A leading force behind the post-quake revival of Christchurch, Regenerate Christchurch, has recently released its long-term vision for the city’s Cathedral Square. The design emphasises a return to the original purpose of the space – a heart for the city and a meeting place for visitors and locals alike. 

The organisation has been developing the vision for the past 18 months and planning has included engaging business groups, heritage groups, Cathedral Square property owners, Ngāi Tūāhuriri, the public, and other stakeholders. The design includes creating interconnected spaces along with “the option for three enclosed pavilions connected by a lattice-like structure which would provide a year-round undercover area for markets and other activities,” according to Regenerate Christchurch.

Chief executive, Ivan Iafeta, is urging the city to focus not only on the physical regeneration in the long term, but also the social regeneration in the short term. He says, “There is already significant investment occurring around the Square. The most practical way to support that investment is to commit to a long-term vision over time while, in the meantime, getting more happening there and making it a place for the people again.”

Regenerate Christchurch says that their long-term vision for the physical restoration of Cathedral Square, along with the refurbishment of the Anglican Cathedral, will need to be delivered in stages as funding allows. 

Despite this, according to Iafeta, a full calendar of social events, gatherings, and festivals will encourage people to come to the Square and, thus, establish it as a social hub once again. “As we saw with the Lantern Festival earlier this year, people will come to the central city if they have a good reason, and having more people coming to this area will further support the significant private and public investment already being made.”

Now that the long-term vision has been released, the organisation says it will work with Christchurch City Council to develop a strategy to deliver the restoration. 

“To be regenerated,” Iafeta says, “the Square cannot remain symbolic of the city’s loss and instead needs to be a strong symbol of the vibrant future of the centre of our city. The long-term vision will provide the impetus and drive for the public and private sectors to work toward a common goal.”

“But it’s not just about new things. It is about people, and we need to get on with making the Square a place for the people again.”

Read more about Regenerate Christchurch’s long-term vision and see a 360-degree interactive panorama of Cathedral Square, click here.