A Christchurch earthquake anniversary update
Today marks eight years since Canterbury’s September earthquake which rocked the region at 7.1 on the richter scale. It struck as people were sleeping at 4.35am on a Saturday morning. Miraculously only one person died, few were injured but many buildings in Christchurch were left in ruins. Of course a more deadly quake was to strike just six months later and out of that came the residential red zone.
It’s taking years to rebuild Christchurch. Earlier this year the agency tasked with developing visions and strategies for the rebuilding of the city, Regenerate Christchurch, released a shortlist of ideas for that residential red zone. Public submissions on those ideas has now closed, and Regenerate is considering the feedback and writing a draft plan, which is expected to be finished by November. Greater Christchurch Regeneration Minister Megan Woods then needs to approve the plan before work begins.
September 4, 2010, the first 7.1 quake struck Canterbury.
Included in the options for the 11-kilometre stretch of land are walkways and biking tracks, wetland developments and community spaces. A “green spine” will extend along the Otakaro Avon River, with large areas of ecological restoration. Elsewhere, there will be three significant areas suitable for a variety of potential public and private land uses reflecting themes of food and culture, experiencing nature and activity and play. Regenerate believes the mix of naturally-occurring and new activities has the potential to attract up to a million unique visitors a year.
Here's a taste of what's being considered.
