiting for Government approval for the old Bromley School to be handed over to it. “I hope that preoccupation with election campaigning does not unduly delay the appropriate Ministerial consent,” said Mr Hay.”
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19781108.2.75

6. When did the ‘Shirley Community Centre’ building become a ‘Historic Place’?

Heritage New Zealand’s Register of Historic Places
Shirley Community Centre (Former Shirley Primary School).
Register Number: 7117. Registration Type: Historic Place Category 2.
This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980, on the 17th December 1993.
“With its hipped roof and symmetry, the overall flavour of this school building is Georgian. Its U-shaped plan, and large and regular fenestration, together hint at the Jacobean influence which was to be developed in Penlington’s later work.
In addition, it provides evidence of Penlington’s skill in polychromatic brick construction.”
https://quakestudies.canterbury.ac.nz/store/object/111836

7. What is the history of the ‘Shirley Community Centre’ since opening?

‘Community Centre ideal venue for groups, clubs’
Christchurch City Council Community Plan, Shirley/Papanui 2002 Edition
“The Shirley Community Centre is located in a park like setting on the corner of Shirley Rd and Slater St and has excellent, well-lit parking and disabled access.
If you want to hire out a room (there is also a hall with a small stage!) for educational, cultural or recreational activities, give the Centre Co-ordinator a call, or come into the Centre Monday-Friday 9.30am-12.30pm.
A Brief History:
Shirley Community Centre was originally opened as Shirley Primary School in 1916.
Falling roles and high building maintenance cost resulted in Shirley Primary School moving to its present site across the road.
In May 1977 the building and site became surplus to Ministry of Education requirements.
In October 1977 Christchurch City Council was appointed to control and manage the site pursuant to the Lands and Domains Act 1953.
The site was set aside for use as a Community Centre and the running of the Centre was handed over to the Shirley Community Centre Society, which had been established earlier in the year to lobby for the building to be used as a Community facility.
The centre opened for hire in March 1978.
Over the next almost 25 years funding from the City Council, fundraising and volunteer work from members of the Society and the local community have restored this building to a pleasant, well appointed Community Centre the local community can be proud of. It is well used by both local and citywide community groups, clubs and some commercial ventures, and is largely self-funding.
Groups use the centre for activities such as meetings, art, pottery, yoga, karate, aerobics and exercise classes, spinning, lace making, computer tuition, latin dancing, bridge, parenting and antenatal classes, first aid, walking groups and social clubs.
In addition the centre leases space on an ongoing basis to Seniornet Canterbury, Christchurch Parent Centre, the Shirley Pottery Group, NZ Society of Genealogists (Canterbury) and Santa’s Workshop.”
http://archived.ccc.govt.nz/Council/CommunityPlans/Shirley-Papanui/2001/CommunityCentreIdealVenueForGroupsClubs.asp

“The previous community facility played a crucial role in enhancing community well-being.
A range of activities were lost when the community facility at 10 Shirley Road was removed post-earthquake.
A number of these groups have since been re-established in other locations:
– Senior Net (moved to Westminster Street)
– New Zealand Society of Genealogists (moved to Parklands Community Centre)
– Pottery (disbanded)
– Parent Centre (moved to Bishopdale, now at The Village @ Papanui)
– Santa Workshop (now at Shirley Intermediate)
– Canterbury Embroiders (to Hammersley Park)
– Shirley Recreational Walkers (meet on Chancellor Street)
– Shirley Leisure Group (finished up because no suitable building in the area on a main bus route)”
https://letstalk.ccc.govt.nz/SCR/SCRHistory

13.3 Appendix 3. Open Strategies – Past Users Shirley Community Centre
Celebration of the past:
1. There were weekly leisure clubs for the elderly, who attended for friendship, companionship and exercise.
The fact that the centre was ‘local’ made it easier for them to attend.
2. There were antenatal classes which were popular and had waiting lists.
As well as residents learning during the classes, they often built enduring relationships with others.
3. There were opportunities for babies to enjoy music.
4. Rooms were a great size for mothers learning together.
5. All classes were packed with people due to learning and social opportunities and links were created.
6. AFS met at the building and included a sit-down meal.
7. A home school group regularly met at the building.
8. A pottery group had a kiln and their own space in the building.
9. Genealogy had their own room.
10. Parents centre had their own room.
11. Santa’s workshop had their own space.
12. A fly fishing club met there.
13. A knitters club met there.
14. The Centre was used by Senior Net.
15. Rooms had a little stage.
16. A toy library operated there (with its own storage facility).
17. Weight watchers ran meetings there.
18. Playcentre training was done in a classroom.
19. A church used the big space.
20. The primary school currently has no large spaces so it is hoped that the new centre will have some larger spaces (while acknowledging that the Intermediate school has a good-sized hall).
21. The old centre worked as a ‘Drop-in centre’ due to a worker being there on a part time basis in the Foyer/and other permanent groups based in the centre so the old centre felt continuously alive.
22. A Cook Island group worked out of there.
23. The centre encouraged people to meet there – building a sense of community through attending classes.
24. The group who ran the Centre dissolved recently.
25. The centre was welcoming to people and was used by local groups as well as by groups from throughout Christchurch.
26. The centre had good parking and plenty of space.
27. It had history – residents had gone to school there.
28. Groups have located to other areas could and would (probably) come to this new space eg Zumba group currently in Aranui.
29. The combination of building and green space was attractive to people so it is hoped that this combination can continue.”
2019 Feasibility Study: GLG Ltd Report, Page 44

“…the Council completed a community consultation process. The work was undertaken by Open Strategies in November 2017.
Its report provides a unique window into what local residents identified as needed in a new community facility.
It contrasted in many ways with the [Crossways] proposal then submitted to the Shirley Papanui Community Board by Crossways.” Page 7
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Shirley_Community_Centre_Feasibility_Report_and_Business_Case_August_2019.pdf

CCC Draft Annual Plan 2025-2026

1. CCC Draft AP 2025 | Written Submission by Joanna Gould
2. CCC Draft AP 2025 | Verbal Submission by Joanna Gould
3. Email/Letter to the Waipapa P-I-C Community Board (12th April 2025)
4. CCC Draft AP 2025 | Written Submission by Waipapa P-I-C Community Board
5. CCC Draft AP 2025 | Verbal Submission by Waipapa P-I-C Community Board

1. CCC Draft AP 2025 | Written Submission by Joanna Gould

2025-2026 Draft Annual Plan | Topics
– T.1. Shirley Community Reserve | Feasibility Study
– T.2. Shirley Centre | Business Case
– T.3. Emmett Street | Trees Removal

Topic 1: Shirley Community Reserve | Feasibility Study
In response to the ‘2023 Feasibility Study’ included in the Agenda for the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board’s meeting on the 13th June 2024, I have researched & written my own Feasibility Study, available here:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-report/

Topic 2: Shirley Centre | Business Case
I do not agreed with the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board’s decision on the 13th June 2024, for ‘Item 9. Shirley Community Reserve: Proposed Community Facility’:
“3. Request that staff initiate the process to design an ‘on budget community building’ on Shirley Community Reserve that will enable a mixed use of the Reserve and support recreation, play and social connections.”
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2024/06/PCBCC_20240613_MIN_9127_AT.PDF Page 5-6
I have researched & written my own ‘Shirley Centre’ Business Case for the Shirley Community Reserve, available here:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-report/

Topic 3: Emmett Street | Trees Removal
3.1. ‘Shirley Centre 10 Shirley Road’ Facebook Post:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AP2bFNwGY/
“I speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues.”
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

To tell the ‘Emmett Street Trees’ story, I did some research to find out when they were planted, by whom & why their story is an important part of our local history, landscape architecture in NZ, Christchurch the ‘Garden City’ & Shirley’s identity.

Below are four parts to the ‘Emmett Street Trees’ story:
1. ‘Emmett Street Trees’ (How did we get here?)
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/emmett-street-trees/
2. ‘George Brington Malcolm‘ (Who was G.B. Malcolm?)
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/george-brington-malcolm/
3. ‘Significant Trees‘ (They were, but now they’re not?)
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/significant-trees/
4. ‘Emmett Character Area‘ (Plenty of character, but not an Area?)
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/emmett-character-area/

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better it’s not.”
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
UNLESS someone…cares:
George Brington Malcolm cared & we have benefited from his vision in the Emmett Street Oak Trees & MacFarlane Park.
Christchurch City Council please care…
‘Save our Trees’…’Save our Character Area’…’Save our History’…

3.2 ‘CCC Works Notice: Emmett Street and Riselaw Street – tree removals and road closures’
https://ccc.govt.nz/transport/works-3/show/1677
What: We’re removing 22 trees in the area, due to non-compliance with the NZ Electricity (Hazards from trees) Regulations and other safety concerns. Some road closures on Emmett Street will be necessary.
Why: These trees are within the prescribed clearance distances of overhead powerlines. While various solutions allow many non-compliant trees to be retained, there are no viable solutions for these trees.
Where: Emmett Street and Riselaw Street, Shirley.
When: 7 April 2025 to 24 April 2025. Monday to Friday, 7am to 5.30pm. (weather/site condition dependent).

3.3. Emmett Street Flooding Remediation
– Has the CCC considered the ramifications of removing “19 trees on Emmett Street”?
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/129394267/residents-on-floodstricken-christchurch-street-feel-forgotten–it-looked-like-lake-emmett

3.4. Emmett Street Replacement Trees
– Does the CCC consider the ‘2 for 1’ replacement tree deal enough compensation for these established significant trees?
https://ccc.govt.nz/environment/trees-and-vegetation/urbanforest

2025-2026 Draft Annual Plan | Questions
– Q. 1. When will our Rates & Development Contributions be invested back into the communities around Shirley Road?
– Q. 2. When will the CCC Equity & Inclusion Policy be applied to the communities around Shirley Road?
– Q. 3. When will Elected Members vote in favor of Capital Projects to benefit the communities around Shirley Road?

While researching I found this article from ‘The Press’ on the 5th May 1980, nearly 45 years later it is still relevant today:
“‘Funds for libraries’: The Christchurch City Council has yet to adopt the recommendation of its cultural committee to go ahead with the new Shirley library…Part of this expense is for the new central library.
It should not be forgotten that Christchurch people have been getting a central library service on the cheap because they have not had to pay for an adequate central library building for a long time past. Because the cost of books and of everything to do with presenting books to the public is going up at a staggering rate, it must be a temptation for those in charge of public money to restrict expenditure.
The central government has, after all, shown in the past that cultural expenses can be an early casualty in difficult times.
All times are difficult to some degree, and a case could always be made for standing still.
It is not the way of the Christchurch City Council to fail to consider a worth-while project just because the funds for it are hard to find.
The Shirley library comes into this class.
If the council were concerned only to shelter its ratepayers, some notable facilities would be wanting in the city today.
Vital as the new central library may be, the local suburban services must be given a high rating.
They are an essential extension of the central library’s service to readers of all kinds and it is to be hoped that the council will endorse the committee’s recommendation in the interests of a fuller service.”
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19800505.2.108

2. CCC Draft AP 2025 | Verbal Submission by Joanna Gould

11.04.25 – Item 3 – Draft Annual Plan 2025/26 – Joanna Gould:
https://youtu.be/1hFy9hVBkUI
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CCCDraftAnnualPlan2025JoannaGouldPresentation.pdf
The Shirley Community Centre was demolished in 2012 after the earthquakes.
Last year the Waipapa Community Board, after receiving the long awaited Feasibility Study, made the decision to create a ‘mixed use’ reserve & are currently designing a small building.
Since this decision, I’ve been researching & writing my own Feasibility Study & Business Case, for a new fit for purpose building that includes relocating the Shirley Library to Shirley Road.
Our communities have lost a lot since the earthquakes: our schools, our Shirley Community Centre & now our Emmett Street Trees.
My submission is simple:
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” The Lorax by Dr Seuss
“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” Jane Goodall
Your support can make a difference in the lives of those living in the communities around Shirley Road.

Question from Cashmere Ward Councillor Tim Scandrett
– Q. Sorry I thought the [Shirley] library based at the [Palms] mall was doing very well, was very successful?
– A. It is doing very well, but it’s very small. It’s only about a third of the space [36 Marshland Road building].
The rest of the space is used for office spaces for the library staff, the governance team for the other community board and it’s not adequate.
It doesn’t have a boardroom, doesn’t have meeting rooms, doesn’t have learning spaces. We’re limited in what we can actually provide for our residents there, and my feasibility study shows that it’s not what we actually need for our communities.

Question from Mayor Phil Mauger
– Q. The area [Shirley Community Reserve, 10 Shirley Road] that you’re looking to take it [Shirley Library] to, is large enough to put all that in?
– A. Yes, the Community Board have already done the site [selection] process and they’ve said that it’s got plenty of meterage to be able to provide all that.
The community centre was 1,500m2, and the building that they’re currently looking at replacing it with is 400m2, so it’s a significant decrease in size of what we had previously.

2016 Shirley Community Centre Site Selection
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2016/12/PICB_20161209_AGN_1197_AT.PDF Pages 72-73
The site at 10 Shirley Road met the following criteria including:
1. Sufficient space (9042m2) for both the community centre and necessary off-street parking plus other community activities.
2. Good access with road frontages to Chancellor Street, Slater Street and Shirley Road.
3. Appropriate zoning designation for the purpose of community facilities already in place.
4. Ownership is with the Council and is held in trust for a local purpose.
5. Community awareness of site as this was the site of the previous community centre.

Question from Deputy Mayor/Innes Ward Councillor Pauline Cotter
– Q. The reason for that is, I’m just wonder if you know that when the Board went out for consultation about what to do with that site, it was 50% of people wanted to retain it as just green space and 50% of people wanted a new centre, so what they’ve done is both…
– A. I’ve come back and done my own feasibility study and recalculated the feedback, and that data is incorrect. If you look at the information that I provided in Excel spreadsheets, the numbers are not right.
The second consultation includes information and votes from an event that was on the 6th of July, and the [consultation] submissions didn’t open until I think the 12th [17th] of July, so they shouldn’t have been included in my opinion.
– Q. You probably need to, because the community board has now embarked on the process, set up a working group and everything, to follow that decision they made to do 50% green space 50% centre, which means the centre will be smaller than the old one, you probably need to take that back through to the community board if you’re disputing the data.”
– A. Yes, I can do that.

3. Email/Letter to the Waipapa P-I-C Community Board (12th April 2025)

To: Emma Pavey, Mark Saunders & Elected Board Members
Subject: Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board Update 2025 | Joanna Gould
Yesterday during my verbal submission for the CCC Draft Annual Plan, Councillor Pauline Cotter requested I provide an update to the Board, regarding my comments that the feedback data analysis for the Shirley Community Reserve consultations was incorrect.
Attached is a .pdf for the Board to review.
The first page is my written submission for the CCC Draft Annual Plan.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/WaipapaPICcbUpdateApril2025JoannaGould.pdf
I’m currently researching & writing my ‘Shirley Community Reserve Feasibility Study’ & ‘Shirley Centre Business Case’, available here:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-report/

– I have not received any acknowledgement or response from the Board re my email/letter.
– My email/letter was not included in the Board’s meeting agenda for the 15th May 2025 under Item 7. Correspondence, as an attachment.
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2025/05/PCBCC_20250515_AGN_9137_AT.PDF

4. CCC Draft AP 2025 | Written Submission by Waipapa P-I-C Community Board

3.1. Draft Annual Plan 2025/26
A – Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board: Presentation, Page 9
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2025/04/CAPL_20250403_MAT_10570.PDF
“Making community friendly spaces.
– Retain the current funding for: Shirley Community Reserve.
– Libraries are also vital as in high density environments.”

5. CCC Draft AP 2025 | Verbal Submission by Waipapa P-I-C Community Board

03.04.25 – Item 3 – Draft Annual Plan 2025/26
Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CILQG3LE9JA&t=395s
– “It also is to be noted that our Council and Community facilities serve an important role in creating and fostering a sense of community.
– Libraries are key places for people to engage with the Council’s work, as well as to access the services that libraries offer.
– These facilities are increasingly important as high density housing continues to develop around key activity centres.”

– Q. 1. If this is the case, why has the Board not advocated for a new local suburban library for residents in the Innes/Central Ward, who do not have access to one?

– Q. 2. Why didn’t the Board support & advocate for the 1,200+ residents who signed the ‘Where is our Community Centre?’ petition?

– Q. 3. When residents from the suburbs around Shirley Road created the ‘Shirley Road Central Inc’ group, advocating for a new fit for purpose library at the Shirley Community Reserve, why did the Board not engage with & support this group?

– Q. 4. When the opportunity to ‘incorporate the Shirley Library’ into the proposed facility for the Shirley Community Reserve, why did the Board not advocate for this?

Dear St Albans News Editor

I recently read the below article in your latest March/April 2025 edition:
“Design work begins for Shirley Centre”
Council staff have started the process to design a mixed-use community building for the Shirley Community Reserve at 10 Shirley Road.
Emma Norrish, Jake McLellan and Emma Twaddell will join the Working Party for the project to represent the Waipapa/Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board. Initial surveying works have already started on the site and Geotech consultants been busy.
The Shirley Community Centre (Christchurch’s first community run centre) ran in the former intermediate school building at 10 Shirley Road until the building suffered a similar fate to the St Albans Community Centre in the earthquakes.
Some residents there have been pushing for a replacement but have faced opposition from other groups in Shirley and Richmond also serving the community.
The St Albans Residents Association is helping support the Shirley Centre plan.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yFY1xiHqwLrJAXlWzyhAOEU-ThiFahu7/ Page 8

I wonder St Albans residents, how you would feel if:
– a ‘Residents Association’ from another area,
– engaged with a ‘building company’,
– had meetings to create a ‘new proposal’,
– endorsed by a Councillor from another area,
– for land in your community classified as reserve, vested in the Council by the Crown to be held “in trust for local purpose (site for a community centre)”?

Is this what ‘community led development’ looks like in the communities around Shirley Road?

Is this how we ‘support’ another communities ‘idea’ by creating an opposing ‘new proposal’?

Let’s imagine & rewrite the ‘story’ so far…
To tell this ‘story’, details will be swapped regarding the communities from West/East of Hills Road:
– a local ‘Residents Association’: We are Richmond
– a local Ward ‘Councillor’: Jake McLellan, Councillor for Central Ward
– a local long awaited, many years advocated for ‘Community Facility’: Edgeware Pool
– a local historic section of land, that has been part of this communities identity & memories for many many years: 43A Edgeware Rd, St Albans.

Sidenote: This is a ‘story’ for demonstration purposes only.
Many years ago I randomly ended up at the Annual General Meeting for the St Albans Pavilion and Pool Inc.
I listened to their plans, made some suggestions & have supported their project as a ‘neighbour’.
Many times we have ending up in the public gallery together, as we both presented our verbal submissions to the Christchurch City Council Long Term & Annual Plans.

The ‘story’ starts on the 22nd May 2024, while watching online the Christchurch City Council – Long Term Plan 2024-34 Information Session/Workshop
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc-draft-ltp-2024-34-workshops/
In this ‘story’, ‘Edgeware Pool’ was being discussed.
Staff advice was to “bring back the existing budget for the ‘Edgeware Pool’ in the Long Term Plan.
“Staff are through the Board Chair currently negotiating with a ‘prospective Community Partner’ and a ‘sympathetic Building Company’ to develop this facility in a Community Partnership through the Build and the Operation…
So yes that’s what the [Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community] Board has in mind.
We have a report going to the Waipapa Community Board in early June reflecting that, that’s on the cards and that’s how we’d like to proceed at this point in time…
but it needs community board decision making to ratify that and that’s scheduled for early June.”

What?!? Who?!? Why?!?
So I sent an LGOIMA request to the Christchurch City Council asking for answers.
– What happened to the long awaited ‘Feasibility Study’?
– Where was the feedback report from the last ‘Consultation’ in 2023?
– Why has the Waipapa Community Board made a predetermined decision based on an unsolicited proposal?

In this ‘story’, I messaged the ‘St Albans Pavilion and Pool Inc’ members to let them know & was told:
“Cancel your LGOIMA request, it was us. Sorry we forgot to tell you.”
They (residents from the east of Hills Road, in this ‘story’ a few ‘We are Richmond’ members are also members of ‘St Albans Pavilion and Pool Inc’) were the ‘prospective Community Partner’.
They had approached the ‘sympathetic Building Company’ & involved a Councillor from another Ward, in this ‘story’: Jake McLellan, Councillor for Central Ward.
Their ‘proposal’ for the land at 43A Edgeware Rd, St Albans would be a ‘Community Facility’ that is the opposite of ‘St Albans Pavilion and Pool Inc’ constitution…

‘Shirley Road Central’ Constitution: To support the development of a community hub including a modern library, and meeting rooms on the site at 10 Shirley Road for the use of the surrounding communities.
This group was created to bring together residents in the suburbs around Shirley Road to be a combined voice advocating for a new building at Shirley Community Reserve, that would benefit all the residents in these suburbs.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-road-central-group/

The ‘story’ continues on the 13th June 2024 at the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board Meeting
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2024/06/PCBCC_20240613_MIN_9127_AT.PDF
There were four deputations regarding Item 9 in this ‘story’, ‘Edgeware Pool’: Proposed Community Facility.
My deputation was the only one that did not support the Staff Recommendations, aka the ‘prospective Community Partner’ and a ‘sympathetic Building Company’ new proposal.
If you were unaware of this ‘proposal’, you wouldn’t have realised that the Board had already made a decision on the ‘Proposed Community Facility’, before this meeting.

The Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board resolved:
3. Request that staff initiate the process to design an ‘on budget community building’ on Shirley Community Reserve that will enable a mixed use of the Reserve and support recreation, play and social connections.
This is subject to Council bringing back the budget for the facility to financial years 2024/25, 2025/26 and 2026/27 in the 2024/34 LTP.
4. Requests that staff identify an appropriate community partner/ operator to progress the development of the community facility at Shirley Community Reserve and report this back to the Board.

Pages 29-39, CCC Staff Report
Pages 40-41, CCC Staff Memo
Pages 42-81, Shirley Community Reserve Feasibility Study 2023
Pages 82-102 Shirley Road Central, ‘Where is our Community Centre’ Petition* May 2021
(over 1,200 signatures in total, *paper petition with 600+ signatures not included)
Page 103, Letter of Support from Dr Duncan Webb, MP for Christchurch Central
Page 104, Letter of Support from Hon Poto Williams, MP for Christchurch East
Pages 105-135, 2023 Consultation Feedback
Pages 136-140, Shirley Community Reserve Feasibility Study 2023 Supplementary Info
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2024/06/PCBCC_20240613_AGN_9127_AT.PDF

So now you know the history behind this ‘story’, back to the St Albans News article:
“Some residents there have been pushing for a replacement but have faced opposition from other groups in Shirley and Richmond also serving the community.”
As I said in my deputation, this ‘proposal’ is insensitive and insulting to the existing community centres & facilities already established in Shirley and Richmond.
“Other groups in Shirley and Richmond” haven’t supported a replacement ‘traditional’ community centre, as funding is already stretched to support all the existing community centres & facilities around Shirley Road.
– North of Shirley Road, we have the MacFarlane Park Centres, Rhombus & MacFarlane Park Community Garden
– South of Shirley Road, we have North Avon Community Centre, Delta, Richmond Cottage, Avebury House, Richmond Community Gardens & Riverlution Eco Hub
– West of Shirley Road, we have St Albans Community Centre & Community Garden, plus The Whānau Centre
– East of Shirley Road, we have Avon Hub & opening soon: All Saints Church & Community Centre
https://www.allsaintsburwood.nz/community-facility-fit-out
There is no need for another ‘traditional’ community centre at Shirley Community Reserve.
But there is support for a ‘contemporary’ community centre, Citizen Hub:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/community-hub-support/

“The St Albans Residents Association is helping support the Shirley Centre plan.”
“…helping support”? No.
“…the Shirley Centre”? No.
The ‘Shirley Centre’ idea is not the community facility that has been proposed by the ‘prospective Community Partner’ and a ‘sympathetic Building Company’.
Since 2018, the ‘Shirley Centre’ idea has been to:
– relocate the Shirley Library to Shirley Road,
– add learning spaces &
– meeting rooms,
– with a new inclusive accessible playground,
located at 10 Shirley Road, Shirley Community Reserve.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-what/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-overview/

So my question to St Albans residents after reading this…
How would you feel?
– if your ‘Edgeware Pool’ project was our ‘Shirley Centre’ idea?
Residents & Councillor from another suburb/ward telling you what you should put on the land in your area?
– if you were told that your replacement “on budget” facility would be 400m2, instead of 1500m2, only 26.67% of the original facility?
– if you were told the Board supported a new proposal (that is the opposite of your group’s constitution), presented by their preferred ‘prospective Community Partner’ (members of your group that was set up to bring residents in the different suburbs together)?

The Christchurch City Council Draft Annual Plan for 2025/26 is now out for consultation from the 26th February – 28th March 2025.
https://letstalk.ccc.govt.nz/annualplan

My submission is simple:
I do not support the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board’s decision to design/build: an ‘on budget community building’ with their ‘prospective Community Partner’, on Shirley Community Reserve that will enable a mixed use of the Reserve and support recreation, play and social connections.
This land is classified as reserve, vested in the Council by the Crown to be held “in trust for local purpose (site for a community centre)”.

I would appreciate your support.
Thanks,
Joanna Gould
Shirley/Richmond resident since 2008

P.S. I am currently writing my own Feasibility Study & Business Case for a new ‘Shirley Centre’ facility at Shirley Community Reserve.
These will be presented to the Christchurch City Council as part of my submission for the 2025 Annual Plan & uploaded to this page soon: https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-report/

Shirley ‘What?’

https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-map/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/christchurch-city-libraries-by-community-board/

https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-community-reserve-proposed-facility/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-community-centre-decision-making/

1. Option A: Leave The Space
2. Option B: Recreation Space
3. Option C: Community ‘Hub’
4. Option D: Proposed Facility
5. Option E: ‘Shirley Centre’

1. Option A: Leave The Space
The site at 10 Shirley Road is not called ‘Shirley Park’.
It is called ‘Shirley Community Reserve’ for a reason.

“The land at 10 Shirley Rd 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”, as that would also be inconsistent with the reserve purpose.”

‘Option A’ goes against the Reserve status requiring a building & would not support the current or future needs/wants of these communities around Shirley Road.

2. Option B: Recreation Space
‘Option B’ also goes against the Reserve status highlighted above.
In the 2023 consultation, this ‘Option B’ received 87 votes/comments of 205 (adjusted as ‘Option A’ votes invalid) = 42.44%

There is already a total of sixty seven recreation spaces (does not include our 7 community gardens) within a 2km radius of the 10 Shirley Road, Shirley Community Reserve.

– There are 32 recreational facilities located within a 2km radius of the 10 Shirley Road, Shirley Community Reserve.
– There are 17 playgrounds located within a 2km radius of the 10 Shirley Road, Shirley Community Reserve.
– There are 18 parks located within a 2km radius of the 10 Shirley Road, Shirley Community Reserve, not including the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor.

3. Option C: Community ‘Hub’
‘Option C’ is for a building, a Citizen ‘Hub’, define in the 2023 Feasibility Study as:
“Co-locating multiple services the Council provides across the community in a common location, enabling the customer and community experience to be an integrated one…Shirley Library and Service Centre is an example.”

In the 2023 consultation, this ‘Option C’ received 118 votes/comments of 205 (adjusted as ‘Option A’ votes invalid) = 57.56%

The Board are aware of the different factions within the areas around Shirley Road, as highlighted in both the 2020 & 2023 Consultation votes/comments.
Reading the comments, you can see why some residents who voted for a ‘recreational space’, did so as they were against a ‘community hub’/new building.

Many residents are protective of their community centre in their suburb & purposely voted for any option that opposes a new ‘traditional’ community centre being built.

In the 2020 consultation, this is the information that was provided to residents:
“Due to Council’s financial situation it is not expected in the short term that funding will be available, however the Board would like to see the site being used by the community.”

This messaging led residents to believe that this consultation was about ‘short term’ activation ideas for the site, not whether in the ‘long term’ residents wanted a building back on site.

“We received 29 submissions supporting the replacement of the Community Centre at this location. A number of these submissions also asked that a library be included in the building.”
– For Centre: 36 submissions of 58 = 62.07%
– Against Centre*: 10 submissions of 58 = 17.24%
No Comment re Centre: 12 submissions of 58 = 20.69%
* Organisation & [Other Connections] information included in my Excel document.

4. Option D: Proposed Facility
‘Option D’ is suppose to be a combination of ‘Option B’: Recreation Space & ‘Option C’: Community ‘Hub’, is based on incorrect consultation feedback data analysis.

In the 2023 consultation, based on votes/comments received 24 votes/comments of 205 (adjusted as ‘Option A’ votes invalid) = 10.91% (suggesting they would be happy with both options)

‘Option B’: Recreation Space – Option C: Community ‘Hub’, received 28 votes/comments of 205 (adjusted as ‘Option A’ votes invalid) = 12.73% (against ‘Hub’ see Comment for their reason).

The ‘Proposed Facility’ is not ‘Option C’: Community ‘Hub’.

Build a 400m2 ‘traditional’ community centre.
“A small community building would include a meeting space and kitchenette with toilets that are accessed externally.”

The proposed building size is only 36.36%* of the original building/former Shirley Community Centre.

Update February 2025:
The original building/former Shirley Community Centre was 1,500m2.
*The proposed building size is only 26.67% of the original building/former Shirley Community Centre.
“Social and Community Development Committee – Public Excluded
06 September 2017
Current budget is $2,621,400 which is available in FY21 & FY22.
Contingency needs to be made for community expectations.
The current budget would only build back a facility of 447m2.
The size of the demolished building was 1,500m2.
If we were to build back to the same meterage we would need $8,250,000.
Have therefore put in a contingency to allow for a total facility cost of $5M.”

Interestingly 1,500 (original building) – 400 (proposed building) = 1,100…

The ’36 Marshland Road facility’ Shirley Library & Service Centre building is 1,100m2, similar in size to the original building/former Shirley Community Centre.
(Figure 1. 36 Marshland Road facility superimposed on Shirley Community Reserve, 2023 Feasibility Study)

This is not what the community have been asking for the last 12 years…
They have been asking for either a ‘replacement’ community centre or a citizen hub: library, service centre, learning spaces, meeting rooms & playground.

This ‘proposed community facility’ would not restore the Christchurch City Council community facilities levels to pre Christchurch Earthquakes & would not provide for the current/future population growth.

The Staff Report & 2023 Feasibility Study haven’t take into consideration:
– number of existing community centres & recreation spaces in the suburbs around Shirley Road.
– local knowledge of community issues within the areas around Shirley Road.
– local knowledge of the known factions within the different areas/community groups.
– governance of proposed community facility being ‘built & operated’ by one community group.
This goes against the 2019 Feasibility Study: “Unfavourable treatment of one Trust over others, Not one Trust that spans these neighbourhoods, That trust would not necessarily hold the vision for the whole area”.
– lack of fairness & equity with ‘new’ community group being given a new $4 million dollar facility, while existing community groups in Richmond were ‘gifted’ a ‘Red Zone building’ & Shirley were ‘gifted’ a ‘prefab building’.
– existing community groups having to compete with another ‘new’ community group for contestable funding available through the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board.

“An on budget community building – the recommended option”, in my opinion is based on incorrect consultation feedback data analysis (ignores reserve status, different percentages, data skewed by questions/factions) &
– doesn’t align with Libraries Network Plan 2015, CCC Citizen Hub Strategy, CCC Equity and Inclusion Policy, CCC Integrated Planning Guide or Intergenerational Design.
– ignores my research, 6 years from 2018 to today.
– ignores the concerns highlighted in the 2019 Feasibility Study.
– ignores the ‘Shirley Road Central’ Group & ‘Where is our Community Centre?’ Petition (incorrect petition numbers quoted, only included the online petition, didn’t include the paper petition = approx 1,200 signatures).
– ignores the Letters of Support from Local Christchurch MPs.
– ignores the ‘Richmond Residents & Business Association/We are Richmond’ (previously both Hayley Guglietta & David Duffy supported the idea of relocating the Shirley Library).
– ignores the ‘Shirley Village Project’ Youth Friendly Spaces Audit of Shirley Library & 10 Shirley Road.
– The 2023 Feasibility Study has incorrect information & is incomplete, yet has data & information that supports relocating the Shirley Library to 10 Shirley Road.

5. Option E: ‘Shirley Centre’
‘Option E’ is a Citizen ‘Hub’, define in the 2023 Feasibility Study as “Co-locating multiple services the Council provides across the community in a common location, enabling the customer and community experience to be an integrated one…Shirley Library and Service Centre is an example.”
‘Shirley Centre’: Library and Service Centre plus Learning Spaces, Meeting Rooms, Inclusive Accessible Playground & Recreation Space, with the existing Shirley Playcentre.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc-citizen-hub-strategy/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-overview/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/building-ideas/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/landscape-ideas/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/playground-ideas/

In the 2020 consultation, “We received 29 submissions supporting the replacement of the Community Centre at this location. A number of these submissions also asked that a library be included in the building.”
For Centre: 36 submissions of 58 = 62.07%

In the 2023 consultation, this ‘Option C’ received 118 votes/comments of 205 (adjusted as ‘Option A’ votes invalid) = 57.56%

“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, 2019 Feasibility Study)

– There are already 8 community centres located within a 2km radius of the 10 Shirley Road, Shirley Community Reserve.
– “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.” (6.4.2, 2019 Feasibility Study)
– “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.” (Location of Provision, 2019 Feasibility Study)
– “Council Owned Community Facilities: This suggests current provision is lower than the city-wide average in terms of community facilities.” (6.4.1, 2019 Feasibility Study)
– “Governance Option ‘All comers’ Approach’: Perceived as fair & Council is not partisan.” (Table 9, 2019 Feasibility Study)
– “There does appear to be a gap in the area identified on the boundary of Shirley and Richmond.” (Location of Provision, 2019 Feasibility Study)
– “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.” (Table 4, 2019 Feasibility Study)
– “Lack of low cost, creative and fun activities for after-school and school holidays.” (7.3 Community Needs Analysis for Richmond, 2019 Feasibility Study)
– “Mental health needs: adults through to children identified as a gap.” (7.3 Community Needs Analysis for Richmond, 2019 Feasibility Study)

“Although there are some who would want permanent activities locked onto the site; given its proximity to transport and its high visibility it would be a shame for it to be locked into one type of use when it has opportunity to be a flexible and changing community space for the whole community and different interest groups at different times…Its high visibility is particularly attractive to young people.” (9. Fit with Christchurch City Council Network Plan, 2019 Feasibility Study)

The current Shirley Library doesn’t align with ‘Location Preferences’:
“malls and aquatic facilities not seen as highly desirable areas for co-location or as adjacent locations; co-location with a Council service centre favoured…
Therefore, library facilities are best located either close to a major destination within the city, such as a mall and/or a major transport junction, or at sites sufficiently attractive to draw visitors to them as standalone ‘destination locations’.” (Libraries Network Plan 2015)

– There are zero suburban libraries in the Innes/Central Ward.
The 10 Shirley Road site/Shirley Community Reserve is on the border of both Wards.
– Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board have 5 suburban libraries, including the Shirley Library.
– Shirley Library is the busiest suburban library in the Christchurch Libraries network. (2023 Feasibility Study)
– The current Shirley Library is the only location in our communities that is free, has WIFI access & you don’t have to make a purchase or participate in an activity/event in order to just be in this space.
– Shirley Library is hidden in The Palms carpark (vehicle access only through The Palms carpark, no dedicated car parking for library/service centre users), not easily visible from Marshland Road & has limited bus services at this location.
– “Outdoor environment important – need natural features and to be welcoming; clear signposting within and outside the building.” (Building Requirements, Libraries Network Plan 2015)
– The current Shirley Library does not align with the new CCC Equity and Inclusion Policy. “Accessible buildings and facilities for people with disabilities.” (Building Requirements, Libraries Network Plan 2015)
– This location at 10 Shirley Road is accessible by public transport (7, 44, 100 & Orbiter) for residents in:
Shirley, Dallington, Richmond, Edgeware, St Albans & Mairehau
Plus: Citywide (Orbiter), Merivale, Parklands, Burwood & Avonside.
– The population density for the current Shirley Library (located next to The Palms commercial area & Christchurch Golf Club) is less than the current/future population density around 10 Shirley Road, due to infill/social housing increases as part of the Christchurch District Plan.
– The current Shirley Library has a limited book selection/no room for more book shelves, no boardroom, meeting rooms or learning centre (flexible spaces) & didn’t rate well in the ‘Shirley Village’ Youth Audit.
– The current Shirley Library has a lack of “Spaciousness: room for quiet spaces away from the children’s area; generous space between book stack aisles to enable easy browsing by less nimble and multiple users at one time; plenty of chairs/ beanbags and desks at which to work/relax.” (Building Requirements, Libraries Network Plan 2015)
– The current Shirley Library has a lack of: “Whanau-friendly facilities, e.g. children’s areas, baby feeding/changing facilities.” 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. (Building Requirements, Libraries Network Plan 2015)
– “Use of PCs at Shirley Library is one of the highest rates in the network at 41.9%” (2023 Feasibility Study). Many residents are on low fixed incomes, internet at home and/or unlimited mobile data plans are seen as luxuries that they can’t afford.
– ‘Wā Pēpi: Babytimes’ has the highest attendance (2023 Feasibility Study). Yet there are no toilets in the Library area & no outdoor space or playgound at the current Shirley Library. Whereas relocating the Shirley Library to 10 Shirley Road, would help to form connections with the existing Shirley Playcentre already onsite, destination nature space with trees & Dudley Creek to explore, plus an upgraded fenced inclusive accessible playground so attendees can extend their stay & have the opportunity to form friendships naturally.
– “Providing access to places where children can access play independently is important for their physical and emotional development.” (Outdoor Recreation Space, 2023 Feasibility Study). This is unavailable for safety reasons at the current Shirley Library, situated in The Palms carpark.
– “Need for improved playground facilities across Richmond targeting pre-schoolers and small children.” (7.3 Community Needs Analysis for Richmond, 2019 Feasibility Study)
– “The current play provisions in this area are older and in need of refurbishment, namely the play space next to the Shirley Playcentre.” (Outdoor Recreation Space, 2023 Feasibility Study)
– “There is an opportunity to provide for inclusive play as the [Shirley] Community Reserve is already currently fenced, which is rare in Christchurch, particularly in the area north of Bealey Avenue. With the addition of a couple of gates, this would enable the space to be a fenced playground, which is something the Disability community is advocating for more of, in particular the Autism community in Christchurch.” (Outdoor Recreation Space, 2023 Feasibility Study)
– There are 11 support providers located within a 3km radius of the 10 Shirley Road, Shirley Community Reserve.
– There are 14 schools, kindergartens & playcentres located within a 2km radius of the 10 Shirley Road, Shirley Community Reserve.
– There are 7 community gardens located within a 2km radius of the 10 Shirley Road, Shirley Community Reserve.
– With an aging population, it is important to also consider what has been lost that would be of value to older adults. (8. Need and Gap Assessment, 2019 Feasibility Study)
– Secular Bumping space (for casual interactions and cross-over between activities and areas) for adults like that provided in libraries. (8. Need and Gap Assessment, 2019 Feasibility Study)

“With the provision of the correct infrastructure this site could be reborn as a new interpretation of a contemporary community centre…the site could act as an extension location for other community bases spreading activity across the community…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.”
(Potential Activity for the 10 Shirley Road Site, 2019 Feasibility Study)

I still believe that Option E: ‘Shirley Centre’, is the best option for all residents in the communities around Shirley Road is to have this ‘proposed community facility’ at 10 Shirley Road be a Christchurch City Council owned/operated facility, so that the facility is truly inclusive & accessible to all residents & not controlled by one community group.

“The LTP budget for Shirley Community Centre would be insufficient to include the relocation of Shirley Library and a significant level of additional capital funding would be required.”
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-funding/

Isn’t now the time during the current Christchurch City Council LTP 2024-34 decision-making process, for the Board to advocate for all their residents in the Innes/Central areas, for Council to approve an appropriate new budget to build a new ‘Shirley Centre’/relocate Shirley Library & Service Centre, from the Burwood Ward to the Central Ward at 10 Shirley Road, Richmond?