Feedback is being sought on a proposal to make changes to the Canterbury Regional Policy Statement and Christchurch District Plan to allow further development at the Christchurch Football Centre in Yaldhurst.
The Proposal, prepared by Christchurch City Council, seeks to use section 71 of the Greater Christchurch Regeneration Act 2016 to make the necessary changes to the Canterbury Regional Policy Statement (CRPS) and Christchurch District Plan (CDP) in order for the facilities, located at 466-482 Yaldhurst Road and owned by private company Canterbury Sports Limited (CSL), to be expanded.
CSL wants to add a gymnastics centre, an indoor sports stadium with multiple courts for sports such as netball, basketball and futsal; a swimming pool with diving and triathlon facilities; and outdoor fields or courts for sports such as athletics, hockey, tennis and rugby.
The proposed development would contribute to the regeneration of sport and recreation in greater Christchurch by providing facilities to replace some of those lost or damaged in the Canterbury earthquakes and catering for an identified additional demand.
These facilities are defined as ‘urban activity’ in the CRPS, as they predominantly serve the urban population.
However, the site is just outside the urban boundary in the CRPS. This means certain policy and land zoning changes to the CRPS and CDP are necessary to enable the proposed developments to happen. Using section 71 would enable these changes to be made in a single process.
The proposed development is consistent with related strategies and plans such as the Canterbury Spaces and Places Plan 2017 prepared by SportNZ, the City Council’s Physical Recreation and Sports Strategy 2002 and, Recreation and Sports Facilities Activity Management Plan 2015-2025 recognising the need for a focus on multi-code hubs.
Minister Nanaia Mahuta, who is acting on behalf of Greater Christchurch Regeneration Minister Megan Woods in this matter, is now inviting written submissions on the Proposal.
All submissions must be received by 5pm, Monday 5 November 2018 and will be considered by Minister Mahuta before she makes a decision on the Proposal.
The Proposal can be viewed and submissions made online at: www.dpmc.govt.nz/yaldhurst-sports-facility
It can also be viewed, and submission forms are available, at Christchurch City Council service centres and libraries, and the main office of Selwyn and Waimakariri District Councils from Tuesday 9 October 2018.