Blog

‘Shirley Road Central’ Group

1. Name
2. Constitution
3. Committee Members
4. Current Status
5. Website
6. Facebook Page
7. Facebook Community Group
8. “Where is our Community Centre” Petition
9. Submissions to the Christchurch City Council
10. Events
11. Letters of Support from Local Christchurch MPs
12. “The Future for Shirley Road Central” News Article (May 2021)
13. ‘Study to determine feasibility of Christchurch community centre’ News Article (16 July 2021)
14. ‘Lengthy delay in centre rebuild an ‘injustice’ News Article (4 August 2022)
15. ‘Shirley Community Centre’s future to be decided’ News Article (24 July 2023)

1. Name
– Shirley Road Central Incorporated (50064847)

– Why ‘Shirley Road Central’?
10 Shirley Road is central to connecting communities in Shirley, Dallington, Richmond, Edgeware, St Albans & Mairehau.

– Why the suburbs of Shirley, Dallington, Richmond, Edgeware, St Albans & Mairehau?
When you draw a 2km radius from 10 Shirley Road, these are the suburbs included in this area.
https://www.shirleyroadcentral.nz/shirley-road-central/

2. Constitution
Aim:
To support the development of a community hub including a modern library, and meeting rooms on the site at 10 Shirley Road for the use of the surrounding communities.
Objects:
The objects of the Group are:
3.1 To encourage the urgent development of public facilities and activities particularly for the residents of the area:
3.2 To encourage any activity that promotes the wellbeing of residents of the area:
3.3 To engage in any charitable activities for the benefit of the locality and residents of the area.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Shirley-Road-Central-Constitution-2021.pdf

3. Committee Members
Joanna Gould, Don Gould, Jennifer Dalziel, Joanne Byrne, Margaret Stewart, Mark Wilson, Stephen McPaike, Jacqueline Tither, Paul Smith, Tuangane Matangi, Jason Harvey, Alan Liefting, Melinda Biggs, Jennifer McKinnel & Paul McKinnel

4. Current Status
Registered: 11 May 2021 to 28 Oct 2022.
Dissolved: 28 Nov 2022.

The ‘Shirley Road Central’ (SRC) residents group was setup just before the Christchurch City Council’s Long Term Plan in 2021.

In order to be seen as an official ‘Community Organization’ & not just a ‘Facebook group’ by Council staff, to enable our group to have extra time to speak at the CCC LTP verbal submission hearings.

The group’s constitution shows the aim was to advocate for a new community hub (modern library & meeting rooms) but divisions occurred over:
– ‘new’ community hub vs replacement ‘traditional’ community centre &
– ‘advocating’ for a new building vs ‘activating’ the 10 Shirley Road site.

Currently the SRC Website* is still live, but no longer updated.
SRC Facebook* Page & Community Group are still active & updated.
* I setup a separate SRC website & Facebook to distinguish between the SRC group view & my personal ideas/research as ‘Shirley Centre 10 Shirley Road’.

5. Website
https://www.shirleyroadcentral.nz/

6. Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/shirleyroadcentral/

7. Facebook Community Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/shirleyroadcentral/

8. “Where is our Community Centre” Petition
– LTP 2021-2031 Petition from Shirley Road Central
“This petition was submitted to Council at the Long Term Plan (2021 to 2031) meeting in 2021 from the Shirley Road Central group.
The petition contains signatures in support of a new community facility on the Shirley Community Reserve.
The petition also resulted in Council asking staff to develop an updated feasibility study, looking at what options are appropriate for the reserve.”
https://letstalk.ccc.govt.nz/download_file/133/495

– “Where is our Community Centre” Petition
‘Shirley Road Central’ group members collected signatures/comments through an online ‘Change’ petition & in person via door knocking, outside local schools & onsite at ‘activation’ events like ‘Skip Day’, held at 10 Shirley Road.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/where-is-our-community-centre-petition/

9. Submissions to the Christchurch City Council
– 12.05.21, Item 3: Jennifer Dalziel & Joanne Burn – Shirley Road Central
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhAT6iATaE8

– 11.05.22, Item 3: Shirley Rd Central, Jennifer Dalziel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKou63gGnws

10. Events
In my opinion, the ‘Pop up’ activities to ‘activate’ the 10 Shirley Road site had little success in creating connections: to the 10 Shirley Road site & between local residents.
Events like ‘Skip Day’ & the ‘Car Boot Sale’ organised by the ‘Shirley Road Central’ group:
– required many people to be involved in the planning & running of these events.
– more hours were invested in planning/meetings, than the actual duration of the event.
– Events had to be postponed or cancelled due to the weather.

11. Letters of Support from Local Christchurch MPs
– “The Richmond, Avonside, Dallington and Shirley Locals have a brilliant concept in their application to provide a Library and Education space and this new Community Centre could also provide a range of opportunities for the locals…
A space for after school activities and holiday programmes and possibly a venue for hire.
The Community Centre could also house NGO’s as well as drop in sessions for local organisations who could provide advice and assistance to those in need including Wellbeing/Health and Youth Clinics.
A Community Centre is a place where you are bringing everyone in the community together of all ethnicities and therefore I fully support this application.”
Hon Poto Williams, Member of Parliament for Christchurch East
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/poto-williams-support-letter/

– “I write in support of further exploration of the community centre concept proposed for 10 Shirley Road.
While this is not in my electorate the area serviced by such a centre would cross into Christchurch Central and benefit my constituents.
I have read the support letter provided by MP for Christchurch East, Hon Poto Williams, and I am happy to add my support to her views and encourage council to consider exploring the idea further, such as commissioning a feasibility study for full review including the future of the current Shirley Library.”
Dr Duncan Webb, Member of Parliament for Christchurch Central
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/duncan-webb-support-letter/

12. “The Future for Shirley Road Central” News Article (May 2021)
https://www.aveburyhouse.co.nz/uploads/4/7/2/0/47203855/rcn_152w.pdf
Richmond Community News, Page 5
“Following the Christchurch earthquakes the community centre at 10 Shirley Road was demolished.
It was a popular and welcoming community asset situated on multiple bus routes, reaching out to the communities of Shirley, Dallington, Richmond, Edgeware, St Albans and Mairehau.
A wide variety of people and groups attended this facility offering classes, courses and community events…
The library at the Palms is outdated and too small, it lacks meeting spaces and is not central to all local schools and bus routes.
Our communities are ethnically and socially diverse.
We have areas of social deprivation, and others of relative well being.
We have increased social housing, and increased high density, infill housing.
As our population grows, the demand for community facilities grows also.
Church facilities can be a barrier for some of our secular community members.
School facilities are often limited in the times they are available…
In 2021 the land remains empty.
Our communities have waited over a decade for a replacement facility, while watching tens of millions of dollars spent on new community facilities in other areas of the city.
The decision to not rebuild ours has disadvantaged our community and continues to do so.
Our vision is a new community hub at Shirley Road Central.
We want a modern future-focused library, with learning/meeting spaces for all ages and stages of life.
We want a centre that is inclusive and accessible for all.”

13. ‘Study to determine feasibility of Christchurch community centre’ News Article (16 July 2021)
https://www.odt.co.nz/star-news/star-christchurch/study-determine-feasibility-christchurch-community-centre
An upcoming feasibility study could set the ball rolling on a $3 million community facility in east Christchurch.
Christchurch City Council’s Long Term Plan, approved last month, allocates $3 million towards a centre rebuild in the 2031-2032 financial year.
It also budgets $35,000 for a feasibility study to take place in the 2021-2022 financial year.
Innes Ward city councillor Pauline Cotter said the future of the project is in the hands of the community.
“It’s now with the community, they’re going to have to drive that,” Cotter said.
It is possible the $3 million funding could be brought forward if a building plan was ready and viable, she said.
Joanne Byrne, spokeswoman for the 10 Shirley Road [Shirley Road Central] group, helped organise a petition of over 1200 signatures which was presented to the council in May.
The community was devastated when funding was dropped from the last Long Term Plan and wanted to avoid a repeat of that scenario, she said.
Shirley Recreational Walkers leader Sue Lang said she hoped a new community centre would be built.
The site was currently home to a pump track and playground.
“That’s great, but it won’t meet the needs of the whole community,” Lang said.
However, she did not trust the council to pull through on the project.
“A decade is a long time to wait for when you’ve already waited a decade.”

14. ‘Lengthy delay in centre rebuild an ‘injustice’ News Article (4 August 2022)
https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/67122699/pegasus-post-august-04-2022
An 11-year delay in rebuilding a community facility has been described as an “injustice” to a “forgotten suburb”.
Community group Shirley Road Central chair Jennifer Dalziel has been advocating for a rebuild since the old facility was demolished, and described the whole process as “hugely frustrating”.
“My position is the injustice of it,” she said.
“They call Shirley the forgotten suburb…it’s like Shirley is just left out of everything.”
In May last year, Dalziel, along with Shirley residents passionate about the rebuild of the community centre, created a petition advocating for it.
They gained more than 1200 signatures from the community.
Innes Ward councillor Pauline Cotter said she can understand why Dalziel has described the process as an “injustice”.
“I can empathise with the community for having a community centre that was then gone,” she said.
“I feel like this area is kind of almost last to have areas restored…Shirley, in particular, needs the stability.”
Cotter said she fought alongside Papanui Ward councillor Mike Davidson to get the money for a feasibility study allocated to the city council’s Long Term Plan.
She said the wheels are starting to turn now, and hopes the feasibility study will be presented to the community board by the end of the year.
Dalziel said the whole process has been an “uphill battle against authorities” but has hope that the community facility will be restored.
“They’ve [city council] agreed to do something but what it’s going to be, we don’t know.”
(Front Page & Page 4)

15. ‘Shirley Community Centre’s future to be decided’ News Article (24 July 2023)
https://www.odt.co.nz/star-news/star-south-today/shirley-community-centres-future-be-decided
Shirley residents are one step closer to a decision on the suburb’s Community Reserve.
The Christchurch City Council is calling for submissions on the future of the contentious site.
Speaking during a deputation to city councillors, Mark Wilson said the Shirley Community Centre had been well used before the quakes.
“There are other areas of the city which have recently had new community centres built, more money and tens of millions of dollars thrown at them.
“And here we are. Shirley is still struggling to get a community centre rebuilt that they lost after the earthquakes.
“It’s inadequate, it’s embarrassing”.
Wilson said the Shirley community had lost a lot and needed its community centre.
“Build it, and they will come”.

Legacy

Yesterday was Sunday 12th May, Mother’s Day.

For the last 4 years this day has been bittersweet.
While celebrating the joy of being a Mum to my son, Ben…

It is a reminder that my Mum, Marie Duggan is no longer with us. After a courageous journey living with terminal cancer for over two years, she passed away in November 2020.

“May your legacies far outlive your names.
May generations tell your stories.”
Danielle Coke Balfour

Her legacy lives on through me & through my son, Ben.
We regularly talk about her & imagine what she would say to us in different circumstances.
The impact she made in our lives is still felt today.

“But behind all your stories is always your mother’s story,
because hers is where yours begins.”
Mitch Albom, ‘For One More Day’

If I was to sum up my Mum in three words:
Faith, Family & Community.
I was blessed to be her daughter.
Much of who I am today is thanks to her.

My love for reading/learning is due to my Mum making sure we always had books in our house, with weekly visits with my four siblings to the Whanganui Library.

When I was 13, we shifted back to Christchurch. I followed in her footsteps & attended her old school: Villa Maria College, where faith & community service were part of our education.

“Have you ever thought about the legacy you’re leaving your family, your community, your world?
Most people never give it a second thought.
But a legacy is something you’re creating every day, whether you realize it or not.
What exactly is a legacy? Webster’s Dictionary defines ‘legacy’ as ‘something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past.’”
Lisa Haisha
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-kind-of-legacy-are-y_b_951633

Today was the last day for the Draft Long Term Plan 2024-2034 Hearing of Verbal Submissions.

I didn’t make a verbal submission this year. You can read about my ‘why’ here:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/why-are-we-still-waiting/

My written submission is here:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc-long-term-plan-2024-submission/

At the last Draft Long Term Plan, I was part of the newly formed ‘Shirley Road Central’ Incorporated group, that presented the ‘Where Is Our Community Centre?’ petition on 12th May 2021:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhAT6iATaE8

Over 1,200 residents signed the petition for a new building to be built at 10 Shirley Road.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/where-is-our-community-centre-petition/

A few days beforehand (my first Mother’s Day without my Mum), I was busy signing up committee members so our group would be seen as ‘official’ by Council staff (not just a Facebook group), then we would be given extra minutes for our verbal submission.

It was my way to honor my Mum & continue the fight to advocate for a new building at 10 Shirley Road.

Our connection to 10 Shirley Road is literally about births & deaths.
I attended antenatal classes at the Shirley Community Centre over 16 years ago.
My Mum attended the NZ Society of Genealogists – Canterbury Branch, where she spent many hours researching.

My love for research is thanks to watching/helping her search through documents in the Family History section of the old Central Library & seeing her sitting at our dining table trying to find the connections between family members.

At the beginning of 2021, my Dad gave me her original book on Charles Duggan, that we had worked together on over 30 years ago when I was a teenager.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/charles-duggan/

I had forgotten his story, so I started rereading it & realised our Charles Duggan was the C. Duggan, Librarian, named in the time capsule.

“Celebrations as new community centre opens [April 2021] in St Albans…The original foundation stone that was salvaged when the original building on the site was demolished is featured in the community centre.
The contents of a time capsule unearthed during the demolition of the former building have also been placed on the site of the new facility.”
https://newsline.ccc.govt.nz/news/story/celebrations-as-new-community-centre-opens-in-st-albans

Listening to the then Mayor Lianne Dalziel speak about legacy, made me wonder what would Charles Duggan think, to know his legacy was still a part of St Albans.

A full circle moment for me as his descendant, advocating for a new centre/learning library at 10 Shirley Road:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-concept-image/

Similar to his “St Albans Mutual Improvement Association” that focused on “The mutual mental improvement of its members. Classes for special studies of various subjects being formed, lectures on current topics, readings and discussions were also a part of the means devised for the advancement of culture and general knowledge.”

I like to think my Mum helped to remind me of Charles Duggan & find the rest of his story: his connection to St Albans & one of the earliest suburban library services in Christchurch.

She was my biggest supporter & sounding board for all my ideas.
As I grew up, she told me that I should become a librarian or a detective.

I sent her this song for one of her last Mother’s Day…
A Mother Like You by JJ Heller
“I know that it hasn’t been easy
I hope that I love like you do
‘Cause I know that this world would be better
If everyone had a mother like you”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_fqP-XJg2E

For the last two years of her life, she listened & encouraged me to keep advocating for my ‘Shirley Centre’ idea.

Talking about 10 Shirley Road helped to distract us from the pain journeys we were both on & gave us something to focus on that we both knew could benefit the generations to come.

“Be a good ancestor. Stand for something bigger than yourself.
Add value to the Earth during your sojourn.”
Marian Wright Edelman

From 1915 (original Shirley School built) to 2012 (Shirley Community Centre demolished), this site at 10 Shirley Road has historically been a ‘place of learning’ in our communities, for our residents.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/site-history/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/historic-landmark/

When will it be our year to establish a new building, a new legacy for the generations to come?
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/placemaking/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/third-place/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/bumping-spaces/

Before my Mum passed away she told me to forget about trying to change the Community Board/Council’s mind & just focus on doing my research.

But she also knew I was persistent, like her.
My ‘why’ I was advocating for a new Centre, was never just about me…
It was about all the people in our communities that would benefit from this space now & in the future.

One of my Mum’s favourite prayers was:
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.”

Which reminds me of the ‘Volunteering Canterbury’ Facebook Post, 13th March 2024
– What is it that YOU wonder about?
– What do you wish ‘somebody’ would do something about?
– Could you be that ‘somebody’?
“I always wondered why somebody doesn’t do something about that. Then I realised I was somebody.”
Lily Tomlin

Recently Ben & I were talking about my Mum’s legacy in our lives. I wondered out loud “What will be mine?”
Ben straight away said “Shirley Centre.”
I laughed at the time & said “but it may never get built.”

I’ve been thinking about our ‘legacy’ conversation since then & this quote comes to mind:
“It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ben was 10 years old when I first presented my ‘Shirley Centre’ idea to Council in 2018:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-8LmUPeGcg

He has grown up listening to my research/ideas, been involved in collecting signatures for the petition, helped to ‘activate’ the site through ‘Skip Day’ & watched as I’ve presented to our Community Board/Council over the last 6 years.

Whether a building is built or not, this is a part of our family’s story/legacy.
From Charles Duggan, to my Mum – Marie Duggan, to me – Joanna Gould (Duggan) & to my son – Ben Gould…

“May your legacies far outlive your names.
May generations tell your stories.”

Christchurch City Libraries by Community Board

Each pin is clickable and has more info/links, + & -, are in the bottom left hand corner, so you can zoom in/out.
Click on the square with arrow, in the top left hand corner, to show/hide map legend/layers.

Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board
(5 suburban libraries)
https://ccc.govt.nz/culture-and-community/statistics-and-facts/community-profiles/coastal-burwood-linwood/
– Coastal: 3. Parklands Library & 5. New Brighton Library
– Burwood: 1. Shirley Library | The Palms Mall & 4. Aranui Library
– Linwood: 6. Linwood Library | Eastgate Mall

Waimāero Fendalton-Waimairi-Harewood Community Board
(2 suburban libraries)
https://ccc.govt.nz/culture-and-community/statistics-and-facts/community-profiles/fendalton-waimairi-harewood/
– Fendalton: 13. Fendalton Library
– Waimairi:
– Harewood: 14. Ōrauwhata Bishopdale Library and Community Centre

Waipuna Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board
(3 suburban libraries)
https://ccc.govt.nz/culture-and-community/statistics-and-facts/community-profiles/hornby-halswell-riccarton/
– Halswell: 10. Te Hāpua Halswell Centre
– Hornby: 11. Matatiki Hornby Centre
– Riccarton: 12. Upper Riccarton Library

Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board
(2 suburban libraries & Tūranga)
https://ccc.govt.nz/culture-and-community/statistics-and-facts/community-profiles/papanui-innes-central/
– Papanui: 2. Papanui Library & 15. Redwood Library
– Innes*:
– Central*: 16. Tūranga (Metropolitan)
* No suburban library in either Innes or Central Ward.
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 their area.

Waihoro Spreydon-Cashmere-Heathcote Community Board
(3 suburban libraries)
https://ccc.govt.nz/culture-and-community/statistics-and-facts/community-profiles/spreydon-cashmere-heathcote/
– Spreydon: 9. Spreydon Library
– Cashmere: 8. South Library
– Heathcote: 7. Matuku Takotako Sumner Centre

Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū Banks Peninsula Community Board
(4 libraries)
https://ccc.govt.nz/culture-and-community/statistics-and-facts/community-profiles/banks-peninsula/
Diamond Harbour, Little River, Akaroa & Lyttelton*
Only Lyttelton is included in this map.

Location Location Location

In real estate ‘location’ is key. Properties can be bought & sold based on ‘location’.

In urban planning & placemaking ‘location’ is also key.
“Placemaking inspires people to collectively reimagine and reinvent public spaces as the heart of every community. Strengthening the connection between people and the places they share, placemaking refers to a collaborative process by which we can shape our public realm in order to maximize shared value. More than just promoting better urban design, placemaking facilitates creative patterns of use, paying particular attention to the physical, cultural, and social identities that define a place and support its ongoing evolution.”
https://www.pps.org/category/placemaking
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/placemaking/

The Shirley Community Reserve, located at 10 Shirley Road, is a ‘high profile, prime location, well situated with convenient access to local schools & transport routes’ in real estate terms.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/local-education-providers/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-transport/

Originally Shirley Road started at Westminster Street (now Aylesford Street), before crossing over Hills Road to Marshland Road.

Original Shirley Road, Christchurch City Libraries Map 1903?
https://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Heritage/Maps/174743.asp

This location has been part of our communities ‘local identity’ & ‘a place of learning’ since the original Shirley Primary School building was built on this site in 1915.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/site-history/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/original-building/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/historic-landmark/

In our newly adopted Christchurch City Council ‘Equity & Inclusion Policy’, children/parents/residents/ratepayers aren’t suppose to be discriminated against or penalised by where they can afford to live.
“Equality means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities.
Equity recognises that each person has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.”
“People should have equity, regardless of age*, gender, disability*, ethnicity, culture, faiths, geographical location*, sexual orientation, neurodiversity* or socio-economic status.*“
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc-equity-and-inclusion-policy/
* age: see ‘Shirley Centre | Education Proivders’
* disability & neurodiversity: see ‘Shirley Centre | Support Providers’
* geographical location: see ‘Shirley Cenre | Libraries’
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-map/
* geographical location & socio-economic status:
See images below: CCC District Plan Zones & StatsNZ Deprivation Score for the areas around the Shirley Community Reserve.
Also see: https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-transport/

Christchurch City Council District Plan: Zones
H5: Shirley Community Reserve, 10 Shirley Road, Richmond
Residential Suburban Density Transition (West) & Residential Medium Density Zone (East)
Christchurch City Council District Plan: Notations
H5: Shirley Community Reserve, 10 Shirley Road, Richmond
Community Housing Redevelopment (North) & Dudley Character Area (South)
StatsNZ Deprivation Score (2018)
Blue Marker: Shirley Community Reserve, 10 Shirley Road, Richmond

Yet we have no suburban library in either the Innes or Central Ward?
Shirley Road is on the border of the Innes & Central Ward, since the Ward boundary & Community Board changes in 2022.
https://ccc.govt.nz/the-council/how-the-council-works/governance/representation-review/
https://ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/The-Council/How-the-Council-works/2022-election/Maps/Christchurch-City-Council-Representation-Review-2021-Final-determination-amended-June-2022.pdf Page 21 & 23 StatsNZ Population

Christchurch City Libraries by Community Board/Ward
See ‘Shirley Centre | Libraries’: https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-map/
1. Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board
(5 suburban libraries)
https://ccc.govt.nz/culture-and-community/statistics-and-facts/community-profiles/coastal-burwood-linwood/
– Coastal: 3. Parklands Library & 5. New Brighton Library
– Burwood: 1. Shirley Library | The Palms Mall & 4. Aranui Library
– Linwood: 6. Linwood Library | Eastgate Mall
2. Waimāero Fendalton-Waimairi-Harewood Community Board
(2 suburban libraries)
https://ccc.govt.nz/culture-and-community/statistics-and-facts/community-profiles/fendalton-waimairi-harewood/
– Fendalton: 13. Fendalton Library
– Waimairi:
– Harewood: 14. Ōrauwhata Bishopdale Library and Community Centre
3. Waipuna Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board
(3 suburban libraries)
https://ccc.govt.nz/culture-and-community/statistics-and-facts/community-profiles/hornby-halswell-riccarton/
– Halswell: 10. Te Hāpua Halswell Centre
– Hornby: 11. Matatiki Hornby Centre
– Riccarton: 12. Upper Riccarton Library
4. Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board
(2 suburban libraries & Tūranga)
https://ccc.govt.nz/culture-and-community/statistics-and-facts/community-profiles/papanui-innes-central/
– Papanui: 2. Papanui Library & 15. Redwood Library
– Innes:
– Central: 16. Tūranga (Metropolitan)
5. Waihoro Spreydon-Cashmere-Heathcote Community Board
(3 suburban libraries)
https://ccc.govt.nz/culture-and-community/statistics-and-facts/community-profiles/spreydon-cashmere-heathcote/
– Spreydon: 9. Spreydon Library
– Cashmere: 8. South Library
Heathcote: 7. Matuku Takotako Sumner Centre
6. Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū Banks Peninsula Community Board
(4 libraries)
https://ccc.govt.nz/culture-and-community/statistics-and-facts/community-profiles/banks-peninsula/
Diamond Harbour, Little River, Akaroa & Lyttelton

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.

The current (2nd) Shirley Library* is located on the edge of the Burwood Ward & has a limited book selection, no board room, 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.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/christchurchcitylibraries/3978229955/in/album-72157611803290908/
Why is this an issue?:
– 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/

“Shirley Library [1st] opened in July 1981 on a site now covered by The Palms.
Its’ approximate location was where the fruit and vegetable section of Woolworth’s supermarket now stands.”
“In January 29 1996 the new library [2nd] opened in a purpose-built building shared with the Christchurch City Council Shirley Service Centre.
The building included a boardroom* for the community board.”

* In the Shirley Libary (2nd) original plan: 1995, the Boardroom (which no longer exists) was located North off the Main Entrance.
The Shirley Service Centre was located right off the Main Entrance.

Today the Shirley Service Centre & NZ Post are located left off the Main Entrance, in the Library area.
The Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board Governance Team are located right off the Main Entrance, in the former Shirley Service Centre area.

Shirley Library (2nd) Original Plan: 1995

“The new library, which more than doubles the previous library, features an activities room for class visits, story times, senior citizens guest speaker programmes and other activities.
The building, designed by Ian Krause Architects Ltd and built by Fletcher Construction, was provided by the developers* of the new Shirley Shopping Centre – to be know as The Palms – to allow for expansion of the shopping centre and carpark over the previous library and service centre land.
The Christchurch City Council provided the fit out costs for the building.”
https://heritage.christchurchcitylibraries.com/Archives/52/Library150/Articles/ShirleyLibrary/
* See ‘The Palms Mall’ https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-funding/

Christchurch City Council & Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board, why are we still waiting?
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/why-are-we-still-waiting/
– Why isn’t there already a suburban sized local library in the Innes/Central Ward?
– Why after reading all this info/research, are we not bringing funding forward to plan/build a new suburban sized local library at the Shirley Community Reserve, 10 Shirley Road, where the Innes/Central Ward boundaries connect?

Other relevant Blog Posts:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc-integrated-planning-guide/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc-citizen-hub-strategy/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-questions/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-positives/
‘New Shirley Centre | Ideas & Research’:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-overview/

Shirley Centre Transport

Modes of transport to 10 Shirley Road & new resources available at Shirley Community Reserve:
1. Shirley Community Reserve Location
2. Driving: Off Street & Street Parking
3. Public Transport: Buses
4. Bikes & Scooters
5. Walking
Includes:
– 1.1 Water Fountain, 1.2 Information Board & Interpretation Board(s)
– 5.1 Dudley Creek Walking Track & 5.1.2. MacFarlane Park Birdsong Trail
From the North in Shirley, through Shirley Primary School grounds, crossing over Shirley Road to the Shirley Community Reserve, South through Richmond, to connect up with the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor.
– 5.1.3 StoryWalk®, 5.1.4 Dewey Decimal Trail & 5.1.5 Footpath Obstacle Course

1. Shirley Community Reserve Location
The Shirley Community Reserve is situated at 10 Shirley Road, Richmond, Christchurch.
Originally Shirley Road started at Westminster Street (now Aylesford Street), before crossing over Hills Road to Marshland Road.
https://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Heritage/Maps/174743.asp
10 Shirley Road is located between two main intersections/arterial roads:
– Shirley Road / Marshland Road / New Brighton Road / North Parade &
– Shirley Road / Hills Road / Warrington Street intersection
https://letstalk.ccc.govt.nz/safer-shirley
“The youth auditors really liked how the space is well connected within Shirley. 10 Shirley Road is right in the middle of other spaces local young people would access and is surrounded by bus stops connected to the central network. They enjoy using the space as it is easily accessible and its activities give them something to do, while making them feel like they belong. The areas young people thought could be improved on were the lack of basic amenities in the space and the underutilisation of the space. The space would benefit from having a toilet, water fountain*, and lighting as these facilities would make it more practical and safe for youth.”
– 1.1. Water Fountain
* There are no water fountains available along Shirley Road.
https://smartview.ccc.govt.nz/data/drinking-fountains
– 1.2. Information Board
“Another idea the auditors raised was to add an information board which includes youth-focused information and advertising.
It should also include contacts to youth services and providers, in both Shirley and neighbouring areas. This will help young people feel comfortable with accessing support and could possibly introduce them to new groups and clubs.”
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/youth-audit-10-shirley-road/
New Signage: Interpretation Board(s)
“These would tell the stories of both local and city-wide significance; original school heritage buildings, community centre and its role in the community, historic domestic buildings adjacent to the park, and Dudley Creek remediation.”
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-community-reserve-memo/

Shirley Community Centre Rebuild
“The site at 10 Shirley Road is 9042 square metres more or less and is owned by the Council and is held in trust for local purpose (site for a community centre).
The site is bordered by Shirley Road, Chancellor Street, Slater Street and Dudley Creek.
The local [Shirley] Playcentre holds a separate lease (approximately 769m2).
[See Shirley Centre Map, Shirley Centre | Education Providers, 14. Shirley Playcentre]
10 Shirley Road has the advantage of a generous ground area and is designated specifically for the purpose of community facilities.”
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2016/08/SPCB_20160831_AGN_689_AT.PDF, Page 52

2. Driving: Off Street Parking
See Shirley Centre Map, Shirley Centre | Transport
New carpark behind the new Centre building (Shirley Community Reserve, South End), using existing Main Entrance off Slater Street.
– 2.a Disabled Parking
– 2.b. EV Charging Stations (available at suburban Christchurch City Council libraries through Orion).

2. Driving: Street Parking
– 2.1. Shirley Road
– 2.2. Slater Street
– 2.3. Chancellor Street (North)
– 2.4. Julius Terrace
– 2.4.a Footbridge from Julius Terrace to Stapletons Road
– 2.5. Chancellor Street (South)
– 2.5.a Footbridge from Chancellor Street (South) to Chancellor Street (North)
– 2.6. Warden Street
– 2.7. Stapletons Road

3. Public Transport: Buses
– Metro Bus Routes Network Map
– Metro Bus Timetables
– Christchurch City Council SmartView Bus Network Map

See Shirley Centre Map, Shirley Centre | Transport
– 3.1. Metro Bus Stop 39710
Shirley Rd near Slater St (South side of Shirley Road) for 100, 7 & Orbiter
– 3.2. Metro Bus Stop 39625
Shirley Rd near Slater St (North side of Shirley Road) for 100, 7 & Orbiter
– 3.3. Metro Bus Stop 24345
Emmett St near Shirley Rd (heading North on Emmett St) for 44
– 3.4. Metro Bus Stop 38420
Shirley Rd near Stapletons Rd (heading East on Shirley Road) for 44

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.

Metro Bus Timetables for 7, 44, 100 & Orbiter
– Metro Bus Route 7 Halswell to Queenspark Timetable
Parklands, Burwood, Dallington, Edgeware & Richmond residents
– Metro Bus Route 44 Shirley to Westmorland Timetable
Dallington, Shirley, Mairehau & Edgeware residents
– Metro Bus Route 100 Halswell & Wigram to The Palms Timetable
Shirley, Edgeware, St Albans & Merivale residents
– Metro Bus Route Orbiter Timetable
citywide loop which includes Mairehau, Shirley, Richmond & Avonside residents

4. Bikes & Scooters
– Christchurch City Council SmartView Cycle Routes Network Map
– Christchurch City Council SmartView Scooters & eBikes (Hire) Location Map
– Christchurch City Council City to Sea Pathway
– New Road Crossings for the City to Sea Pathway

See Shirley Centre Map, Shirley Centre | Transport
New Bike & Scooter Racks located near Shirley Road, by the Half Basketball Court.
New Bike Repair Station located near Shirley Road, by the Half Basketball Court.
Easy to access for those travelling through the suburbs & the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor.
– 4.1. Bike & Scooter Racks
https://www.securabike.co.nz/Shop/Bike-Racks
https://www.securabike.co.nz/Shop/Scooters-and-Skateboards
– 4.1.a Locky Docks
“Using your Metrocard with Locky Docks: Locky Docks are free, secure locking stations for bikes, e-bikes and scooters, and can be accessed with your Metrocard. There are Locky Docks around the CBD with CCTV cameras and built-in alarms.
Locky Docks locations:
https://ccc.govt.nz/transport/getting-around/cycling/cycling-maps/
Click on ‘Layers’ & select ‘Cycle stands’. Locky Docks are the pink pins on the map.
How to use Locky Docks:
Tap your Metrocard to lock and unlock. Any bike, e-bike or scooter will fit. There is no fee to use a Locky Dock so nothing will be charged to your Metrocard.”
https://www.lockydock.co.nz/
– 4.2. Bike Repair Station
https://www.securabike.co.nz/Shop/Bicycle-Repair-Station/Bicycle-Repair-Station-Type-1
https://www.securabike.co.nz/Shop/Bicycle-Repair-Station/Bicycle-Repair-Station-Type-3
https://rtl.co.nz/product/cidws26347s/saris-deluxe-bike-repair-stand
https://rtl.co.nz/product/cihsp26246/outdoor-public-bike-pump-with-gauge
https://rtl.co.nz/resource/rtl-brochure-bike-repair-stands-gallery

5. Walking
see Shirley Centre Map, Shirley Centre | Transport
Includes:
– 1.1 Water Fountain, 1.2 Information Board & Interpretation Board(s)
– 5.1 Dudley Creek Walking Track & 5.1.2. MacFarlane Park Birdsong Trail
From the North in Shirley, through Shirley Primary School grounds, crossing over Shirley Road to the Shirley Community Reserve, South through Richmond, to connect up with the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor.
– 5.1.3 StoryWalk®, 5.1.4 Dewey Decimal Trail & 5.1.5 Footpath Obstacle Course

– 5.1 Dudley Creek Walking Track
See ‘Dudley Creek Flood Remediation’ https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/historic-landmark/ & https://riseuprichmond.nz/dudley-creek/
Bring residents out into their local communities to appreciate the existing tree canopy while walking along Dudley Creek & finding information about local birds/sites/Dudley Creek Flood Remediation.
The landscaping work that was done, as part of the ‘Dudley Creek Flood Remediation’, has created a picturesque ‘inviting and accessible waterway corridor’.
This track starts in the Shirley Shopping Centre, located at the corner of Hills & Shirley Road & ends at the Petrie Street ‘Dudley Creek Flood Remediation’ intake structure.
5.1.a. Shirley Shopping Centre Carpark (corner of Hills & Shirley Road)
5.1.b. Dudley Creek Esplande (9. ‘Shirley Centre | Parks’): 159 Slater Street, Richmond (path from Slater Street to Shirley Shopping Centre)
5.1.c. Shirley Community Reserve path (South End of the Reserve)
5.1.d. Julius Terrace path (across 2.4.a Footbridge ‘Shirley Centre | Transport’)
5.1.e. Along Stapletons Road
5.1.f. Past Petrie Park (8. Petrie Park ‘Shirley Centre | Parks’)
5.1.g. Along to 72 Stapletons Road (path on the left hand side, next to the bridge)
5.1.h. Along path to 65 Petrie Street, Richmond (path from Stapletons Road to Petrie Street)

– 5.1.1. The Green Lab Richmond Community Wayfinding
“Richmond Community Wayfinding is the first phase of a wayfinding route through Richmond and the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor. The project began in conversation in late 2019, and was designed and built with community members in 2020.”
https://thegreenlab.org.nz/richmond_community_wayfinding/

– Richmond Wayfinding & Parklet Project Ideas by Joanna Gould, July 2020
“Build Bird Houses & Feeders. Low cost project, great way to involve children & families. (* Trail based on https://riseuprichmond.nz/dudley-creek/)
This area is already home to many different birds, adding a bird house brings the birds down closer to the people using the trail & adding a bird feeder is an interactive way people can help increase the bird population.
Add info about each NZ bird species to a different bird house/feeder, link to the Department of Conservation website:
https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/ (info about each bird/sound recordings/habitat etc).”

– 5.1.2. MacFarlane Park Birdsong Trail
“MacFarlane Park is at the heart of a densely populated state housing area.
Thanks to the Shirley Community Trust…As part of a series of initiatives to increase pride in the park, the Birdsong Trails aim to create liveable spaces for the winged members of the Shirley community.
Several urban corridors run through Macfarlane Park connecting schools, housing and two community centres. Children and parents walk along these pathways on the way to school and to the community gardens every day. To make the walk more attractive, The Trust had the vision of planting the corridors with native trees and shrubs. This would thereby attract the birds and create opportunities for future education initiatives.
The long term goals of the Birdsong Trails include working with the schools to build bird houses and bird feeder stands, provide education about bird life and improve the ecosystems for native wildlife.”
https://shop.topflite.co.nz/blogs/news/good-egg-the-shirley-community-trust

– 5.1.3 StoryWalk®
“StoryWalk® programs – promoting literacy, reading, health, exercise, and movement in communities and neighborhoods across the United States and the world…Typically, pages from a children’s book are installed along a path. As you stroll along the path, you’re directed to the next page in the story. Pages frequently are accompanied by activities or information.”
https://letsmovelibraries.org/storywalk/

– 5.1.4 Dewey Decimal Trail
“The Dewey Decimal Trail, nestled within the library’s beautifully landscaped surroundings, features 10 distinct pictorial guideposts, each corresponding to the 10 subject areas of the renowned Dewey Decimal System. This unique feature allows visitors to not only enjoy a leisurely stroll, but also to gain insight into the various disciplines that contribute to the vast world of knowledge encompassed by the library’s collection…The Dewey Decimal Trail is not only a wonderful destination for individuals and families seeking a peaceful outdoor experience, but also an ideal spot for school group visits.”
https://texasborderbusiness.com/new-enhancements-to-dewey-decimal-trail-at-mcallen-public-library/

– 5.1.5 Footpath Obstacle Course
Painted gross motor skills movements/exercises on footpaths going through the Shirley Community Reserve.
https://www.facebook.com/kendallyounglibrary/videos/258362138811833/
“Edge Line Marking [North Canterbury] specialise in creating diverse and interactive markings to encourage outdoor play.”
https://www.edgelinemarking.co.nz/school-grounds

– 5.2 Shirley Road Pedestrian Signalised Crossing
This is located outside the Shirley Primary School & crosses over to the Shirley Community Reserve.

– 5.3 Pedestrian Entrances to the Shirley Community Reserve, 10 Shirley Road
5.3.a. Shirley Road Entrance (connects to 5.2 Shirley Road Pedestrian Signalised Crossing)
5.3.b. Chancellor Street Entrance (North, by the Half Basketball Court)
5.3.c. Chancellor Street Entrance (South, behind the Shirley Playcentre)
5.3.d. Slater Street Entrance (South, Main Entrance to the new carpark, behind the new Centre building)
5.3.e. Slater Street Entrance (North)