Research – Page 2 – 10 Shirley Road

George Brington Malcolm

“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.
From one acorn grew an oak tree & one man’s vision created Emmett Street in Shirley.

‘Major Housing Development in the Shirley District’, 31 March 1953
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19530331.2.8
An aerial photograph of part of the Shirley district showing a State housing area laid out on modern town-planning lines. The building project, which is almost completed, comprises 518 homes designed for more than 2000 persons. The west and east boundaries of the main block are Hills road and Quinn’s road. Shirley road is the southern boundary and a private property the northern.

Malcolm’s vision & plan for planting the Oak Trees along Emmett Street, has made the difference to the identity of Shirley’s community & created an environment for Shirley residents (people & wildlife) to benefit from over many generations.

George Malcolm’s legacy is an inspiration to those that admire the ‘Emmett Street Trees’ as they have weathered all seasons, earthquakes, aftershocks & floods.
Yet are still standing…

From Emmett Street to Canterbury University, Malcolm’s trees can be seen.
From Lincoln University to NZLIA, Malcolm’s name provides a scholarship for aspiring landscape architecture students, to celebrating professionals receiving his NZLIA Supreme Award, his legacy from Shirley to throughout NZ lives on…
because he cared.

I didn’t know who had planted the ‘Emmett Street Trees’, until after I shifted from Shirley to Richmond & started researching these communities while advocating for a new Centre to be rebuilt at 10 Shirley Road.

It wasn’t until I found the ‘Shirley MacFarlane Park Community Concept Plan’ created by Lucas Associates in February 2008, that I found Malcolm’s name.
https://www.lucas-associates.co.nz/christchurch-banks-peninsula/shirley-concept-plan/

https://www.lucas-associates.co.nz/assets/Document-PDFs/Shirley-Concept-Plan.pdf
Page 14, Photos of George Malcolm on Emmett Street in 2008 & photos of the Hanson Lane Nursery
Page 15, ‘Stories from the Past: George Malcolm’
A feature of the area is the tree lined streets which are a result of George Malcolm’s design.
Much of his work can be recognised around Christchurch, including the Canterbury University grounds, some of his earlier work on the housing development in Shirley was known as the Emmett Street Block.
George was employed as a landscape officer in 1948 by the Housing Department.
George became more involved with the planners responsible for the overall layout of the Emmett Block development and worked with them to try to convince them to give more attention to the landscape.
For the Emmett Street Block subdivision, the planners had originally allocated just 3 different species of shrubs and hedge plants; crab apples were the common street tree available.
George organised the establishment of a nursery on the old Ballantyne Block in Hansons Lane [Upper Riccarton], so there were more plants available for housing developments – especially large trees.
[When my family shifted back to Christchurch from Whanganui, our family home was in Ballantyne Avenue. When I read Malcolm’s story a few years ago, I was surprised to find a connection between our lives through the Upper Riccarton & Shirley suburbs]
At this nursery, George began to propagate big trees with the help of a large glasshouse gifted to him from the Burnham Military Camp.
In the Emmett Block development, George had the job as landscape officer working with the planners to set aside areas for vegetation – retaining existing large trees from the previous farms and designing street tree planting.
“I had to fight hard to allow wide berms and allow large trees” but in the end he managed to convince the planners to do so in the proposed streets of the Emmett Block. Today the large Scarlet Oaks are a unique feature of the area.
“It was in desperate need of this – I feel I have achieved it”.

George Brington Malcolm, MBE
27 November 1917 – 29 January 2012
George Malcolm died in Christchurch on 29 January 2012 in his 95th year.

George Brington Malcolm Obituary from ‘New Zealand Garden Journal’
https://www.rnzih.org.nz/RNZIH_Journal/Pages_34-36_from_2012_Vol15_No1.pdf
Page 2-3, This obituary was originally published in Landscape Architecture New Zealand, Winter 2012, Issue 14. It was written by Neil Aitken, using archival background information from H. G. Gilpin, L. W. McCaskill, Alec Wilson and Jan Woodhouse.

He was a founding member of the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects Inc. (NZILA) and actively supported the Institute’s endeavours throughout his career. George’s earlier background was in horticulture and he was awarded the National Diploma in Horticulture (Hons) in the early 1940s while working with the Parks and Reserves Department of the Christchurch City Council.
In 1948, he joined the Ministry of Works, Housing Division as Landscape Officer.

He consolidated this with his voracious reading of overseas landscape publications. He also started to amass his renowned reference library.
In 1962 he was appointed Senior Landscape Officer for the Ministry of Works with nation-wide responsibilities. This enabled him to start preaching the doctrine of landscape awareness throughout New Zealand.

At this time there was a dearth of academically qualified landscape architects in New Zealand (those who were here had overseas qualifications), and George, typically, sought to remedy this by approaching Auckland and Canterbury Universities, but without success. Imagine, therefore, his reaction to Professor T. M. Morrison of Lincoln College telling him that the college proposed to establish the first course in landscape architecture in New Zealand in 1969. George described this moment as “a great thrill to me.”

This, of course, provided George with the opportunity to realise his dream of having landscape architects throughout the Ministry of Works and Development (formerly MOW) and he pursued this with typical dedication, vigour and success. In addition to providing employment opportunity and experience to many graduates, he also obtained departmental approval for study awards in landscape architecture, not only within New Zealand but also overseas in recognition of the important global perspective.

Throughout this period, George also corresponded with overseas landscape architects, and in 1972 received a New Zealand Government travel grant which enabled him to meet landscape architects in public and private practice and in educational institutions throughout the US, Canada, and Great Britain…

George Malcolm was a very human and humane man. He nurtured his staff and ensured their welfare, always providing wise counsel to express their ideas over the full continuum of landscape from planning to detailed design. He always championed sound design on the ground, and it is no coincidence, therefore, that the NZILA’s premier design award is the George Malcolm Award.
This selfless dedication to the education and training of his staff was the true measure of George’s breadth of vision and generosity of spirit.

George was recognised by numerous institutions: he was one of the two foundation Life Members of the NZILA; an Associate of Honour of the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture Inc.; a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Parks and Recreation Administration; and last, but by no means least, an Honorary Associate of the Institute of Landscape Architects (now the Landscape Institute, Great Britain) in recognition of his achievements. This is an honour rarely bestowed and without precedent in New Zealand.

George Brington Malcolm Obituary from ‘The Press’
https://quakestudies.canterbury.ac.nz/islandora/object/qsrobject%3A264384/datastream/OBJ/view
Saturday, February 18, 2012

The second-youngest of 10 children, he was brought up on a mixed fruit-growing and dairy farm in Richmond, near Nelson. His childhood was marked by financial hardship and good fun, having to live for some years in a ‘permanent tent’ as the family home was too small for all the children.
Farm work instilled in him a love of trees, nature and landscape. His parents were devout Christians and he followed this path throughout his life.

On leaving school during the Depression, he applied for a job delivering telegrams. Work was so scarce that four years passed before he was advised of a vacancy. In the meantime he had taken a job on a relative’s orchard in Hawke’s Bay. He then worked at a plant nursery, where he was encouraged to study for the national diploma in horticulture.

Malcolm married Ethel in 1941. They settled in Christchurch and had four children. He continued his studies while working for the Christchurch City Council’s parks and reserves department and in the Botanic Gardens. He joined the Ministry of Works in 1948 as officer in charge of landscape work in the Christchurch district. A major part of his responsibility was landscape design for new state housing developments. This strengthened his interest in landscape design and environmental planning and he became a voracious reader of professional journals.

A trip to the proposed site of the Benmore dam with the district commissioner of works sharpened his appreciation of landscape design. Realising the scope and significance of the job ahead, he began frequent visits to the site, two years before a project engineer was appointed. He then worked with a succession of project engineers. They were sympathetic to his aims. The result represented a turning point in major construction schemes, as landscape architects were no longer required just to tidy up the mess after building was completed, but became involved in the planning.

Malcolm worked closely with people in charge throughout the construction period. He later took this approach to North Island roading and highway projects. This brought pressure on him to move to ministry headquarters in Wellington, which he resisted for family reasons and love of Christchurch. This did not prevent his promotion to inspecting landscape architect for the ministry’s town and country planning division, responsible for overseeing landscape design standards and supervision of ministry nurseries.

His pioneering work was recognised with the award of honorary associate of the UK Institute of Landscape Architects, in 1972. He was the only New Zealander to receive this honour. He was granted a study tour of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Europe that year and was instrumental in establishment of the landscape architecture course at Lincoln University.
He was a foundation member of the ILA and one of its first fellows, and was appointed a fellow of the Royal Institute of Horticulture. He was awarded the MBE on his retirement.

Malcolm leased an orchard at Styx in 1953 and later bought land nearby. Son Peter says the family all learned orcharding and marketing skills from this venture.
Family life was ‘integral’ to him and he juggled work, study and orchard management around it, Peter says. His Christian faith was central to him and he lived in a spirit of generosity and kindness. Ethel died in 1990 but he stayed in their Fendalton home until the recent earthquakes, when he moved into a rest home.

George Brington Malcolm, born Richmond, November 27, 1917; died Christchurch, January 29, 2012. Pre-deceased by wife Ethel; survived by daughter Keren, sons Arthur, Peter and Alistair, 13 grandchildren and 25 greatgrandchildren.

1972 New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects (NZILA)
https://www.nzila.co.nz/about/history
The NZILA was formed in November 1972. The initial executive, elected in 1973, included president Tony Jackman, Frank Boffa, Charlie Challenger, George Malcolm, Neil Aitken, and Robin Gay.
https://www.nzila.co.nz/about/life-members
Life membership may be awarded to “a person who in the opinion of the Committee has made a unique and outstanding contribution to the advancement of the profession in New Zealand, provided that a person should not be elected to this grade of membership unless he/she is, or has been, qualified to be recognised as a Fellow of the Institute.”
In Memoriam: George Malcolm

NZILA provides an education policy and an accreditation process to review education programme providers. Lincoln University started an undergraduate course in landscape architecture in 1988, followed in 1995 by Unitec. The third NZILA accredited provider is Victoria University of Wellington.
The institute holds biennial awards. There are three Supreme Awards, selected from the winners of the general awards: the George Malcolm Award for “the most outstanding achievement in landscape design”, the Charlie Challenger Award for “the most outstanding achievement in landscape planning”, and the Te Karanga o te Tui, for “the most outstanding achievement in demonstration of the Te Aranga principles”.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_Institute_of_Landscape_Architects

1981 AHRIH Awards
Associate of Honour of the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture (AHRIH)
Awarded to persons who have given distinguished service to horticulture in New Zealand.
This is a select group because the RNZIH rules state that no more than 60 people can hold the award, and no more than three awards are given per year.
https://www.rnzih.org.nz/pages/AHRIH_Recipients.htm#gsc.tab=0
1981, Mr George Brington Malcolm

RNZIH Annual Journal: No. 9, 1981
Citations for the award of Associate of Honour 1981
https://www.rnzih.org.nz/RNZIH_Journal/RNZIH_Annual_Journal_1981_9.pdf
Page 82 & 83, Mr G.B. Malcolm
In 1948 he accepted a position with the Housing Division, Ministry of Works, Christchurch, and was responsible for the horticultural and landscape work throughout the Canterbury district and at that time established a departmental nursery at Christchurch. Several years later he was appointed to the position of landscape officer for the South Island engaged on national works projects and during this period he provided periodic services to head office, Wellington.
In 1962, he was appointed to the position of senior landscape officer, Ministry of Works (based in Christchurch) in charge of the landscape section for New Zealand, and during this period a substantial landscape section was established, including new nurseries, and landscape architecture began to be recognised as an integral part of national works.
In 1974, with the amalgamation of the landscape architecture section with the environmental design section, town and country planning, George Malcolm was appointed to the position of Inspecting Landscape Architect (based in Christchurch), but with national responsibilities connected with environmental planning and design, technical responsibilities for all nurseries and holding grounds throughout New Zealand as well as heading the Christchurch environmental design team which operates on a regional basis covering national projects in the South Island. He also has responsibility for the Christchurch nursery which produces 100,000 trees and shrubs annually for national works and other projects throughout the South Island.
George Malcolm for many years (largely singlehanded) pioneered landscape architecture within the Ministry of Works and Development.
George Malcolm, during his long service to the N.Z. Government, has done a great deal to improve the N.Z. environment and promote the profession of horticulture in this country. He has been responsible for planting many millions of trees, both native and exotic.

1982 ‘Landscapers Retire’
The Press, 19th November, Page 11
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19821119.2.83
Two landscape architects responsible for founding the profession in New Zealand will be honoured at a retirement dinner in Christchurch today.
Mr Malcolm joined the Ministry of Works and Development in Christchurch in the 1940s as a landscape officer. He has been involved in such projects as the Auckland and Dunedin motorways, the Wairakei-Taupo highway, and the Benmore and Manapouri-Te Anau hydro-electric developments.
Mr Malcolm is retiring as inspecting landscape architect for New Zealand.

1983 New Years Honors
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1983_New_Year_Honours_(New_Zealand)
Member (MBE)
George Brington Malcolm – of Christchurch; inspecting landscape architect, Ministry of Works and Development, Christchurch, 1975–1982

1987 NZILA Awards Programme Established
https://www.landscapearchitecture.nz/landscape-architecture-aotearoa/2021/12/10/2022-awards-reminder
The NZILA awards programme began in 1987.
The inaugural George Malcolm winner was the Ministry of Works and Environmental Design Section for its Christchurch Girls’ High School project.
NZILA George Malcolm Supreme Award:
Recognises the most outstanding achievement in landscape design. A winner will only be selected from the winners of the relevant award categories and awarded if the entry attains this standard of excellence.
https://www.nzila.co.nz/awards/categories

2006 ‘The Founding of Landscape Architecture in New Zealand’ Project
https://livingheritage.lincoln.ac.nz/nodes/view/35136
‘The dawn is breaking’: Long before the DipLA course at Lincoln was set up, George Malcolm was advocating for landscape awareness and professional landscape architecture training in New Zealand. Although not a trained landscape architect, he worked as landscape officer in the Ministry of Works from 1948, moving into senior roles overseeing the Ministry’s landscape work until he retired in 1982.
As well lobbying for the DipLA to be set up, he made sure there were employment opportunities for the new graduates. He is commemorated in the NZILA George Malcolm award for design excellence.
George here describes how he lobbied for a tertiary course to be established.

https://natlib.govt.nz/records/22568946
Interview with George Malcolm: Early advocate of landscape architecture in the Ministry of Works. Foundation member of the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects (NZILA). Influential in promoting the landscape architecture profession in government departments. Retired in 1982; the same year the NZILA George Malcolm award for design excellence was established.

2013 G.B Malcolm Scholarship Established
https://www.lincoln.ac.nz/study/scholarships/search-scholarships/g-b-malcolm-scholarship/
The G.B Malcolm Scholarship was established in 2013 as a result of a bequest from Mr Malcolm, to encourage and promote study in Landscape Architecture at Lincoln University.
One scholarship will be offered annually to a full time student studying a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture at Lincoln University.

2019 NZILA George Malcolm Supreme Award
Te Papa Ōtākaro/Avon River Park (ARP)
https://nzila.co.nz/showcase/te-papa-otakaro-avon-river-park
Judges Citation:
Te Papa Ōtākaro is not only the largest public realm project undertaken in Aotearoa New Zealand, it has also involved many landscape architecture practices and other collaborators, working within the complex context of the re-building of Christchurch.
Te Papa Ōtākaro has emerged as a significant and transformative urban landscape, maximising the opportunity provided by the earthquakes, to develop an exemplary interweaving of urban edge and river. Enhancing the cultural landscape of the city, as well as the ecological and social values, has provided Christchurch with a central core that holds the city together, and re-presents it with a new vision. At the same time as the Park has transformed the River precinct, it has also honoured the traditional heritage elements, such as the Bridge of Remembrance.
Te Papa Ōtākaro’s scale, collaborative process, cultural and ecological transformation, hard and soft landscape quality, and spatial qualities, are recognised in the award of supreme excellence, the George Malcolm Award.

2022 NZILA 50th – Landscape architecture pioneer George Malcolm
https://www.landscapearchitecture.nz/landscape-architecture-aotearoa/2022/3/31/nzila-50th-landscape-architecture-pioneer-george-malcolm
In 1970s New Zealand, landscape architecture was a little known and misunderstood profession. Lincoln College as it was then, was driving its development especially in terms of education and the public sector was the epicentre of employment for Lincoln’s new landscape architecture graduates.
The Ministry of Works, Housing Corporation, Department of Lands and Survey, Electricity Department, Forestry and Tourism Departments were key employers of landscape architects in this decade along with local councils. One man in particular played a key role in developing landscape architects and the wider profession and that was George Malcolm.
Many of the women involved in the early years of the landscape architecture profession here in Aotearoa credit George Malcolm with encouraging them.
Jan Woodhouse says he became a champion of women graduates by creating jobs for them as well as supporting them.
“He was the head of a family with strong christian values and he was also a man of the land. The values of care, protection and encouragement were brought to the office.”
George Malcolm died in 2012 but is remembered well by the many people he influenced in the landscape architecture profession here in Aotearoa.

Q. So after reading George Malcolm’s story/legacy, I didn’t understand why the ‘Emmett Street Trees’ previously classified as ‘Significant Trees’, but now in 2025 they are not?
A. See: ‘Significant Trees’

Emmett Street Trees

“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:
– ‘Emmett Street Trees’ (How did we get here?)
– ‘George Brington Malcolm‘ (Who was G.B. Malcolm?)
– ‘Significant Trees‘ (They were, but now they’re not?)
– ‘Emmett Character Area‘ (Plenty of character, but not an Area?)

Once upon a time there was a dairy farmer named Arthur William Emmett (1846 – 1948). His 100 acre farm (Emmetts Block) in Quinns Road supplied milk to Shirley, Richmond, St Albans and Fendalton.

Emmett’s farm was subdivided for housing in the late 1940s. Part of the land was bought by the government for a state housing area “laid out on modern town-planning lines”.
Emmett Street was named on the 24th June 1948 & first appeared in street directories in 1950.

Macfarlane Park was developed on low-lying land in the Emmett farm not suitable for housing.
It was vested in the Christchurch City Council on the 14th June 1954.

https://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Heritage/PlaceNames/ChristchurchPlaceNames-A-M.pdf Page 174
https://christchurchcitylibraries.com/heritage/placenames/christchurchstreetnames-d-e.pdf Page 117
https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/early-residents-of-richmond/

In the late 1940s, part of the dairy farm [which spanned from Quinns Road to what is Emmett Street and MacFarlane Park today] was cut into sections for a housing development by order of the Housing Department. This was when Emmett Street was developed – it cut through the dairy farm and was named after Arthur Emmett – Leicester’s father.
Leicester watched them build the state housing – “one side of Emmett Street was developed into privately owned houses and the other into state houses. An area was retained in the centre as a park to service the community, it was named MacFarlane Park after the then Mayor of Christchurch – Don MacFarlane.”
Leicester Emmett’s Story, son of Arthur William Emmett, Page 17
https://www.lucas-associates.co.nz/assets/Document-PDFs/Shirley-Concept-Plan.pdf

Today Emmett Street curves its way through the Shirley suburb, from Shirley Road to Briggs Road, with a canopy of Oak trees.

https://propertysearch.canterburymaps.govt.nz/property?propertyAddress=2%20Emmett%20Street,%20Shirley,%20Christchurch
(Click on ‘Historical imagery’ at the bottom of this link, images from 1940 to today)

Eighteen years ago, as I turned off Shirley Road & drove through Emmett Street for the first time, I can still remember thinking ‘wow, what beautiful Oak trees’…
We shifted to Shirley after seeing Macfarlane Park would be our ‘front yard’ & ‘back yard’, plus having the Shirley Community Centre within walking distance…’what a great place for our son to grow up’.

For eight years, Emmett Street was my favorite street in Shirley to walk & drive through. As a preschooler, my son loved to stomp through the leaves & collected acorn ‘treasures’ to bring back home.

“From little acorns grow mighty oaks” is a 14th century proverb meaning that great things can come from small beginnings, essentially saying that even a tiny acorn can eventually grow into a large and powerful oak tree; it signifies the potential for significant growth from humble origins.

I’m sure many children living in Shirley have been inspired by their acorn ‘treasures’ being able to grow into one of those big Oak trees.
As an adult, these mighty Oak trees were a visual reminder:
– they went through seasons of change
– they struggled but stood strong against the winds
– they weren’t overcome by the many floodings
– they survived earthquakes, aftershocks & liquefication
– they have been part of our Shirley identity & community
But now many of them may be gone…

Emmett Street and Riselaw Street Tree Removals
20th January to 14th February 2025
“17 street trees on Emmett Street (14 due to non-compliance, 3 due to other safety concerns).
The non-compliant trees are located approximately adjacent to property numbers 5, 7, 9(x2), 19, 45, 91, 93, 95, 123/125, 139, 141, 149 and 151.
The additional 3 trees are located at approximately 10/12, 14 and 94.
https://ccc.govt.nz/transport/works-3/show/1677

Like many in our communities, I was unaware this was happening until I saw a post in the R.A.D.S. Facebook community group on the 16th January 2025.

“Hi team, We’ve been advised by the council of work starting on Monday to remove 20 trees along Emmett and Riselaw St due to interference with powerlines. This is the latest in a string of fellings over the past few years that have taken place with no community consultation or engagement whatsoever, and myself and a number of residents are very concerned that council has not been able to provide us with any sort long term plan or vision, or any reassurance that this won’t just keep happening til there aren’t any trees left. We’ll be down at the community garden at Macfarlane park off Jebson st to paint up some Lorax cardboard cut outs to attach to the trees earmarked for removal from 4.30 today to demonstrate to council that we’re not ok with how this has been handled. Media will likely be present, all welcome if you want to show your support.”
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1543729305921005/posts/3742099382750642/ (1st Post by D.T.)

“That is odd that they want to remove the oaks just because of the power line. There are very large oaks on Dudley street nearby that also has power lines – channels for the lines get cut through the trees. There was also new footpath put in last year at great expense and complication to work around the trees to avoid damaging them. even carefully vacuumed the dirt from around the roots when laying pipes to avoid disturbing them.
Why the different standards for Dudley trees vs Emmett/Riselaw trees?” (Comment by J.H.)

“I’m wondering if the tree roots are widely spread, removing the trees and them dying off would have a difference on the flooding around here as the tree roots won’t be helping by sucking up the water? I like the trees even tho my gutters would disagree, it’s so nice to walk down on a hot day to get away from the heat.” (Comment by L.C.)

“Research shows how beneficial trees are to our environment, mental health & wellbeing.”
https://ccc.govt.nz/environment/trees-and-vegetation/urbanforest
(Comment by J.G.)

“Hi team, a quick update on the planned removal of 20 trees along Emmett and Riselaw streets next week. Council have agreed to meet with us tomorrow to discuss our concerns. 3pm, the community garden, Macfarlane Park off Jebson st. All welcome if you would like to contribute, show your support or just listen in.”
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1543729305921005/posts/3742280782732502/ (2nd Post by D.T.)

“This is not right. I didn’t even know that this tree removal was going ahead until this afternoon. Just because alot of us are in state housing doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have our say in what happens in our suburb. These trees are special to us and we would hate for them to be gone.” (Comment by R.A.)

“I brought my home knowing full well it was a tree lined street-part of the beauty and attraction. As for the leaves-a rake or leaf blower soon sorts these and council do regular pick ups in the sucker truck. I commend your efforts to save these beautiful trees and fully support this. Totally agree we have had no consultation. The street will look bare and sad without them for sure.” (Comment by H.O’C.)

“If they take the trees away this area loses its character why are they doing this absolutely disgusting.” (Comment by K.B.)

“I’ve lived here for 35 years I was 5 years old when we came and even though we were moving into a state house in a poor area, I thought we were suddenly rich because of how beautiful the streets looked.
I can’t count how many autumns I spent jumping into leaf piles, then as I got older moaning about them while I raked them up. But I still love them. I love watching the seasons change through the Oak I see from the bedroom window. I think it would be a more boring area without them.” (Comment by K.B.)

“My dog and I appreciate the shade we get from the sun when out walking and they are beautiful and needed in so many ways.”
(Comment by I.K.B.)

“Move the f@&#ing power lines! Some things are more important for our wellbeing and standard of living. This ‘cost saving’ will kill us all.” (Comment by J.K.)

On the 18th January 2025, Reuben Davidson MP for Christchurch East’s Facebook post.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14WWbotKSQ/

“RIP garden city. CCC have already taken too many trees away.” (Comment by A.R.)

“That’d be criminal the trees are awesome.” (Comment by R.M.)

“There was a pre quake time when tourist came to Christchurch to look at the mature trees…St James Park has an outstanding Avenue of mature linden trees that those tourists from Europe, USA and Asia would marvel over. They would touch the trunks of the WWII Oaks, they would walk the 15 Memorial Avenues, they visited Emmett Street…Disease has ripped these trees out in their countries. Many USA veterans returned for ANZAC after learning the history bringing other veterans with them. (Comment by M.H.)

“The Emmett St trees are iconic, and a rarity in the east. As with the Linwood Ave trees. We definitely need to be very sensitive about how important and rare such large trees are in our part of town, and be clear about protecting them. Obviously some do have to come down, but it should always be after good community consultation. Glad to see the council staff acknowledging they got that bit wrong, and that they will work more closely with the community now.” (Comment by A.O.E)

“But the roots of those Oaks, paid for by the State Advances corporation at £1 per tree, have held the road and the surrounding land levels intact during the earthquakes. No better ground stabilization than mature tree roots.” (Comment by M.H.)

Another post in the R.A.D.S. Facebook community group about the ‘Emmett Street Trees’ on the 20th January 2025.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1543729305921005/posts/3745016799125567

“So who is going to pay for all the repairs that for the damages these trees are causing…oh wait all the ppl complaining are in state housing…maybe they should pay for the repairs from the damage of the trees if they want them saved that much.” (Comment by G.S.)

“G.S. It’s a lot less costly than climate change. These trees are storing carbon, when you chop them down the carbon is released into the atmosphere. Not to mention we could do with their oxygen making properties…” (Comment by E.V.Z.)

“G.S. you aren’t wrong there, almost half of the houses in the area are state houses.” (Comment by J.S.)

“J.S. what’s a lot of social housing in the area got to do with the trees?” (Comment by V.A.)

“G.S. another way to think about this. Reckon they’d do this to the tree lined streets in beckenham or merivale? I think they’d underground the lines before trying it somewhere else.” (Comment by N.R.)

‘Symbolic’ Trees Spared As Council Postpones Removal From Emmett and Riselaw Streets, 17th January 2025
“The Christchurch City Council has paused its plans to remove 20 large trees from Emmett and Riselaw Streets following opposition from residents.”
https://www.chrislynchmedia.com/news-items/symbolic-trees-spared-as-council-postpones-removal-from-emmett-and-riselaw-streets/

Christchurch Residents Rally With Lorax Cut-outs To Fight Council’s Tree-Felling Plan, 20th January 2025
“A plan to fell 20 oak trees, which some locals say would “gut the character” of a Christchurch street, has been postponed following community opposition.”
https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360548899/christchurch-residents-rally-fight-councils-tree-felling-plan

20 Trees Live To See Another Day After Positive Community Meeting, 20th January 2025
“Work to remove 20 large trees in two Mairehau streets has been postponed after community and elected member feedback.”
“The first elected members knew of these trees being removed was on January 9th when a Start Work Notice (SWN) was sent to the community board telling us the work would start on January 20th.
When [Innes ward community member, Ali] Jones requested more information, the board members were sent a CCC memo dated November 11, 2024 outlining the works with much more detail.”
https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=126689

Yet in the Christchurch City Council Information Session/Workshop on the 29th October 2024 for the Annual Plan 2025-2026 Briefing:
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2024/10/ISCC_20241029_MAT_10002.PDF
– Page 16: Street Trees – Electrical Compliance
Focus on working with Orion to achieve 100% compliance.
To date approx. 190 trees (from original 850) left to resolve.
An example is the significant work in Emmett Street – may require the removal of several trees.
[The Start Work Notice (SWN) for 17 trees, is a lot more than ‘several trees’]
Re-phasing of opex budgets may be required.
Also see:
– Page 14: Street Trees – budgets
Opex – approx $2.6m + $0.65m for powerline compliance project.
Capex – approx $0.53m.
– Page 17: Street Trees – Urban Forest
Replacement trees:
Currently 2 for 1 replacement
New trees:
Currently no initiatives for new planting to increase canopy cover within the Transport corridor 15% over 50 years in line with plan.
– Page 32: Street Trees – Electrical Compliance
To date approx. 190 trees (from original 850) left to resolve.
This involves: Localised pruning, Tree removal, Modification to the electrical network
An example is the significant work in Emmett Street which may require the removal of several trees.
Future re-phasing of opex budgets may be required to ensure compliance.
– Page 31: Healthy Streets
https://www.healthystreets.com/what-is-healthy-streets
The 10 Healthy Streets Indicators
Our Approach is based on 10 evidence based Healthy Streets Indicators, each describing an aspect of the human experience of being on streets. These ten must be prioritised and balanced to improve social, economic and environmental sustainability through how our streets are designed and managed.
See: 3. Shade and shelter & 10. Clean air

When I asked Google “what difference do trees make“, AI Overview gave me this response:
1. Air quality: Trees remove harmful pollutants like carbon dioxide and particulate matter from the air, making it easier to breathe
2. Water quality: Trees filter water and reduce flooding by absorbing excess water and reducing runoff
3. Climate change: Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which helps to mitigate the effects of climate change
4. Mental health: Spending time in nature can reduce anxiety and depression
5. Habitat: Trees provide food and shelter for wildlife
6. Energy savings: Trees can reduce the need for air conditioning and heating, and regulate indoor temperatures
7. Community benefits: Trees can improve walkability, reduce traffic noise, and stormwater runoff
8. Property value: Trees can increase the value of properties

Residents on flood-stricken Christchurch street feel forgotten – ‘it looked like Lake Emmett’, 27th July 2022
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/129394267/residents-on-floodstricken-christchurch-street-feel-forgotten–it-looked-like-lake-emmett
“Residents on one of Christchurch’s most flooded streets say they’ve been left to fend for themselves with no sign of help or support. Emmett St in Shirley is one of the city’s most commonly affected areas by flood whenever it rains.”
“Gleeson didn’t know if anything was being done to mitigate flooding on the street. “If it was in Fendalton it’d be sorted the next day… where are our rates going?””

Christchurch flooding: Investment in infrastructure needed – ECan councillor, 28th July 2022
https://www.odt.co.nz/star-news/star-christchurch/christchurch-flooding-investment-infrastructure-needed-ecan-councillor
“Environment Canterbury councillor Vicky Southworth said the sting felt by locals from this week’s flooding is only a hint of what’s to come. “We’re going be dealing with more frequent and more intense rainfall, the science is very clear on that.
There are various solutions, and they’re not being particularly pushed…
Even just simply putting more trees into our gardens. Trees are a fantastic way of catching rain before it hits the ground.”

Q. What affect will removing 17 Oak Trees on Emmett Street, have on the flooding levels in this area?
Christchurch City Council is there a plan in place?
How is this going to be mitigated to protect Shirley residents homes?

Slow grow: Christchurch’s urban forest will take decades to form, 10th February 2023
https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/131175634/slow-grow-christchurchs-urban-forest-will-take-decades-to-form
“An ambitious proposal to cloak one-fifth of Christchurch in trees by 2070 recommends doubling the proportion of tree-lined streets and tripling tree numbers along the city’s rivers and streams…how to grow the Garden City’s “tree canopy” – defined as trees 3.5m and higher and measured by an aerial surveys.”
“The plan isn’t to compel owners to plant trees capable of reaching 3.5m or more. Rather, the plan is to plant public land much more intensively.
The tree canopy in public “open spaces” is about 23% now.
They want it to be 40% by 2070.”
“The plan also addresses ‘equitable tree coverage’. Basically, rich ‘leafy suburbs’ aren’t a myth…They are missing out on the many benefits of a tree canopy – more shade, lower temperatures, fewer pollutants, more biodiversity, less erosion, more climate change resilience, and better physical and mental health.”

“Shirley isn’t a flash part of town and we need things in this community to be proud of. And sometimes it feels like the trees are all we’ve got.“
Dominic McGurk

“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’…

Let us ‘Tell Our Stories’ to inspire the future generations living around Shirley by:

– looking at other options to save George Malcolm’s Emmett Street Oak Trees.

– if an Oak Tree can’t be saved, please save it’s wood, so that it can be repurposed in a new Centre building at 10 Shirley Road/Shirley Community Reserve or

– creating a carving/sculpture to be placed by the MacFarlane Park Community Garden on Jebson Street, to honor George Malcolm &

– create a new canopy of Oak Trees, either side of the MacFarlane Park path from Jebson Street to Acheson Avenue, to replace the Oak Trees that have been removed already from Emmett Street.

– create a new building at 10 Shirley Road/Shirley Community Reserve, where we can continue to ‘Tell Our Stories’ in a new Shirley Centre, that George Malcolm’s Oak Trees are still a part of Shirley’s character & identity, as we continue to protect our environment for Shirley residents (people & wildlife) to benefit from now & in the future.

Q. So who had the vision to planted these Oak trees in Shirley & why?
A. George Brington Malcolm

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.

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?

Shirley Community Reserve Proposed Facility

1. Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board, Thursday 13 June 2024
2. Staff Report: 9. Shirley Community Reserve: Proposed Community Facility
3. Re: 6. Legal Considerations
4. Re: 6. Strategy and Policy Considerations
5. Options Considered, but ruled out
6. Options Descriptions
7. Community Consultations
8. Proposed Community Facility
9. Re: 3. Request Staff to: ‘initiate the Design Process’
10. Re: 4. Request Staff to: ‘identify an appropriate Community Partner’
11. Re: 5. Requests that staff provide an update to the Board on a quarterly basis
12. Attachment B: Shirley Community Centre Feasibility Study 2023
13. Attachment C: Shirley Community Centre Supplementary Information 19 February 2024

1. Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board, Thursday 13 June 2024
Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board Meeting
Thursday 13 June 2024, 4 pm
Function Room, Level 1, Multicultural Recreation and Community Centre, 455 Hagley Avenue, Christchurch
9. Shirley Community Reserve: Proposed Community Facility
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2024/06/PCBCC_20240613_AGN_9127_AT.htm#PDF2_ReportName_44759
The .pdf link below is Item 9. of the Agenda, Pages 29-140
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WaipapaCBAgenda13June2024SCRProposedFacility.pdf *
* I’ll also refer to this .pdf, as it is easier to quote Page Numbers & has the ability to use the ‘Ctrl-F’ feature, if you would like to search the document.

2. Staff Report: 9. Shirley Community Reserve: Proposed Community Facility
Staff Report: Pages 29-39 of the Agenda & Pages 1-11 of the .pdf
1. Purpose and Origin of the Report Te Pūtake Pūrongo
1.1 The purpose of this report is to provide staff with clarity and direction to progress the proposed development of a community facility at Shirley Community Reserve.
1.2 The report is the outcome of a Council resolution requesting an updated feasibility study for the proposed development of a community facility at Shirley Community Reserve. The feasibility study was to look at “…other options, including incorporating the current Shirley library” on the site.

2. Officer Recommendations Ngā Tūtohu
That the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board:
1. Receives the information in the Shirley Community Reserve: Proposed Community Facility Report.
2. Notes that the decision in this report is assessed as low significance based on the Christchurch City Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy.
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.
5. Requests that staff provide an update to the Board on a quarterly basis.

3. Re: 6. Legal Considerations
Staff Report:
6.4.1 There is no legal context, issue, or implication relevant to this decision.

Incorrect. The site at 10 Shirley Road is not called ‘Shirley Park’.
It is called ‘Shirley Community Reserve’ for a reason:
“Legal Implications (Page 27)
9.9. 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.”
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2015/08/SPCB_19082015_AGN.PDF

4. Re: 6. Strategy and Policy Considerations
Staff Report:
6.5.5 Are consistent with Council’s Plans and Policies.
The ‘proposed community facility’ does not align with:
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc-equity-and-inclusion-policy/
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/location-location-location/
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/christchurch-city-libraries-by-community-board/
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/christchurch-city-council-libraries-2025-facilities-plan/
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc-citizen-hub-strategy/
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc-integrated-planning-guide/
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/intergenerational-design/

5. Options Considered, but ruled out
Staff Report:
– 1. Do nothing
There has been community support for a community facility on Shirley Reserve for a number of years, this support is evidenced in submissions to Council’s Long Term Plan and Annual Plan’s over many years.
4.26.1 Option Description: Close the project, propose the existing LTP budget as a saving.
4.26.3 There is expectation and anticipation in the local community for a community facility at Shirley Community Reserve.
6.4.1 There is no legal context, issue, or implication relevant to this decision.

– 3. Investigate the relocation of Shirley Library
Libraries Network Plan 2015
Any relocation of Shirley Library would need to align with the Libraries Network Plan 2015, location preferences would include:
a. Near local shops/supermarket/mall/bank/medical centre/schools/playgrounds/toy libraries.
b. On bus route/near transport hubs/handy walking distance from home/easily
accessed/free, plentiful carparking adjacent to library.
c. Attractive street visibility.

– 4. Investigate the relocation of the Council facility at 36 Marshland Road
a. No plans or intentions currently exist to relocate any of the three services from thislocation.
b. Should relocation of Shirley Library be decided, the Waitai Governance Team would require office space within their Board area.
c. The Head of Customer Services highlighted the Council’s NZ Post franchise provides a key service for The Palms.
d. Furthermore, a facility of the size of 36 Marshlands Road (1100m2), with associated amenities, placed on Shirley Reserve would significantly impact the available space for recreation and play space on the Reserve.
e. Additional operational costs would be incurred from separating the existing Council services located at the 36 Marshland Road facility including location of suitable office space for the Waitai Governance Team.

6. Options Descriptions
4.26.1 Option Description: Close the project, propose the existing LTP budget as a saving.
4.27.1 Option Description: An on budget community building – the recommended option.

The Board narrowed the options to two, ignoring 6 years of research & ideas that I have provided for a new ‘Shirley Centre’/relocating the Shirley Library to 10 Shirley Road/Shirley Community Reserve.

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

– 4.27.1 is based on incorrect consultation feedback data analysis (ignores reserve status, different percentages, data skewed by questions/factions), ignores the concerns highlighted in the 2019 feasibility study, the recent 2023 feasibility study has incorrect information & is incomplete, yet has data & information that supports relocating the Shirley Library to 10 Shirley Road.

https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/community-hub-support/ includes:
– ‘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)
– Letters of Support from Local Christchurch MPs
– Richmond Residents & Business Association/We are Richmond (previously both Hayley Guglietta & David Duffy supported the idea of relocating the Shirley Library)
– Shirley Village Project (Youth Friendly Spaces Audit of Shirley Library & 10 Shirley Road)

7. Community Consultations
Staff Report:
4.4 In 2020, the Waipapa Papanui-Innes Community Board led a community consultation on the future use of the Shirley Community Reserve.
Thematic analysis of the 58 submissions identified an equal split between replacing the community centre and developing outdoor community opportunities.
6.5.4 Staff acknowledge the high level of local community interest.

In the previous ‘How would you like to use 10 Shirley Road? Consultation 2020’
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/your-ideas-wanted-for-10-shirley-road/

“We have asked and talked to you about this before, and we acknowledge the work that has been done. We are asking again because we want to get this right, and we recognise the community landscape has changed considerably, especially over the last 2-3 years.”

“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’ 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.”

I’ve gone through the ‘Feedback Received Table’ & recalculated based on comments:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Your-Ideas-Wanted-for-10-Shirley-Road-Consultation-Feedback-2020.xlsx

Total Submissions: 58
– For Centre: 36 submissions, 62.07%
– Against Centre*: 10 submissions, 17.24%
– No Comment re Centre: 12 submissions, 20.69%
* Organisation & [Other Connections] information included

I’ve gone through the ‘Appendix B: 2023 public consultation written feedback’ & recalculated based on preference/comments:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Shirley-Community-Reserve-Consultation-Feedback-2023.xlsx
Total Votes/Comments = 220
HUB only Option: 118 = 53.64%
PLAY only Option: 87 = 39.55%
KEEP only Option: 15 = 6.82%*

*KEEP votes are invalid.
Shirley Community Reserve is for a Community Centre (building).
See ‘3. Re: 6. Legal Considerations’ above.
Subtracted KEEP votes from TOTAL Votes/Comments = 205
Adjusted HUB only Option: 118 = 57.56%
Adjusted PLAY only Option: 87 = 42.44%

HUB & PLAY Option (Highlighted Yellow): 24 = 10.91%*
* based on vote & comment suggesting they would be happy with both options.
This ‘HUB & Play’ Option is the ‘proposed community facility’, which only has 10.91% support for this option.

PLAY – HUB (Highlighted Blue): 28 = 12.73%*
* against HUB (see Comment for their reason).

The Board are aware of the different factions within the areas around Shirley Road, as highlighted in the ‘Shirley Community Reserve Consultation 2023’ 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’.
Many residents are protective of their community centre, in their suburb.

I attended the stakeholders meeting prior to the ‘Shirley Community Reserve Consultation’ going live in 2023.
“The options that we’ve developed take into consideration feedback received by the Shirley community in 2020, as well as what we’ve seen works well around Ōtautahi Christchurch.
– Option 1. Leaving the space as it is. [No building]
– Option 2. A recreation space with a full basketball court, renewed playground, planting, a picnic and BBQ area, a community garden and a walkway. [No building]
– Option 3. Creating a community hub* that’s open to partnerships with local organisations.”
https://letstalk.ccc.govt.nz/SCR

* The definition of a ‘hub’ is outlined in the 2023 feasibility study ’15. Glossary’:
“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. Initially this includes libraries, and service desks.
Shirley Library and Service Centre is an example.”

At the meeting I asked staff if the questions could be aligned to the 4 options being researched & I was told “no the questions have already been decided by the Board”:
“4.3 A feasibility study is currently underway to estimate the construction costs for four potential options for a new community facility.
– 1. Mixed use hub incorporating a library, service centre, and community operated community space,
– 2. Community operated large community facilities building,
– 3. Community operated small community facilities building,
– 4. Outdoor options similar to Dallington landing.” [No building]
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-community-reserve-memo/

My ‘Shirley Community Reserve Consultation’ feedback:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-community-reserve-feedback/

While my comments were included from the online form, my uploaded ‘Supporting Information’ .pdf was not.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ShirleyCommunityReserveConsultation2023JoannaGould.pdf

Did the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board elected members see the research & information provided in this .pdf?

Did the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board elected members see my written submission to the Christchurch City Council LTP 2024-34?
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc-long-term-plan-2024-submission/

8. Proposed Community Facility
Staff Report:
4.27.1 Option Description: An on budget community building – the recommended option.
5.3 Council is proposing to set aside $40,000 p.a. from 2028 to contribute to the operating costs of the facility not recovered through user charges.

See: https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-community-facility-feasibility-study/
9. Discussion, Fit with Christchurch City Council Network Plan
Providing hubs and focal points are important network plan outcomes.
9. Discussion, Breaking out of the box
– 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.

When are residents in our communities going to find out that after waiting for over 12 years, the ‘Proposed Community Facility’ at 10 Shirley Road/Shirley Community Reserve is to:
Build a 400m2 ‘traditional’ community centre.
The proposed building size is only 36.36% of the original building/former Shirley Community Centre.*

The ’36 Marshland Road facility’ Shirley Library & Service Centre building is 1,100m2, similar in size to the original building/former Shirley Community Centre.*
* See Figure 1. 36 Marshland Road facility superimposed on Shirley Community Reserve, Page 138 of the Agenda & Page 110 of the .pdf.

“A small community building would include a meeting space and kitchenette with toilets that are accessed externally.”???
Cost Estimate: $3,654,700 plus Geotech and foundation for a 400m2 building???

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.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-community-facility-feasibility-study/ (2019)
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/community-facilities-network-plan-email/ (2019)

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.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/where-is-our-community-centre-petition/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-road-central-group/

9. Re: 3. Request Staff to: ‘initiate the Design Process’
The Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board have yet to make a decision on the ‘Officer Recommendations’.
This decision process is suppose to be ‘open & transparent’ with discussions & decisions made in public, at the upcoming 13th June 2024 meeting.

Yet this process has already started.
Is this another predetermined decision by the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board?
Like the ‘Crossway Church’ proposal?
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/crossway-church-proposal/
& the ‘temporary’ (installed in May 2020) Pump Track proposal?
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/papanui-innes-skate-facilities/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/proposed-pump-track-for-shirley/

I was unaware until the ‘22.05.24 – Council – Long Term Plan 2024-34 Workshop’ that meetings had already been held…
“Staff are through the Board Chair [Emma Norrish] 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.”
John Filsell, Head of Community Support & Partnerships, Christchurch City Council
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc-draft-ltp-2024-34-workshops/

10. Re: 4. Request Staff to: ‘identify an appropriate Community Partner’
Staff Report:
– 3.5 Requirements, of the Community Facilities Network Plan, for a new Council opportunity include: “…a willing and able community partner that should be in a position to lead and drive the project end to end unless there is a clear reason why Council must lead.”

See: https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-community-facility-feasibility-study/
6.4.1 Asset data Across Council Owned Community Facilities
This suggests current provision is lower than the city-wide average in terms of community facilities.
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.
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
– That trust would not necessarily hold the vision (Community Plan) for the whole area
Option ‘All comers’ Approach’, Positives of approach:
– Perceived as fair
– Council is not partisan
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 33)

‘Prospective Community Partner’
After my LGOIMA request to Christchurch City Council, I received a phone call from John Filsell.
I was told “it’s you, ‘Shirley Road Central'”, the ‘prospective Community Partner’.

I hadn’t been informed that meetings that had been held with:
a few members of the former ‘Shirley Road Central’ group*, a townhouse property developer, an elected member & staff
to develop a proposal for a ‘traditional’ community centre to be built at 10 Shirley Road, Shirley Community Reserve, Richmond.
* See: 2. Constitution & 4. Current Status
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-road-central-group/

A few members of the former ‘Shirley Road Central’ group to ‘develop this facility in a Community Partnership through the Build and the Operation.’???

The Board have focused on funding different community groups/organisations to ‘activate’ the 10 Shirley Road/Shirley Community Reserve, which has caused further division:
‘Why are the Board providing funding for another activity/event hosted by a community group/organisation that isn’t located in Richmond?’
‘Why are they having an activity/event at 10 Shirley Road, when they have their own parks in their own areas?’
– ‘We are Richmond’ wayfinding signage installed.
– ‘Shirley Road Central’ Skip Day & Car Boot Sale events.
– ‘Shirley Village’ Youth Audit of 10 Shirley Road & Shirley Library.
– ‘Eastern Community Sport and Recreation’ Shirley Play Pop-up preschooler events.
– ‘St Albans Residents Association’ Nau mai Fiesta event.
– ‘Youth & Cultural Development (YCD)’ House of Hoopz FRESH event.

I helped to create the former ‘Shirley Road Central’ group.
I’ve engaged with ‘We are Richmond’, ‘Shirley Village’ & ‘St Albans Residents Association’ members.
Previously I also advocated for the Dallington Residents Association ‘Dallington/Burwood/Avondale Community Centre’ proposal.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/community-needs-community-centres/ (2018)

I still believe 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.

This 10 Shirley Road site has historically brought these communities together.
Yet these attempts to ‘activate’ 10 Shirley Road/Shirley Community Reserve & the governance/operating expenses/contestable funding of the ‘proposed community facility’ have & will further divide these communities.

‘Sympathetic Building Company‘
A residential ‘Townhouse Property Developer’???
Many residents have vocally opposed the ‘townhouse property developers’, especially in the suburbs around Shirley Road due to the Christchurch District Plan changes.

The reputation of our local ‘Townhouse Property Developers’ is:
they are ‘buying up land/demolishing family homes/removing all the trees’,
before building infill housing/townhouses that are taking over in their communities.

Does the Board want this ‘proposed community facility’ to succeed & be accepted by residents, when the ‘draft concept plans’ are put out for public consultation?

Why are the Board considering a ‘Community Partnership’ with this ‘sympathetic Building Company’/residential townhouse property developer?

Why are the Board not putting this ‘proposed community facility’ out for tender & engaging with an architecture firm/construction company that has previous experience building commercial/civic buildings & working with the Christchurch City Council?

Working with the Council: Proposal, tender and contract information for doing business with Christchurch City Council.
– https://ccc.govt.nz/the-council/tenders-and-contracts/
– https://ccc.govt.nz/the-council/plans-strategies-policies-and-bylaws/policies/sustainability-policies/procurement-policy/
– https://ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/The-Council/Plans-Strategies-Policies-Bylaws/Policies/Council-org/Christchurch-City-Council-Unsolicited-Proposals.pdf

11. Re: 5. Requests that staff provide an update to the Board on a quarterly basis
The Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board was given the ‘Delegated Authority for the rebuild of the Shirley Community Centre’* by the Christchurch City Council, after the failed ‘Crossway Church’ proposal.
* See: 1. Delegated Authority for the rebuild of the Shirley Community Centre (2016)
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-community-centre-decision-making/
4. History of Shirley Community Centre Decision-making (2012 to 2024)

After researching & writing the above blog post with 46 items, I’m left wondering:
Q. What actual progress has the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board made from 2016 to 2024?

Q. Is the current ‘sympathetic Building Company’ proposal only going to end up like the ‘Crossway Church’ proposal (2013 to 2016) before it was voted against by elected members, with residents no closer to having a new building at 10 Shirley Road/Shirley Community Reserve after 12 years waiting?

Q. Is it time for the Board to pass the delegated authority for this project back to the Council so that it can:
– distance itself from having to deal with the factions in these communities over this project’s design/build
– make faster progress on the design/build & the Board would not be held responsible by our communities for any delays
– be co-designed with partnerships & specialists in their fields
See: ‘Partnerships’ (Pages 3-4) & ‘Planning’ (Pages 5-6)
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/CCCDraftAnnualPlan2023SubmissionJoannaGould.pdf

At the recent Christchurch City Council – Long Term Plan 2024-34 Workshops on the 22nd, 24th & 28th May, this ‘Proposed Community Facility’ at 10 Shirley Road/Shirley Community Reserve has been discussed.
The current Staff Advice & Direction Given for the Mayor’s Recommendations:
– $75,346 in FY25, $800,000 in FY26, $2,830,000 in FY27
– Bring forward construction from 2031 to 2026-2027
See: 44., 45. & 46. Christchurch City Council – Long Term Plan 2024-34 Workshop
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-community-centre-decision-making/

“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, in the Central Ward at 10 Shirley Road, Richmond?

12. Attachment B: Shirley Community Centre Feasibility Study 2023
Feasibility Study: Pages 42-135 of the Agenda & Pages 14-107 of the .pdf

Re: d. Shirley Road Central (Page 28 of the Study, Page 69 of the Report)
Shirley Road Central (SRC) was not ‘previously known as the 10 Shirley Road Group’.
They are two separate entities.
’10 Shirley Road’ website, Facebook Page & Group is my personal ideas/research as ‘Shirley Centre 10 Shirley Road’.
I setup a separate ‘Shirley Road Central’ website, Facebook Page & Group to distinguish between the SRC group & my personal views.

This Feasibility Study does provide information to support relocating the Shirley Library to 10 Shirley Road.
– population density for the current Shirley Library 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.

– busiest suburban library in the Christchurch Libraries network, with no learning spaces/meeting rooms/toilets in the our current Library area.

– “explained by shared space with the Council Service Centre and NZ Post, but it is also due to proximity to the Palms Mall.”
It 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.

– difference in total issues, due to the lack of books available, no room for more book shelves.

– “Use of PCs at Shirley Library is one of the highest rates in the network at 41.9%”, 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.

– The ‘ReVision/Shirley Village’ Youth Friendly Spaces Audit highlights the problems with the current Shirley Village from our youth perspective: “would not recommend to others”.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-youth-audits/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-transport/
See: https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-community-facility-feasibility-study/
– Its high visibility is particularly attractive to young people.
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 26)

– ‘Wā Pēpi: Babytimes’ has the highest attendance, 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.
See: https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/landscape-ideas/

Re: Outdoor Recreation Space (Page 36 of the Study, Page 77 of the Report)
– “Providing access to places where children can access play independently is important for their physical and emotional development.”
This is unavailable for safety reasons at the current Shirley Library, situated in The Palms carpark.

– “The current play provisions in this area are older and in need of refurbishment, namely the play space next to the Shirley Playcentre.”
“7.3 Community Needs Analysis for Richmond
Need for improved playground facilities across Richmond targeting pre-schoolers and small children.”
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 22)
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-community-facility-feasibility-study/

– “There is an opportunity to provide for inclusive play as the 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.”
This is why I have been promoting my original ideas from 2018:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-community-centre-ideas/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/playground-ideas/
See: ‘Support Providers’ & ‘Playgrounds’
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-map/

13. Attachment C: Shirley Community Centre Supplementary Information 19 February 2024
Supplementary Info: Pages 136-140 of the Agenda & Pages 108-112 of the .pdf
1. Summary of information on the physical capacity of local facilities
2. Community support for both community and recreation play spaces
3. Future plans for the Council facility at 36 Marshlands Road
4. Considerations for relocation of Shirley Library
5. Understanding the existing Council facility
6. Consideration for a large Council facility at Shirley Community Reserve
7. Cost estimates for capex and opex
8. Potential coastal retreat implications

2. Community support for both community and recreation play spaces
See: ‘6. Community Consultations’ above

3. Future plans for the Council facility at 36 Marshlands Road
a. Currently there are no plans or intention to relocate any of the three services from this location.
b. Should relocation of Shirley Library be decided, the Waitai Governance Team would require office space within their Board area.
c. The Head of Customer Services highlighted the Council’s NZ Post franchise provides a key service for The Palms.

Re: 3a. Relocate Shirley Library Plans
– Shirley Library 2008
Current Facility: Built 1996.
Future need for more service capability.
Space required to develop service for learning services to support need in the community.
Growth retail: The Palms Shopping Centre. Need: Community.
Recommended Actions: Participate in ongoing Council/Ecan planning with mall owners with the view to possible relocation and upgrade of library facility as suburban library.
Priority Driver: Growth/need. Retail development impacted by growth.
Opportunity for service improvement.
– Land Use Recovery Plan | December 2013
Halswell, Belfast, New Brighton and Shirley suburbs are identified a key activity centres for business and community which aligns with the planning for new and retention of libraries in these areas.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/christchurch-city-council-libraries-2025-facilities-plan/

– 13.1 Appendix 1. Key Informant Interviews:
David Cosgrove. Divisional Development Manager for AMP Capital, NZ
See: https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-community-facility-feasibility-study/
The Palms Shopping Complex is owned by AMP Capital (Sydney) [has been sold again, since this report was written].
a. There was an attempt with the past owners to purchase land and to start a process that might have led to the re-positioning of the Council owned facilities (Library, Service Centre and Committee/Meeting and Staff Office Space).
This work happened around 2005-6.
b. For us development to the north is complicated because Council own three blocks of pensioner flats which would also need to be relocated as well.
c. In the previous master planning there was a relocation of community facilities, bus exchange and pensioner housing, but as indicated nothing was actually achieved and the ownership of the Palms changed hands.
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 36-37)

Re: 3b. Relocate Waitai Governance Team
– Option 1: to New Brighton (to help support the investment/redevelopment projects now happening in New Brighton), co-locate with the current Waitai Community Board meeting room at The Boardroom, Corner Beresford and Union Street, New Brighton?
– Option 2: to a new ‘Dallington/Burwood/Avondale Community Centre’?
“at 255 New Brighton Road close to All Saints Church, includes [Waitai] Coastal-Burwood[-Linwood] Governance Unit more central to their residents [new boardroom for Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board meetings?]”
See: https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-funding/
4. Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board

Re: 3c. Relocate NZ Post
Relocate NZ Post back into The Palms, co-located by their Service Desk (wheelchair & shopping carts available), in between the food court & the playground area.
Similar to the NZ Post Kiosk that use to be located in the South City food court.
More space to parcel up purchases to post & seating opportunities while waiting at busy times of the day/holidays.
Increase foot traffic into a quieter area of the mall & make it easier for residents & courier drivers to find a park close by.

4. Considerations for relocation of Shirley Library
a. Any relocation of Shirley Library would need to align with the Libraries Network Plan 2015, location preferences would include:
– Near local shops/supermarket/mall/bank/medical centre/schools/playgrounds/toy libraries.*
– On bus route/near transport hubs/handy walking distance from home/easily
accessed/free, plentiful carparking adjacent to library.
– Attractive street visibility.
b. Not all buses that stop at The Palms travel past Shirley Community Reserve. Routes 60 and 135 closest stop will be on North Parade with approximately a 10 minute walk to the new location.
Route 44 stops further along Shirley Road near Stapletons Road and Quinns Road.
c. 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.

Re: 4a. Libraries Network Plan 2015
See: https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/christchurch-city-council-libraries-2025-facilities-plan/

Location Preferences:
* This is the text missing from the above sentence:
“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.”
“Library facilities need to be ‘where the people go’. Many users, particularly casual leisure users, are attracted to libraries in a similar way to retail and entertainment activities. 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’.”

Building Requirements:
– 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.
– Whanau-friendly facilities, e.g. children’s areas, baby feeding/changing facilities.
– Outdoor environment important – need natural features and to be welcoming; clear signposting within and outside the building.
– Accessible buildings and facilities for people with disabilities.
– Good infrastructure and building design (air conditioning, etc).
– Library buildings will foster a sense of civic pride.

From Papanui Road (Papanui Library/Papanui Ward) to Marshland Road (Shirley Library/Burwood Ward), children/residents/visitors are without access to a local suburban sized library in the Innes Ward.

The current Shirley Library is located in the carpark of The Palms (Burwood Ward).
There is no outdoor area/playground or dedicated car parking available for library users.

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

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

Re: 4b. Bus Routes/Stops
See: https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-transport/
3. Public Transport: Buses
This location at 10 Shirley Road is accessible by public transport for residents in:
Shirley, Dallington, Richmond, Edgeware, St Albans & Mairehau
Plus: Citywide (Orbiter), Merivale, Parklands, Burwood & Avonside.
https://go.metroinfo.co.nz/mtbp/en-gb/arrivals/content/routes
No. 60 & 135 Bus Users have access to New Brighton Library.
No. 60 Bus Users from Richmond can use the Orbiter to get to 10 Shirley Road.
Parklands*/New Brighton residents can use the No. 7: Halswell/Queenspark to get to 10 Shirley Road.
* Only a small area of Parklands residents can use the No. 80: Lincoln/Parklands to get to the Parklands Library by bus.

Re: 4c. Insufficient budget to relocate the Shirley Library
See: 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, in the Central Ward at 10 Shirley Road, Richmond?

5. Understanding the existing Council facility
The combined Shirley Library/Service/Governance facility has a footprint of approximately 1100m2.
Superimposing the existing Council facility on Shirley Community Reserve can be represented by the image in figure 1.
This size of facility and associated amenities would significantly impact on the available space for recreation and play space on the reserve.

Re: Size of Facility
If you look at ‘Figure 2 Aerial map of ground conditions at Shirley Community Reserve (source GHD Geotechnical Investigation Report, 2013)’
Attachment B, Page 49 of the Report & Page 8 of the Study
You will see that the original building is similar in size to the existing Council facility.
Previously the original building covered the current ‘grass area’.
See: https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/local-green-spaces/ &
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-map/ which includes:
Community Gardens, Recreational Facilities, Playgrounds & Parks in our areas.

6. Consideration for a large Council facility at Shirley Community Reserve
– Similar to the proposed Ōmōkihi South Library project, approximately 50 car parks including a minimum of three accessible spaces are recommended. There is a no requirement for car parks in the District Plan.
– Design criteria should follow CPTED principles and allow for cycle parking and accessible pathways to the facility.

Re: Car/Cycle Parking & Accessible Pathways
See: 2. Driving: Off Street & Street Parking, 4. Bikes & Scooters & 5. Walking
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-transport/

7. Cost estimates for capex and opex
– a. Capital budget
Scenario 2. Rebuild 36 Marshlands Rd facility (1,100m2) plus 200m2 community space [at 10 Shirley Road/Shirley Community Reserve, Richmond in the Central Ward]
Cost Estimate: $15,489,952 plus Geotech and foundation
Based on scenario 2 above the shortfall would be $12,489,952 plus geotechnical investigations and suitable foundation.
– b. Operational budget
Additional operational costs would be incurred from separating the existing Council services located at the 36 Marshland Road facility including location of suitable office space for the Waitai Governance Team.

Re: 7a. Capital budget
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-funding/
Re: 7b. Operational budget
Relocating the Shirley Library to 10 Shirley Road means that it is Council operated & the budget already exists. This would just move it from the Burwood Ward to the Central Ward.
Being Council owned/funded, this facility wouldn’t be competing with the already existing community facilities in our areas, vying for the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board contestable funding.

My recommendation is:
Scenario 2. Rebuild 36 Marshlands Rd facility (1,100m2) plus 200m2 community space at 10 Shirley Road/Shirley Community Reserve, Richmond in the Central Ward.

This would be the ‘Shirley Centre’ on Shirley Road…the final piece in our community facilities puzzle, the missing link that would help to connect all our residents in the areas around Shirley Road, to the existing schools/facilities/green spaces/organisations/support services in our local communities.

– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-map/
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/location-location-location/
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-concept-image/
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/you-are-here-a-place-to-be/
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/placemaking/
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/third-place/
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/bumping-spaces/
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/building-ideas/
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/landscape-ideas/
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/playground-ideas/

Shirley Community Centre Decision-making

1. Delegated Authority for the rebuild of the Shirley Community Centre (2016)
2. Mayor’s Recommendation for CCC Long Term Plan 2018-2028
3. Mayor’s Recommendation for CCC Long Term Plan 2021-2031
4. History of Shirley Community Centre Decision-making (2012 to 2024)

In 2012, after the Christchurch Earthquakes, the Shirley Community Centre at 10 Shirley Road/Shirley Community Reserve, Richmond was demolished.

From 2013 to 2016, “staff explored options for a third-party funded and managed facility” (Crossway Church proposal), which was eventually rejected.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/crossway-church-proposal/

In 2016, the Christchurch City Council gave Delegated Authority for the ‘rebuild of the Shirley Community Centre’ to the Shirley/Papanui Community Board.

From 2016 to 2018, I’m unsure what progress was made on the Shirley Community Centre rebuild project.

As by the beginning of 2018, the funding for the new Shirley Community Centre had been ‘Removed from Programme’, Community Facilities Rebuild & “the Papanui-Innes Community Board has take the rare step of starting a petition to fight the city council over funding.”

In May 2018, after my 1st verbal submission to Council for the Draft Long Term Plan 2018-2028, Former Mayor Lianne Dalziel’s recommendations included directing staff to engage with external independent consultants for:
– Community Needs Analysis for Richmond (December 2018) &
– Shirley Community Centre Feasibility and Business Case (8 August 2019)
I was interviewed by both external independent consultants for these reports.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-community-facility-feasibility-study/

Each year from 2018 to 2024, I have made submissions advocating for a new Centre to be built at at 10 Shirley Road/Shirley Community Reserve, Richmond.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/submissions/

Eventually in 2021, after my 2nd CCC Draft Long Term Plan verbal submission & ‘Shirley Road Central’ group presentation of the ‘Where is our Community Centre’ petition, Former Mayor Lianne Dalziel’s recommendations included:
– “Council reinstates $3.0 million funding formerly set aside for the rebuild of the Shirley Community Centre in FY 2029/30 – FY 2031/32 to enable a subsequent annual plan to bring the funding forward if plans are progressed.” &
– “Council adds $35,000 in FY 2021/22 for an updated feasibility study to look at other options, including incorporating the current Shirley library.”

But since 2016, when Council gave the Delegated Authority for the rebuild of the Shirley Community Centre, the Community Board have focused on funding ‘activation’ for the 10 Shirley Road/Shirley Community Reserve:
– ‘Temporary’ Modular pump track & multi use concrete table installed (May 2020).
– Landscape plan requested.
– ‘We are Richmond’ wayfinding signage installed.
– ‘Shirley Road Central’ Skip Day & Car Boot Sale events.
– ‘Shirley Village’ Youth Audit of 10 Shirley Road & Shirley Library.
– ‘Eastern Community Sport and Recreation’ Shirley Play Pop-up preschooler events.
– ‘St Albans Residents Association’ Nau mai Fiesta event.
– ‘Youth & Cultural Development (YCD)’ House of Hoopz FRESH event.
– Memo on: Toilets, Signage, Lights, Basketball Court renewal, Accessibility, Reserve Planning.
– New fencing, gate & signage installed.
– Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPED) report requested.

Now in 2024, the Christchurch City Council Draft Long Term Plan 2024-2034 includes:
– Central Ward, Parks & Foreshore
74005 – Shirley Community Reserve
Landscape Development Plan, $50,000 in FY25/26, Page 3
(10 Shirley Road/Shirley Community Reserve is now in the Central Ward)
– Innes Ward, Community Development and Facilities
20053 – Shirley Community Centre
$3,706,796 in FY27/28 – FY33/34, Page 5
https://ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/The-Council/Plans-Strategies-Policies-Bylaws/Plans/Long-Term-Plan/LTP-2024-2034/STR6734-Draft-LTP-capital-schedules-Waipapa-v2.pdf

After the Christchurch City Council Long Term Plan 2024-34 Workshops in May:
Direction Given to “Bring forward construction from 2031 to 2026-2027.”
“Staff are through the Board Chair [Emma Norrish] 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.”
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc-draft-ltp-2024-34-workshops/

The 2nd Feasibility Study (requested in 2021) & latest Consultation Feedback (from August 2023) will be presented as part of the Staff Report at the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board on the 13th June 2024, for the Community Board to decide on the future of the Shirley Community Reserve, 10 Shirley Road, Richmond.

1. Delegated Authority for the rebuild of the Shirley Community Centre (2016)
see “9. Proposed Shirley Community Centre Rebuild Request for Delegated Authority (31 August 2016)” &
“10. Proposed Shirley Community Centre Rebuild Request for Delegated Authority (8 September 2016)”
– At their meeting of 31 August 2016 the Shirley/Papanui Community Board considered a process for the rebuild of the Shirley Community Centre.
– The Board wishes to proceed with this project and suggests that a process similar to that put in place by the Council for the rebuild of the St Albans Community Centre be followed.
– Accordingly the Board requests that delegated authority for decision-making around the Shirley Community Centre project be given by the Council, including the delegation of authority to make decisions from the recommendations of the Working Party and from staff for the siting, design and rebuild process and future management of the facility.
– Council Resolved CNCL/2016/00368
That the Council:
1. Delegates the necessary authority (as per the St Albans Community facility) to the Shirley/Papanui Community Board (to be the Papanui/Innes Community Board in the next term) for decisions regarding the rebuild and future management of the Shirley Community Centre at either 10 Shirley Road or any other selected site.
2. Request that the Community Board talk with staff around potential options for a regeneration plan in this area under the Greater Christchurch Regeneration Act 2016.

2. Mayor’s Recommendation for CCC Long Term Plan 2018-2028
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2018/06/CLTP_20180622_MIN_2843_AT.PDF
Page 6
22 June 2018
8. Funding new and existing community facilities
a. That the Council requests staff to complete the Community Facilities Network Plan as soon as practicable; and approves an additional $170,000 operational expenditure in 2018/19 to expedite this, inform next year’s and future years’ annual plans.
Potential developments include but are not limited to;
the Shirley Community Centre*, a Multicultural Centre, a Centre for Avondale, Burwood and Dallington area and an Okains Bay Community Centre.”
* Staff directed to engage external independent consultants for:
a. Community Needs Analysis for Richmond (December 2018) &
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Richmond-Community-Needs-Analysis-Report.pdf
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/richmond-community-needs-analysis/
b. Shirley Community Centre Feasibility and Business Case (8 August 2019)
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Shirley_Community_Centre_Feasibility_Report_and_Business_Case_August_2019.pdf
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-community-facility-feasibility-study/

3. Mayor’s Recommendation for CCC Long Term Plan 2021-2031
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2021/06/C-LTP_20210621_MIN_5408_AT.PDF
Page 25
21 June 2021
M8: 10 Shirley Rd
M8A: That the Council reinstates $3.0 million funding formerly set aside for the rebuild of the Shirley Community Centre in FY 2029/30 – FY 2031/32 to enable a subsequent annual plan to bring the funding forward if plans are progressed.
M8B: That the Council adds $35,000 in FY 2021/22 for an updated feasibility study to look at other options, including incorporating the current Shirley library*.
* Staff directed to provide an updated feasibility study in FY 2021/22.
This updated feasibility study has yet to be presented to the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board, nearly 3 years later.
Shirley Community Reserve Memo (10 June 2022)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2022/06/PICB_20220617_AGN_7648_AT.PDF
Page 97
4.3 A feasibility study is currently underway to estimate the construction costs for four potential options for a new community facility.
1. Mixed use hub incorporating a library, service centre, and community operated community space,
2. Community operated large community facilities building,
3. Community operated small community facilities building,
4. Outdoor options similar to Dallington landing.

4. History of Shirley Community Centre Decision-making (2012 to 2024)

1. Christchurch City Council Community Facilities Rebuild – Tranche 1
2. Crossway Deputation to Shirley/Papanui Community Board (17 July 2013)
3. Christchurch City Council Meeting (28 August 2014)
4. Christchurch City Council Communities, Housing and Economic Development Committee Meeting (31 March 2015)
5. Shirley/Papanui Community Board Meeting – Minutes (19 August 2015)
6. Shirley/Papanui Community Board Meeting – Agenda (6 July 2016)
7. Shirley/Papanui Community Board Meeting – Minutes (6 July 2016)
8. Proposed Shirley Community Centre Rebuild (3 August 2016)
9. Proposed Shirley Community Centre Rebuild Request for Delegated
Authority (31 August 2016)
10. Proposed Shirley Community Centre Rebuild Request for Delegated Authority (8 September 2016)
11. Papanui-Innes Community Board Meeting – Agenda (15 November 2016)
12. Papanui-Innes Community Board Meeting – Agenda (9 December 2016)
13. Christchurch City Council Communities, Housing and Economic Development Committee Meeting (December 2016)
14. Christchurch City Council Annual Plan 2017-18 (20 June 2017)
15. Christchurch City Council Social Community Development and Housing Committee – Community Facilities Rebuild (February 2018)
16. Papanui-Innes Community Board Meeting – Agenda (23 February 2018)
17. Papanui-Innes Community Board Meeting – Agenda (9 March 2018)
18. Papanui-Innes Community Board Meeting – Minutes (9 March 2018)
19. ‘Board launches petition to get new community facility’ News Article (10 April 2018)
20. Papanui-Innes Community Board Meeting – Agenda (13 April 2018)
21. Papanui-Innes Community Board Meeting – Agenda (27 April 2018)
22. Papanui-Innes Community Board Meeting – Minutes (27 April 2018)
23. Christchurch City Council Social and Community Development Committee – Community Facilities Rebuild (May 2018)
24. Christchurch City Council Draft Long Term Plan 2018-2028 (12 May 2018)
25. Christchurch City Council Long Term Plan 2018-2028 (22 June 2018)
26. Christchurch City Council Finance and Performance Committee (August 2019)
27. Waipapa/Papanui-Innes Community Board – Agenda (19 February 2021)
28. Christchurch City Council Long Term Plan 2021-31 (21 June 2021)
29. Waipapa/Papanui-Innes Community Board – Agenda (16 July 2021)
30. Waipapa/Papanui-Innes Community Board – Agenda (3 September 2021)
31. Waipapa/Papanui-Innes Community Board – Agenda (29 April 2022)
32. Waipapa/Papanui-Innes Community Board – Agenda (17 June 2022)
33. Waipapa/Papanui-Innes Community Board – Agenda (15 July 2022)
34. Waipapa/Papanui-Innes Community Board – Agenda (19 August 2022)
35. Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board – Agenda (13 April 2023)
36. Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board – Agenda (11 May 2023)
37. Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board – Agenda (12 July 2023)
38. Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board – Agenda (10 August 2023)
39. Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board – Agenda (14 September 2023)
40. Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board – Agenda (9 November 2023)
41. Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board – Agenda (14 December 2023)
42. Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board – Agenda (14 March 2024)
43. Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board – Agenda (9 May 2024)
44. Christchurch City Council – Long Term Plan 2024-34 Workshop (22 May 2024)
45. Christchurch City Council – Long Term Plan 2024-34 Workshop (24 May 2024)
46. Christchurch City Council – Long Term Plan 2024-34 Workshop (28 May 2024)

1. Christchurch City Council Community Facilities Rebuild – Tranche 1
https://ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/The-Rebuild/Community-facilities/CommunityFacilitiesTranche1.pdf
Page 2
21, Shirley Community Centre, 10 Shirley Road
Recommended Required Work: Replace. Section 38 (claim insured value).

2. Crossway Deputation to Shirley/Papanui Community Board (17 July 2013)
https://resources.ccc.govt.nz/files/TheCouncil/meetingsminutes/agendas/2013/July/ShirleyPapanui17July2013CONFIRMEDMINUTES.pdf
Page 1
2. Crossway Deputation to Shirley/Papanui Community Board
Part A – Matters Requiring a Council Decision, 1. Deputations By Appointment
Deputations: Public–Private Partnership Proposal for Community Facility Shirley/Richmond Area
Board Recommendation
The Board supports in principle the proposal by Crossway Community Church to establish a public private partnership and recommends that the Council:
(a) Grant a long term lease for the former Shirley Community Centre site at 10 Shirley Road to Crossway Community Church.
(b) Note the Crossway Community Church (with the support of its parent bodies, the Methodist Church of New Zealand and the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand) proposes, through engagement with the local community and stakeholders, to design and build a new multipurpose community facility available for both the church and wider community.
(c) Note that the Church intends to fund the capital project and manage and operate the facility according to an operational plan agreed under the public-private partnership within available funding.
(d) Note the importance of the geotechnical investigation for the proposed site at 10 Shirley Road and requests that the Council undertake an urgent geotechnical investigation.
(e) Consider this proposal by Crossway Community Church.*
* see https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/crossway-church-proposal/

3. Christchurch City Council Meeting (28 August 2014)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2014/08/CNCL_28082014_MIN.PDF
Public Excluded, Page 11
At a meeting on 28 August 2014, the Council resolved to:
33.1 Approve the Tranche 1 prioritised programme.
33.2 Approve funding as amended in total from the Facilities and Infrastructure Improvement – New Borrowing Allowance comprising:
$29,087,059 for Community Facilities and
$11,703,596 for Heritage Facilities
33.3 Apply proceeds of any insurance claim for these facilities to the Facilities and Infrastructure Improvement – New Borrowing Allowance.
5.15 Within the Tranche 1 programme as approved, $2.52m was allocated to a new Shirley Community Centre.

4. Christchurch City Council Communities, Housing and Economic Development Committee Meeting (31 March 2015)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2015/03/CHED_31032015_AGN.PDF
Page 32
Shirley Community Centre
Opening: To Be Determined
Current Phase: Concept
Delegated Authority for Concept Design Approval: Business Owner
Current Status: A meeting was held on 17/02/15 between CCC PM, representatives of church groups proposing to establish a facility on the site of old Community Centre, and the CCC Asset Owner.
At this meeting the church provided background on their work to date and the mechanics of their offering.
CCC PM is now gathering information internally to understand status from a property and community support point of view.
Feedback received as part of this will inform whether or not further stakeholder consultation is required.
The end output will be a recommendation report by the Asset Owner to the Community Board and Council regarding the Church Group’s offering.
An update is to be provided to the Community Board via a seminar sitting on 1 April, but is highly unlikely that the recommendation report will be available at that time.

5. Shirley/Papanui Community Board Meeting – Minutes (19 August 2015)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2015/08/SPCB_19082015_MIN.PDF
Page 1
Part A – Matters Requiring a Council Decision
1. Shirley Community Facility Rebuild – 10 Shirley Road
The Board considered a report seeking its recommendation to the Council for the release of a Request for Proposal (RFP) to the open market inviting proposals for the development and operation of a Community Centre or similar at 10 Shirley Road, the site of the former Shirley Community Centre.
Staff Recommendation
That the Shirley/Papanui Community Board recommend to the Council that it instruct Council Officers to prepare and release a Request for Proposal (RFP) to the open market inviting proposals for the development and operation of a Community Centre or similar at 10 Shirley Road.
Board Recommendation
That the staff recommendation be adopted.

6. Shirley/Papanui Community Board Meeting – Agenda (6 July 2016)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2016/07/SPCB_20160706_AGN_685_AT.PDF
Pages 39-48 Staff Report
Pages 49 Letter to Community Meeting attendees from John Filsell, Recreation and Sports Manager, Christchurch City Council
Pages 50-52 Community Meeting Feedback (30 April 2015)
Pages 53-115 Crossway RFP Proposal Part 1 & 2
Crossway Community Centre, Community Facility – 10 Shirley Rd,
Submission Report dated 22/3/2016
10. Shirley Community Facility – 10 Shirley Road
1.1 The purpose of this report is for the Shirley/Papanui Community Board to receive the information contained within and to instruct staff on how to proceed regarding the reinstatement of a Combined Community Facility at 10 Shirley Road.
1.3 Specifically, on the 19th of August 2015 the Shirley/Papanui Community recommended that the staff recommendation as set out below be adopted.
That recommendation was:
That the Shirley/Papanui Community Board recommend to the Council that it instruct Council Officers to prepare and release a Request for Proposal (RFP) to the open market inviting proposals for the development and operation of a Community Centre or similar at 10 Shirley Road.
1.4 Subsequently at the Council meeting of 10 September 2015, it was resolved on the motion of Councillor Cotter, seconded by Councillor Jones, that the Council instruct Council Officers to prepare and release a Request for Proposal (RFP) to the open market inviting proposals for the development and operation of a Community Centre or similar at 10 Shirley Road.
4.2 The following feasible options have been considered:
Option 1 – Reject Crossway Proposal.
Under this option the Board would instruct Council staff to reject (with many thanks for their offer and commitment) the Crossway Proposal received in response to the Request for Proposal document and proceed with the consultation, design and construction of a new facility using available Council funds.
Option 2 – Accept Crossway Proposal.
Under this option the Board would recommend to the Council that the Council instruct staff to accept the Crossway Proposal as presented. Council approval for this option is required due to the grant component of the Crossway Proposal.
Option 3 – Neither accept nor reject Crossway Proposal.
Under this option the Board would neither accept nor reject the Crossway Proposal as it stands, and would instead instruct staff to obtain additional detail/negotiate and report back to the Board at a later date.
5.6. The Crossways Group first formally met with Christchurch City Council Staff on the 22nd of March 2013 regarding the possibility of leasing Council land to build a facility to replace churches lost in the earthquakes.
Staff Recommendations
3.1. That the Shirley/ Papanui Community Board recommend to Council that it instruct Council Officers to prepare and release a Request for Proposal (RFP) to the open market inviting proposals for the development and operation of a Community Centre or similar at 10 Shirley Road.

7. Shirley/Papanui Community Board Meeting – Minutes (6 July 2016)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2016/07/SPCB_20160706_MIN_685.PDF
Page 5 & 6
10. Shirley Community Facility – 10 Shirley Road
Staff Recommendations
That the Shirley/Papanui Community Board:
1. Receive the information contained within this report and instruct staff on how to proceed regarding the reinstatement of a combined community facility at 10 Shirley Road.
The Board discussed the staff report and the potential options for the reinstatement of the facility.
The following Motion was moved by Member Keown and seconded by Member Watson.
That the Shirley/Papanui Community Board resolve to accept the Shirley Community Facility Partnership Proposal (Option Two).
The Motion was put to the Board and a Division called.
The division was declared lost by 2 votes to 5 votes the voting being as follows:
For: Member Keown and Member Watson
Against: Member Davidson, Member Byrne, Member Cotter, Member Jones and Member Norrish
Community Board Resolved SPCB/2016/00096
Part C
The Shirley/Papanui Community Board resolved to:
1. Accept the Shirley Community Facility (Option One) and request that staff proceed with further investigation on the provision of a community facility at 10 Shirley Road for the Shirley community and report back to the Board.
The division was declared carried by 4 votes to 3 votes the voting being as follows:
For: Member Byrne, Member Cotter, Member Jones and Member Norrish
Against: Member Davidson, Member Keown and Member Watson
Member Keown/Member Watson, Carried
Community Board Resolved SPCB/2016/00097
Part C
The Shirley/Papanui Community Board resolved to:
1. Further request that the report on the provision of a community facility at 10 Shirley Road include an option to provide full delegation to the Shirley/Papanui Community Board to facilitate the building of a community centre for the Shirley community.
Member Jones/Member Norrish, Carried

8. Proposed Shirley Community Centre Rebuild (3 August 2016)
https://councillive.ccc.govt.nz/meeting/item-1-apologies-68/item-12-proposed-shirley-community-centre-rebuild-request-for-delegated-authority/
Item 12*
* This video also contains the discussion regarding the Delegated Authority to Shirley/Papanui Community Board for the Shirley Community Centre Rebuild.

9. Proposed Shirley Community Centre Rebuild Request for Delegated
Authority (31 August 2016)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2016/09/CNCL_20160908_AGN_480_AT.PDF
Pages 91-92
Item 17, Report from Shirley/Papanui Community Board
At their meeting of 31 August 2016 the Shirley/Papanui Community Board considered a process for the rebuild of the Shirley Community Centre.
The Council has allocated funding of $2.57 million to cover the capital costs of the rebuild of the Shirley Community Centre.
This project is in Tranche 1 of the Community Facilities Rebuild Programme.
The Board wishes to proceed with this project and suggests that a process similar to that put in place by the Council for the rebuild of the St Albans Community Centre be followed.
Accordingly the Board requests that delegated authority for decision-making around the Shirley Community Centre project be given by the Council, including the delegation of authority to make decisions from the recommendations of the Working Party and from staff for the siting, design and rebuild process and future management of the facility.

10. Proposed Shirley Community Centre Rebuild Request for Delegated Authority (8 September 2016)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2016/09/CNCL_20160908_MIN_480.PDF
Item 12, Page 5
Council Resolved CNCL/2016/00368
That the Council:
1. Delegates the necessary authority (as per the St Albans Community facility) to the Shirley/Papanui Community Board (to be the Papanui/Innes Community Board in the next term) for decisions regarding the rebuild and future management of the Shirley Community Centre at either 10 Shirley Road or any other selected site.
2. Request that the Community Board talk with staff around potential options for a regeneration plan in this area under the Greater Christchurch Regeneration Act 2016.

11. Papanui-Innes Community Board Meeting – Agenda (15 November 2016)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2016/11/PICB_20161115_AGN_1195_AT.PDF
Page 14
4.1.2 Matter – Shirley Community Centre Rebuild
Status: Planning for this project has started. Council has approved delegated authority to the Papanui-Innes Community Board for decision-making around this project following consideration in the last term of the Community Board.
Information obtained from previous community consultation will be analysed and a community meeting held to obtain further information on the use of the facility by the community.
Action Required: Provide a briefing to the Community Board regarding community governance processes in November/December 2016.
The Board will consider whether to establish a working party to facilitate the rebuild and its membership in November/December 2016.
Page 75
10. Papanui-Innes Community Board Area Update
2.2 Shirley Community Centre Rebuild
A community meeting is planned for Thursday 17 November, 6-8pm at the Shirley Intermediate School Hall.
The Community will be asked ‘What would you like to do at the new centre?’
This is the start of a partnership with the community to provide a new community centre.
At the next Board meeting the Board will be asked to form a working party, similar to the St Albans Working Party concept, to progress the design of the new community centre and to approve a terms of reference for this working party.

12. Papanui-Innes Community Board Meeting – Agenda (9 December 2016)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2016/12/PICB_20161209_AGN_1197_AT.PDF
Page 69
2.1 10 Shirley Road Community Facility rebuild
Information on the terms of reference and membership of the working party for this rebuild will be separately circulated for members’ consideration. Also attached is a Memorandum on the Site Selection Process and the Terms of Reference for the 10 Shirley Road Community Centre Rebuild Project (refer Attachment A).
Staff Recommended Resolutions:
That the Papanui-Innes Community Board:
1. Approve the recommendation that the site of the new permanent Shirley Community Centre be confirmed as the existing site (10 Shirley Road).
2. Approve the Terms of Reference for the Shirley Community Centre Rebuild Working Party for the rebuild of the Community Centre.
Page 72 & 73
Attachment A – Memorandum: 1 December 2016
Re: Information on the Site Selection process and the Terms of Reference for the Shirley Community Centre rebuild project
1. Site Selection Process
The recommendation of 10 Shirley Road has taken into account a number of factors including the area of land needed, access, parking and zoning designations.
All Council-owned properties within a 1.5km radius of 10 Shirley Road were identified and taken into consideration against a number of factors.
– The site at 10 Shirley Road met the following criteria including:
Sufficient space (9042m2) for both the community centre and necessary off-street parking plus other community activities
– Good access with road frontages to Chancellor Street, Slater Street and Shirley Road
– Appropriate zoning designation for the purpose of community facilities already in place
– Ownership is with the Council and is held in trust for a local purpose
– Community awareness of site as this was the site of the previous community centre.
It should be noted that the local playcentre holds a separate lease over the area (769 square metres) as shown within the red border in the map.
It is recommended that site of the new Shirley Community Centre be confirmed as 10 Shirley Road.
Staff Recommendation
That the Papanui-Innes Community Board under delegated authority from the Christchurch City Council granted at the Council meeting of 8 September 2016.
Approve the recommendation that the site of the new permanent Shirley Community Centre be the existing site (10 Shirley Road).

13. Christchurch City Council Communities, Housing and Economic Development Committee Meeting (December 2016)
https://www.ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/The-Rebuild/About-the-Rebuild/CHEDCommitteeDecember2016CommunityFacilitiesRebuildandHeritageAlreadyApprovedTranche1Tranche2Projects2.pdf
Page 59
Active Projects
Shirley Community Centre – New Build
The community centre on Shirley Road was demolished under a section 38 notice from CERA.
A new facility is required in the wider Shirley area.
This project seeks to undertake a business case and location study to identify suitable areas and possible community partnerships.
A community meeting to discuss the project was held on 17 November.
Unfortunately the turnout of community members was very light.
At a Community Board meeting on 9 November the Papanui-Innes Community Board confirmed the location of the new facility as 10 Shirley Road (the site of the old, demolished facility).
A Joint Working Group is to be established for the project, and the terms of reference for this will be established by the Community Board at their next meeting in February 2017.

14. Christchurch City Council Annual Plan 2017-18 (20 June 2017)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2017/06/CAPL_20170620_MIN_1930.PDF
Page 14
Community Centres
That the Council:
a. Bring the rebuild of Shirley Community Centre forward to the 2018/19 year, from 2021/22 and 2022/23 years, as part of the 2018-2028 Long Term Plan process to demonstrate the Council’s commitment to providing appropriate community facilities in this area.
b. Notes the Council’s ongoing commitment to the provision of the interim community facility in partnership with the Lions at MacFarlane Park.

15. Christchurch City Council Social Community Development and Housing Committee – Community Facilities Rebuild (February 2018)
https://ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/The-Rebuild/About-the-Rebuild/Social-Community-Development-and-Housing-Committee-Community-Facilities-Rebuild-and-Heritage-bimonthly-report-February-2018.pdf
Page 32
Future Projects or on hold – Community Facilities and Heritage
Shirley Community Centre
The capital budget for this project is being considered as part of the Long Term Plan process.
Consequently, the project will not be reported upon until funding is made available or the project is cancelled.
Status: Future
Target Start Date: 1 July 2019

16. Papanui-Innes Community Board Meeting – Agenda (23 February 2018)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2018/02/PICB_20180223_AGN_2429_AT.PDF
Page 25
5. Significant Community Issues, Events and Projects in the Board Area
5.6 10 Shirley Road
Local community board staff are developing a localised research project on what the community currently have and what they would like.
Staff will come back to the Board with the results in the coming months to ascertain the Board’s thoughts around the future of this site.

17. Papanui-Innes Community Board Meeting – Agenda (9 March 2018)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2018/03/PICB_20180309_AGN_2430_AT.PDF
Page 9
5.6 10 Shirley Road
The Board noted the need to ensure that funding for this project is in the Council’s Long Term Plan (LTP) and asked for a workshop to be held to discuss potential LTP items.

18. Papanui-Innes Community Board Meeting – Minutes (9 March 2018)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2018/03/PICB_20180309_MIN_2430_AT.PDF
Page 5
12.2 Christchurch City Council Long Term Plan (LTP)
The Chair and Deputy Chair will request a meeting with the Chief Executive to discuss the information provided and the deferment of funding for the Shirley Community Centre at 10 Shirley Road.

19. ‘Board launches petition to get new community facility’ News Article (10 April 2018)
https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/59980770/norwest-news-april-10-2018
Page 1 & Page 5
The Papanui-Innes Community Board has take the rare step of starting a petition to fight the city council over funding.
It comes after the city council removed funding for the centre planned for Shirley Rd, near the intersection with Hills Rd.
This was the site of the former community centre, which was badly damaged in the February 22, 2011 earthquake.
The removal of funding prompted community board chairwoman Ali Jones to threaten to stand down, citing it as her ‘die in the ditch’ project.
“One of the roles of a community board is to represent and act as advocate for the interests of its community and this is what we are doing.
The LTP and annual plans are all about lobbying the council.”

20. Papanui-Innes Community Board Meeting – Agenda (13 April 2018)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2018/04/PICB_20180413_AGN_2432_AT.PDF
Page 28
4.3.5 10 Shirley Road
Local staff have engaged with all those members of the community who have been involved with 10 Shirley Road since this building was lost to this community.
A survey has been completed with those members on what they would envisage being placed on 10 Shirley Road in the future and staff are now engaging with the wider community around future proofing this site moving forward.
This is being done to ensure that staff are also meeting with all members of the community that we possibly have not engaged with in the past.
A petition requesting the inclusion of funding for 10 Shirley Road back into the Long Term Plan has obtained over 200 signatures to date.

21. Papanui-Innes Community Board Meeting – Agenda (27 April 2018)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2018/04/PICB_20180427_AGN_2433_AT.PDF
Page 43
4.3.5 10 Shirley Road
The Board included a request for the reinstatement of funding to begin consultation and design for a community facility into the 2018/19 financial year as part of its submission to the Christchurch City Council Draft Long Term Plan.
Survey of residents is continuing and there is strong community engagement around this.

22. Papanui-Innes Community Board Meeting – Minutes (27 April 2018)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2018/04/PICB_20180427_MIN_2433_AT.PDF
Page 3
4. Public Forum
4.3 10 Shirley Road – Don and Joanna Gould
Don and Joanna Gould addressed the Board regarding their ideas for a replacement community facility on the 10 Shirley Road site.
After questions from members, the Chairperson thanked Don and Joanna Gould for their presentation.

23. Christchurch City Council Social and Community Development Committee – Community Facilities Rebuild (May 2018)
https://www.ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/The-Council/Future-Projects/Social-Community-Development-Committee-May-2018-Rebuild-and-Heritage-bimonthly-Report-attachment-1-Reduced-File-Size.pdf
Page 29
Projects On Hold or Removed from Programme
Shirley Community Centre
The capital budget for this project was removed from the Long Term Plan and the project will not proceed unless the LTP public consultation process deems differently.
Status: Removed from Programme

24. Christchurch City Council Draft Long Term Plan 2018-2028 (12 May 2018)
Q & A’s from Former Mayor Lianne Dalziel to Joanna Gould regarding her Shirley Community Centre proposal:
“I really liked your submission largely because of the imagery around the history of the site and what’s planned for the future.
I think rather than just building back a community centre, that actually we should look at the whole of the area and look at the whole of the needs.
So maybe what we need to be considering for the Long Term Plan is a budget that would enable a full kind of needs analysis and to look at what the different options are. Because there is a Facebook page that’s been set up that suggests moving the library and other things…So it was you.”
My response:
“Yes. When I had the idea, I was standing across from Shirley Primary School with Ben and I thought ‘What if?’
What if we could dream big and create this whole block, create this destination space that invites everybody.
It’s a meeting place, it’s a community centre, but we also have so many nations settling in our area.
I wanted to welcome them into this area and make them feel part of this area.
I just see the whole space alive with people, all sorts of people.
If they are disabled or whatever they can still access this space.
Everybody can come in and it can be put back as a destination space and learning space for the whole community, for Christchurch and tourists as well, because this is the Gateway to the East.”
1st Verbal Submission for the Shirley Community Centre Rebuild: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-8LmUPeGcg
1st Written Submission for the Shirley Community Centre Rebuild: https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ShirleyCommunityCentre10ShirleyRoadSubmissionByJoannaGould2018.pdf
Shirley Centre Overview: https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-overview/
Submissions (2018-2024): https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/submissions/

25. Christchurch City Council Long Term Plan 2018-2028 (22 June 2018)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2018/06/CLTP_20180622_MIN_2843_AT.PDF
Page 6
Mayor’s Recommendations
8. Funding new and existing community facilities
a. That the Council requests staff to complete the Community Facilities Network Plan as soon as practicable; and approves an additional $170,000 operational expenditure in 2018/19 to expedite this, inform next year’s and future years’ annual plans.
Potential developments include but are not limited to;
the Shirley Community Centre*, a Multicultural Centre, a Centre for Avondale, Burwood and Dallington area and an Okains Bay Community Centre.”
* Staff directed to engage external independent consultants for:
– Community Needs Analysis for Richmond (December 2018) &
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Richmond-Community-Needs-Analysis-Report.pdf
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/richmond-community-needs-analysis/
– Shirley Community Centre Feasibility and Business Case (8 August 2019)
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Shirley_Community_Centre_Feasibility_Report_and_Business_Case_August_2019.pdf
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-community-facility-feasibility-study/

26. Christchurch City Council Finance and Performance Committee (August 2019)
https://www.ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/The-Council/Future-Projects/Finance-Performance-Committee-Aug-2019-Community-Facilities-Rebuild-and-Heritage-bimonthly-Report-attachment-1.pdf
Page 16
Projects Removed from Programme
Shirley Community Centre
The capital budget for this project was removed from the 2018-2028 Long Term Plan.
In March 2019 the Riverside Community Network received the feasibility study and business case for a combined community hub for the Burwood, Avondale and Dallington area which they had commissioned.
This will be considered as part of the delivery of the Community Facilities Network Plan project.

27. Waipapa/Papanui-Innes Community Board – Agenda (19 February 2021)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2021/02/PICB_20210219_AGN_5612_AT.PDF
Page 39
3.1 Community Governance Projects
10 Shirley Road Activation. Landscape plan requested.
Improve and support community facilities and amenity in the Papanui-Innes Wards.

28. Christchurch City Council Long Term Plan 2021-31 (21 June 2021)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2021/06/C-LTP_20210621_MIN_5408_AT.PDF
Page 25
Mayor’s and Chief Executive’s Recommendations and Amendments
The Mayor’s and Chief Executive’s Recommendations were moved by the Mayor and Seconded by Deputy Mayor
M8: 10 Shirley Rd
M8A: That the Council reinstates $3.0 million funding formerly set aside for the rebuild of the Shirley Community Centre in FY 2029/30 – FY 2031/32 to enable a subsequent annual plan to bring the funding forward if plans are progressed.
M8B: That the Council adds $35,000 in FY 2021/22 for an updated feasibility study to look at other options, including incorporating the current Shirley library.

29. Waipapa/Papanui-Innes Community Board – Agenda (16 July 2021)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2021/07/PICB_20210716_AGN_5621_AT.PDF
Waipapa Papanui-Innes Community Board Plan 2020-22 – Implementation Monitoring
Page 22
What the Board will do: Engage with the community over future development of 10 Shirley Road.
Measures of Success:
– Track key topics through the Community Board’s monthly area report and report back to Council.
– Advocate and encourage for the community in the long term plan process. Active citizenship equals an engaged community.
– Make local decisions locally.
– The Board and community have advocated for facility development in the Long Term Plan.
– A place for community interactions “hearts of community” is provided.
– Receiving feedback from community groups.
– By ongoing community engagement which informs the Board’s decision making, including a community-led inclusive engagement approach to consultation.
Progress to date/actions taken:
– 13 Sep 2019: The Board approved the installation of the modular pump track on the Community Reserve at 10 Shirley Road, following community engagement which demonstrated strong support for the track.
– 18 Sep 2020 to 12 Oct 2020: Engagement on future use of 10 Shirley Road Community Reserve carried out.
58 submissions were received with 29 in support of replacing the community centre at this location. This will inform the Board’s LTP submission.
– 4 Nov 2020: The Board requested that staff provide information in the form of a memorandum on the next steps regarding the activation of the 10 Shirley Road site and approved the amount of $15,000 being ring-fenced in its Discretionary Response Fund towards the cost of activation.
– 20 Nov 2020: The Board requested a site plan of 10 Shirley Road to assist the Board and the wider community to understand and highlight any potential limitations/opportunities for the activation funding ring-fenced on 4 Nov 2020.
– 18 Dec 2020: The Board approved the installation of a temporary wayfinding sign at 10 Shirley Road which is a pilot project to connect people with places and projects happening in the Richmond suburb including the Red Zone and Otakaro Avon River trail.
– 29 Jan 2020: The wayfinding sign was installed to encourage neighbourhood connections and physical activity.
– The Board is awaiting information from staff on next steps, including the process for developing a landscape plan.
The Board is also exploring opportunities to distribute the $15,000 grant funding ring-fenced for the site activation.
– 16 Apr 2021: The Board provided a grant in support of the Skip Day event to help activate the 10 Shirley Road site.
– On 21 June 2021 the Council resolved to reinstate $3.0 million funding formerly set aside for the rebuild of the Shirley Community Centre in FY 2029-30/FY 2031-32 to enable a subsequent annual plan to bring the funding forward if plans are progressed.
The Council also added $35,000 in FY 2021-22 for an updated feasibility study to look at other options, including incorporating the current Shirley library.

30. Waipapa/Papanui-Innes Community Board – Agenda (3 September 2021)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2021/09/PICB_20210903_AGN_5624_AT.PDF
Page 9 & 10
9. Waipapa Papanui-Innes Community Board Area Report – August 2021
9.1 10 Shirley Road
The Board raised the cost of the landscape plan they had originally requested and asked whether staff could look at the feasibility of the community’s suggestions for the site.
It was noted that the estimate for landscape plan was $15k and staff were looking at cheaper options to still allow the Board do landscaping at the site.
The Board was keen to examine partnership options with local business to help reduce the cost to the Board.
It was also raised that now the LTP has been approved the Board asked the next step.
It was noted that there is money on budget for the feasibility study next year.
Staff advised they were going to do a temperature check and start looking at past reports and engagement done in regards to the site in advance of the feasibility study and start consulting with relevant units regarding future collaborative use of the site and developing a community hub strategy.
The Board suggested that reviewing the community engagement results and the notes from the meeting held with the local community at the Shirley Intermediate School would provide valuable insights about the community’s needs and wants for 10 Shirley Road and asked that staff consider these when compiling the feasibility study.
It was raised that the Board would like to have a plan moving forward.
This includes investigating the feasibility of relocating the Palms Shirley Library and Service Centre to be incorporated as part of a future Community Centre at 10 Shirley Road.
Staff advised this is one of the reasoning’s for the temperature check and to ensure that options are feasible and/or challenge options internally before going out to the public with options.

31. Waipapa/Papanui-Innes Community Board – Agenda (29 April 2022)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2022/04/PICB_20220429_AGN_7646_AT.PDF
Page 50
10 Shirley Road Activation
Staff are investigating options for the activation of the site further to the Board’s site visit and follow up discussion of the at Youth Audit Workshop.
There will subsequently be an updated feasibility study for the site which includes options for community space.
An independent service provider will be engaged to carry out the feasibility study.
Page 57
3.8.1 Site Visit to 10 Shirley Road (Shirley Community Reserve)
The Community Board held a site visit to the Shirley Community Reserve on 23 March 2022 further to previously receiving briefings on a youth audit of the site and prospective landscape plan. Notes from this site visit are appended as Attachment A.
Pages 65-68
10 Shirley Road (Shirley Community Reserve) Site Visit Notes
Secretarial Note: The site visit arose at the Board’s request at it briefings on 4 March 2022 in relation to the Youth Audit and Landscape Plan for 10 Shirley Road (the Shirley Community Reserve).
Priorities:
1) Toilets, 2) Water fountains, 3) Lighting / safety (needs investigation)
Actions:
a) Investigate the lights on the site – could they be utilised, and put on a timer or solar.
b) Investigate options for toilets (action assigned to staff).
c) Shirley Village Project will discuss and come back with more ideas.
Will put forward in their discussions priorities and points indicated and ascertain anything missed.
d) Investigate partnerships, e.g. Bunnings, to assist with budget.
e) Contact with other stakeholder group.

32. Waipapa/Papanui-Innes Community Board – Agenda (17 June 2022)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2022/06/PICB_20220617_AGN_7648_AT.PDF
Page 71 & 74
11. Waipapa Papanui-Innes 2021-2022 Discretionary Response Fund Application
Papanui-Innes Community Board
Activation of Shirley Community Reserve, $10,000
That the Waipapa Papanui-Innes Community Board:
2. Officer Recommendations Ngā Tūtohu
1. Approves a grant of $10,000 from its 2021-22 Discretionary Response Fund towards the Activation of Shirley Community Reserve project, with any unspent funds to be returned to the Waipapa Papanui-Innes Community Board’s Discretionary Response Fund.
Staff Assessment
This project is about activating the Shirley Reserve with the local community. This project will collaborate with local community organisations to plan, implement, and ensure the provision of activities, events, and programmes in the park throughout the year. The project will work with the community to ensure these activities are sustainable and transferable as the park’s future is decided.
The project contributes to the well-being and prosperity of the local community.
The projects aims to have the following outcomes:
– Set up a community working group to plan and implement activations at the site.
– Build capacity of the working group in events and programme management.
– Participant Satisfaction Survey – 90% of the participants are satisfied with the events, programmes, and use of the site has increased.
– Feedback from participants and working group informs future activations at the site.
Page 82
Shirley Community Reserve Activation
Staff are investigating options (Attachment A) for the activation of the site further to the Board’s site visit and follow up discussion of the Youth Audit Workshop.
On 18 May 2022, Council staff (local Community Development Adviser, Manager
Parks Planning and Asset Management, Team Leader Visitor Experience) met with representatives from the Shirley Road Central group to discuss their ideas for the Shirley Community Reserve, and got an insight from the group on the local history of the site and surrounding area.
Attachment A
Shirley Community Reserve Memo, 10 June 2022
Pages 97-101

33. Waipapa/Papanui-Innes Community Board – Agenda (15 July 2022)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2022/07/PICB_20220715_AGN_7649_AT.PDF
Page 9
5.4 Joanna Gould – Shirley Community Reserve
Joanna Gould spoke to the Board regarding the Shirley Community Reserve as a matter discussed in Item 13, the Community Board Area Report, with a related memo attached to that Report.
Ms Gould spoke to her attached supporting links, focusing on her case that Shirley Library should be relocated and upgraded to the Shirley Community Reserve (10 Shirley Road) site, among other needs and benefits for the community that could be fulfilled through the site.
After questions from members, the Chairperson thanked Ms Gould for her presentation.
Page 26
13. Waipapa Papanui-Innes Community Board Area Report – June 2022
Board Comment
A Board member recorded the staff advice, provided subsequent to the memo regarding Shirley Community Reserve (attached to the Area Report) that, dependent on the outcomes of community engagement/feedback for the Reserve, the following is at this stage set aside for these financial years:
FY26 $50k, FY27 $50k, FY28 $500k, FY29 $500k,
within 61782 Programme – Community Parks New Development
(the advice further noting that: however, this will be reviewed in the next Long Term Plan as it was initially proposed for a major park facility such as a skate-park, but this will depend on decisions regarding the community centre).
Page 124 & 125
Shirley Library
Further to receiving the deputation advocating for relocating and upgrading Shirley Library to the Shirley Community Reserve site, the Board requested to see the engineering report for Shirley Library, receiving advice after its last meeting that:
As the building strength is greater than 67%, it is not considered at risk of being earthquake prone.
From an asset, sustainability and lifecycle approach, Shirley Library is currently in good physical condition, having undergone capital works in 2020 and also received works to HVAC systems in 2014. The building is currently in the first third of its useful life.
Council would not anticipate significant capital works to occur in the next five years based on current condition and data modelling. There is a programme of funds in the LTP for the portfolio which is allocated to the remainder of the Libraries network.
The primary services delivered from the facility include:
Library services, Service Centre, NZ Post & Governance
The recent refurbishment works ensure that the facility continues to provide value to the community and remains fit for purpose.
Continued data collection and condition monitoring will be used to help inform future decision making for this site.
Physically, the asset is well positioned to respond to how these services are delivered.
The Board inquired about a re-assessment of the building given the passage of time, and related points, and received advice that the engineering assessment (completed by Aurecon) for Shirley Library (which also accommodates the Community Governance Team for the neighbouring Coastal-Burwood Board area, as being located within that area) occurred on 27 May 2013 and was determined to be 68% of the New Building Standard.
Two Chartered Engineers undertook a quantitative review of the report from CERA on 6 March 2014, with further Capital works occurring in 2020.
Council’s Senior Manager Facilities and its Technical Advisor, who oversees the Council’s Earthquake-prone buildings, have reviewed the 2013 report and advise there is no need to commission another assessment of the Shirley Library.
The Technical Advisor has advised that the Library is of a Low Risk and not classified as earthquake-prone or at earthquake risk.

34. Waipapa/Papanui-Innes Community Board – Agenda (19 August 2022)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2022/08/PICB_20220819_AGN_7650_AT.PDF
Page 90
Shirley Community Reserve Activation / Future Options
A briefing update on the process for considering future options was provided to the Board on 5 August 2022.
The Board has granted $10,000 towards the Activation of Shirley Community
Reserve project.
Page 102
Waipapa Papanui-Innes Community Board Plan 2020-22 – Monitoring as at July 2022
Progress to date/actions taken
– 4 March 2022: The Board was briefed on the Community Youth Audit of Shirley Community Reserve completed in partnership with Rerenga Awa, Shirley Village Project and Revision.
– 23 March 2022: Site visit to Shirley Community Reserve with staff, Community Board and community youth audit team to follow up on the briefing and ahead of the Youth Audit workshop.
– 1 April 2022: Youth Audit Workshop held, exploring priorities identified in relation to the youth audit of Shirley Community Reserve.
– 18 May 2022: Site visit to Shirley Community Reserve further to Board request for staff to also engage with the Shirley Road Central group, particularly in regard to their interest in signage for the site.
– June 2022: Staff memo on Shirley Community Reserve circulated regarding action points from the Community Board meeting and site meetings, signaled next steps as reporting on feasibility study of options for the site, particularly the option of a community centre, and further reporting on activation of the site.
– 10 June 2022: Community Meeting regarding the process for considering the future development of Shirley Community Reserve held with internal staff and community members.
– 17 June 2022: a funding application for $10K of the ring fenced $15K for activation was approved by the Board.
– 5 August 2022: Board briefing to update on four possible options.
Page 144
Papanui Innes Community Board
Activation of 10 Shirley Road
Amount Granted: 15,000. The funding was not uplifted.
Decision Date: 4/11/2020
Staff Comment, Monitoring Report received
Funding was returned to the Discretionary Response Fund and as above, subsequently $10,000 has been allocated towards the Activation of 10
Shirley Road from the 2022-23 Discretionary Response Fund at the 17 June 2022 meeting.

35. Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board – Agenda (13 April 2023)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2023/04/PCBCC_20230413_AGN_9114_AT.PDF
Page 53
3.5 Governance Advice
3.5.1 Shirley Community Reserve – new fence
The new fence installation around the Shirley Community Reserve is now
complete.
Its clean, modern lines and black coating blends into the background so the park is very viewable from the surrounding streets.
The main park entrance off Shirley Road sports new signage and has the gate as requested to keep children using the playground safe.

36. Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board – Agenda (11 May 2023)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2023/05/PCBCC_20230511_AGN_9115_AT.PDF
Page 97
4. Advice Provided to the Community Board
4.3 Memoranda
CCC: Shirley Community Reserve (circulated 19 April 2023)

37. Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board – Agenda (12 July 2023)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2023/07/PCBCC_20230712_AGN_9557_AT.PDF
Page 113
3. Community Support, Governance and Partnership Activity
3.1 Community Governance Projects
Board Plan – Shirley Community Reserve
Engagement with the community to determine a vision for the future of Shirley Community Reserve.
Refer detail of recent engagement activity further below in this report.
Te Haumako Te Whitingia Strengthening Communities Together Strategy
Page 118
Shirley Community Reserve Engagement – Shirley Schools
On the afternoon of Friday, 23 June 2023 Community Governance, Project and Engagement staff descended on Shirley Primary School to engage with the children on the vision for the space right across the road from them at Shirley Community Reserve, and found a highly engaged audience with an amazing appetite for providing input and devouring the small mountain of sausages staff sizzled up at double speed for the hunger bellies and minds of young neighbours of the reserve.
Staff did it all again the following week on Thursday, 29 June 2023 at Shirley Intermediate School before rushing back to brief the Board.

38. Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board – Agenda (10 August 2023)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2023/08/PCBCC_20230810_AGN_9118_AT.PDF
Page 18
12. Elected Members’ Information Exchange
Te Whakawhiti Whakaaro o Te Kāhui Amorangi
Part B
Board members exchanged information on matters of interest, including in relation to:
Stakeholder hui regarding engagement on the future of Shirley Community Reserve.
Page 210
Shirley Community Reserve (consultation closes 14 August 2023)
Shirley Community Reserve is a key priority for the Community Board, and the consultation on its future is currently open on the Kōrero mai | Let’s talk webpage: https://letstalk.ccc.govt.nz/SCR.
Residents are being given the opportunity to rank which option best captures their ideal community reserve.
An overview of facilities in the area, the history of the reserve and a summary of the early feedback from the schools is also included.

39. Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board – Agenda (14 September 2023)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2023/09/PCBCC_20230914_AGN_9119_AT.PDF
Page 49
3. Community Support, Governance and Partnership Activity
3.1 Community Governance Projects
Board Plan – Shirley Community Reserve
Engagement with the community to determine a vision for the future of Shirley Community Reserve.
254 submissions have been received, which are currently being analysed for a report to the Board later in the year.*
* Still waiting for the report to be presented at the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board on 12th June 2024.

40. Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board – Agenda (9 November 2023)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2023/11/PCBCC_20231109_AGN_9121_AT.PDF
Page 61
3. Community Support, Governance and Partnership Activity
3.1 Community Governance Projects
Board Plan – Shirley Community Reserve
Engagement with the community to determine a vision for the future of Shirley Community Reserve.
Submissions to be reviewed by the Board at a workshop in November with staff ahead of decision meeting.*
* Still waiting for the report to be presented at the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board on 12th June 2024.
Page 128 & 129
Priority Eight: Shirley Community Reserve
Measures of Success:
– Any work carried out on the reserve will mirror the community vision.
– The reserve will be a destination of choice for the community, a safe space, a place that enhances well-being, and provides a place for social connection.
– CPTED principles will be applied to the project.

41. Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board – Agenda (14 December 2023)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2023/12/PCBCC_20231214_AGN_9122_AT.PDF
Page 71
3. Community Support, Governance and Partnership Activity
3.1 Community Governance Projects
Board Plan – Shirley Community Reserve
Engagement with the community to determine a vision for the future of Shirley Community Reserve.
Submissions to be reviewed by the Board at a workshop in December with staff ahead of decision meeting.*
* Still waiting for the report to be presented at the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board on 12th June 2024.

42. Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board – Agenda (14 March 2024)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2024/03/PCBCC_20240314_AGN_9124_AT.PDF
Page 11
7. Approves a grant of $17,250 from its Better-Off Fund to the Waipapa Community Governance Team for Crime Prevention through Environmental Design reports for MacFarlane Park and Shirley Community Reserve.
Page 12
Community Board Resolved PCBCC/2024/00009
9. Approves a grant of $17,250 from its Better-Off Fund to the Waipapa Community Governance Team for Crime Prevention through Environmental Design reports for MacFarlane Park and Shirley Community Reserve.
Jake McLellan/Sunita Gautam, Carried
Ali Jones requested that her vote against this resolution 9 be recorded.
Page 96
4.4 Memoranda
Memoranda related to matters of relevance to the Board have been separately circulated for the Board’s information and are listed below.
CCC: Shirley Community Reserve Feasibility Study (circulated 23 February 2024)
Page 108
Intensification in the Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board:
– Advocate for the inclusion of funding in the LTP for any amenities that may be identified in future developments.
The Board Chair in the LTP briefing to Council in October 2023 highlighted priority to ensure that development in East Papanui comes with provision for community amenities, and advocated for the funding to realise a vision for the future Shirley Community Reserve, to be determined in consultation with the community.
– Promote and support quality engagement practices
Support for comprehensive and current engagement on Shirley Community Reserve recognising the relevance of how the area has developed and ensuring to engage appropriately with current stakeholders, such as taking engagement activities into local schools and the FRESH event associated with YCD on the Reserve.

43. Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board – Agenda (9 May 2024)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2024/05/PCBCC_20240509_AGN_9126_AT.PDF
Page 146
Shirley Community Reserve
Shirley Community Reserve (projects 20053 and 74005) is a specific dedicated priority in the Community Board Plan.
The community has been consulted several times over the last three terms regarding their vision for the future of the reserve, where a well used Community Centre stood before the Canterbury earthquakes.
The Board supports funding being brought forward to be in line with a forthcoming Board decision.
This will provide certainty to the community that this key space will be duly invested in and developed so it can be successfully activated.
There is understood to be additional funding for the Parks-funded component of Shirley Community Reserve, available in the parent programme (61782), subject to the nature of the decision on its future of the reserve, theoretically suggesting the possibility of commencing with Parks-funded components ahead of where the Facility funding (20053) is currently sitting.
Again, the Board would like to see the Parks funding drawn down from the parent programme into a separate line item, so that it may be visible and subject to a current decision-making process.

44. Christchurch City Council – Long Term Plan 2024-34 Workshop (22 May 2024)
https://www.youtube.com/live/5I6g72InErc?si=JE90I4Jiyp5S2MeB&t=6921
Information Session/Workshop – Council
LTP Staff Advice, 20 May 2024
Shirley Community Centre, Page 117
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2024/05/ISCC_20240521_ATT_10025_EXCLUDED.PDF

45. Christchurch City Council – Long Term Plan 2024-34 Workshop (24 May 2024)
https://www.youtube.com/live/nxCififPGgY?si=lHkjmH4D2HCsdMmd&t=1037
LTP 22nd May Workshop Direction Given
Shirley Community Centre
Rates Impact 25/26 on:
+0.01% 26/27, +0.02% 27/28,-0.1% 30/31, -0.2% 31/32
Detail:
Bring forward construction from 2031 to 2026-2027

46. Christchurch City Council – Long Term Plan 2024-34 Workshop (28 May 2024)
https://www.youtube.com/live/g5f33IZimgE?si=M4ihVx6uWN7rVbYd&t=1484
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc-draft-ltp-2024-34-workshops/