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CCC Citizen Hub Strategy

“The Christchurch City Council Citizen Hub Strategy is intended to:
– Identify how citizens and customers want to interact with Council regarding services, channel choice and community facilities
– Identify why citizen hubs may be best positioned to service and meet customer expectations
– Identify the current state and what changes are required to meet the future state implementation phases
– Provide a basis against which Council can measure success.

We currently operate a very “bricks and mortar” service arrangement, where different Council services have developed stand-alone service locations and approaches (often all in the same neighbourhood).
The review has found that this siloed legacy service model is no longer fit for purpose. Customers increasingly expect joined up services, easy one-stop transactions, and channel choice in how they engage with us.

We are proposing a shift to integrated service delivery arrangements whereby Council physical services are grouped together in convenient locations for citizens to access – a Citizen Hub with no wrong doors. This will be supplemented with an assisted-digital strategy whereby most simple Council service transactions can be automated, or completed on-line.

A set of design principles have been developed to guide improvement opportunities and the future state model. An implementation approach whereby council libraries will form the base for integrated, multi-discipline citizen hubs is proposed.”

https://ccc.govt.nz/the-council/plans-strategies-policies-and-bylaws/strategies/citizen-hub-strategy/

Customer Experience for Integrated Service – Citizen Hub Strategy
(As at 30th October 2015. Endorsed by Council 30th November 2015)
https://ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/The-Council/Plans-Strategies-Policies-Bylaws/Strategies/Citizen-Hub-Strategy.pdf

“More and more I think libraries need to become community hubs and reflect the needs of the community.”
“More staff interaction, give people the choice between “automated self check out” and an old fashioned check out desk.”
(Source: yourvoice.ccc.govt.nz/your-library/what-are-your-must-haves-for-new-central-library, Page 11)

“There is a synergy between the information that libraries provide and the service that Citizens Advice Bureau provides to the community.”
(Long Term Plan 2015-2025 – Citizen Submissions/ Feedback, Submission # 12990, Page 11)

“There is a worldwide trend towards establishing community hubs – and Christchurch City Council has already signaled its intent to adopt this concept by the development of our first co-located services in Papanui, Shirley, Fendalton, South Library and now, more comprehensively, at Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre.
Hubbing enables the delivery of service outcomes from a common location, making it easier for the customer, as well as enabling the efficient use of Council resources.
A hub can be far more than a place from which service is delivered.
It can bring community services together, be a gathering place for the community to play, learn, and engage with each other.
The key is integration; this strategy will look at how and where Council services can become the platform for more deeply integrated citizen hubs.”
(Shared vision for hub services, Page 13)

“In February 2013, the Auckland Council Executive Leadership Team approved a human-centred design approach for their new service centre.
Human-Centred Design Approach:
1. Scope – create a service delivery framework that enables Council to deliver an integrated and relevant in-store experience
2. Look & Listen – a refreshing and insightful view of the world through the eyes of the customers
3. Understand – distilling observations into insights
4. Solve – involve the wider organisation and external participants
5. Build – make it happen!
A deliberate and conscious flow was created for citizens to:
– Enter
– Orientate
– Experience their first point of contact
– Interact
– Transact
– Exit & extend”
(Case Study: The Auckland Council In-Store Experience, Page 14)

“Each element of the future omni-channel strategy needs to be enabled by the right tools and capability. For citizen hubs, this means exemplary service standards, well trained staff to support our customer groups in one engagement, supported by a customer relationship management (CRM) system.
Christchurch City Libraries have already incorporated human-centred design principles in their facility design, fit-out, and service model.”
(What does a hub mean for Christchurch City Council?, Page 15)

“Integrated, multi-discipline hubs will be created where it makes sense, and will be the preferred future model:
– Customers can go to one location to meet their requirements
– Lower building maintenance costs
– More efficient use of staff through rostering
In the longer term hubs can become a gathering place for more community services
Facilities are fit for purpose for the community it serves:
– Reduction in costs to council
– Community continues to have pride in their facilities and maximise use
– Locations meet customer demand and are centrally located in our communities
– Higher return on investment in facilities”
(Hub Principles, Page 16)

“Integration of Community Hubs will occur at existing Library facilities:
– In many locations, service desks are already co-located with libraries and therefore optically it does not seem a big change for the community
– The older demographic, likely to be using assisted service channels, are assumed as visiting libraries more frequently than recreation centres, making the assisted service more accessible for these users
Existing recreation building facilities do not have space to house libraries:
– Geographic distance will continue to occur in existing facilities due to facility constraints (i.e. size) and type of utilization (e.g. recreation services and quiet break out spaces do not have natural synergies)
Consistency is valued and enables standardisation:
– By initially establishing all hubs as a library/service desk integration customers will be able to expect and have the same service experience at any community hub
– Cross skilling of these employees will enable them to cover other services as required providing more job variety”
(Hub Assumptions, Page 17)

“The future integrated hub model provides for council libraries to act as integrated, multi-discipline hubs, simplifying and streamlining the customer journey.
The future assisted service model delivers a number of financial and non-financial benefits:
– Integrated: One location for multiple transactions
– Tailored: A choice of either assisted or self-service options
– Cost Effective: Savings on travel costs for customers using the digital channel options or traveling to a single integrated hub instead of multiple locations.
There are also options to reduce the Council physical foot-print through decommissioning of existing end-of-life facilities, or siloed facilities in the same community.”
(Meeting Customer Expectations, Page 17)

– Libraries: Shirley (Burwood Ward, 5 Council libraries: Parklands, New Brighton, Aranui, Shirley, Linwood in the Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board area)
– Service Desks: Shirley (Burwood Ward, 2 Council service centres: Shirley, Linwood in the Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board area)
– Governance Services: Shirley (Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board)
There are 3 Christchurch City Council services co located in the Shirley Library and Service Centre building, located in The Palms carpark.*
But there is no suburban sized Library or Service Centre in the entire Innes Ward.
(Location map for Christchurch City Council Libraries, Service Desks and Recreation and Sports Centres, Page 19)

* For more info on the current Shirley Library and Service Centre:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/south-library-report/
Sustainability and Community Resilience Committee, 01 June 2022
“Joanna Gould spoke in regards to Item 10. South Library Te Kete Wānanga o Wai Mōkihi – Earthquake Repair Options.
Her deputation focused on Shirley Library and the former Shirley Community Centre. She questioned the priority on South Library, when Shirley Library has issues around variety of books available and capacity.
She also queried why the rebuild of the Shirley Community Centre has been delayed until 2030/31, and whether this aligns with the Council’s policies on sustainability and environmental outcomes.”
Her presentation slides:
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2022/06/SACRC_20220601_MIN_7539_AT_ExternalAttachments/SACRC_20220601_MIN_7539_AT_Attachment_36676_1.PDF
Shirley Library and Service Centre building plan/layout
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2022/06/SACRC_20220601_MAT_7539.PDF#PAGE=19

“The founding principle of citizen hubs is to bring together the services 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.
Future builds of new citizen hubs should encompass all council facilities required by the community it serves, integrating recreation and sports, libraries, service desk and community governance services where it makes sense.
This will vary by community, depending on factors such as community demographics, land availability etc. and should be designed in conjunction with the community to ensure the hub is fit for individual community requirements (i.e. some of the new facilities in communities may not require all services).
As a result of the earthquakes there are a number of new community facilities and re-builds already underway.
The implementation plan will align with the Community Facilities Activity Management Plan and Community Facilities Network plan as well as the various facilities rebuild plans for the community facilities, libraries, and service desks.”

Facilities Rebuild Plans: Alignment = X, Most facilities have replaced ‘like for like’.*
Therefore, the integrated hub strategy has not been considered when deciding on the design and co-location of facilities.
(Interdependencies, Page 26)

* When I wrote https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/imagine/ in 2018, I saw the potential in this site at 10 Shirley Road, Shirley Community Reserve.
At that time I hadn’t even read the ‘Christchurch City Council Citizen Hub Strategy’.
Since 2018 I have been advocating for a new ‘Citizen/Community Hub’ at 10 Shirley Road & the redevelopment of the Shirley Community Reserve:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/submissions/

The Shirley Community Centre, has not been ‘replaced’, not even ‘like for like’.
In 2015 when this Strategy was written, why wasn’t a new integrated service delivery Citizen Hub option considered, at 10 Shirley Road, Shirley Community Reserve, site of the former Shirley Community Centre?
21: Shirley Community Centre, Replace. Section 38 (claim insured value).
26: Shirley Library, Cosmetic repairs.
Christchurch City Council Facilities Rebuild Plan – Tranche 1
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2022/06/SACRC_20220601_MAT_7539.PDF#PAGE=25

Historic Landmark

Q. What is a ‘Historic Landmark’?
A. “Historic Landmark means any improvement, building or structure of particular historic or architectural significance to the Town relating to its heritage, cultural, social, economic or political history, or which exemplifies historic personages or important events in local, state or national history identified in the municipality’s comprehensive plan, which have been listed or are eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.”
“Historic Landmark means an historic resource of historical, architectural, archaeological, or cultural importance or value which the City Council determines shall be protected, enhanced and preserved in the interest of the culture, prosperity, education and welfare of the people and which is so designated.”
https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/historic-landmark

Q. What is ‘Historic Heritage?’
A. “Historic heritage is those natural and physical resources that contribute to an understanding and appreciation of New Zealand’s history and cultures.
It includes historic sites, structures, places and areas, archaeological sites, site of significance to Māori, including wāhi tapu, and surroundings associated with the natural and physical resources.
Historic heritage has three key elements: a geographical place (e.g. a structure, house, site or area), associated heritage values and heritage significance, and associated connections with a person, group or community.”
https://www.environmentguide.org.nz/issues/heritage/what-is-historic-heritage/

1. Founding of Shirley
– “Subdivision started in the early 20th century, at which time the area was known as North Richmond. The name then changed to Windsor, until it was discussed at a meeting at the Windsor Wesleyan School that land agents indicated land sold better if the locality was called Shirley instead of Windsor.
The suburb spreads across wholly flat land which before the arrival of the first European colonists in the 1850s consisted of streams running into marshland between weathered and grassy sand dunes. Sheep and dairy cattle began to be grazed on the land within a few years of the colonists’ arrival, the area being part of the Sandhills station.
Land began to be bought by families of small farmers from 1863 onwards, and during the rest of the 19th century the future suburb was a district of market gardens, dairy farms and small grazing farms divided by hedgerows. A farmhouse and stables could be found along the roads every few hundred metres.
As more and more land was drained it was often highly productive. One large estate was established by the very wealthy Rhodes family who chose not to live on the land but instead resided in a very large mansion in Merivale. Their estate in the district was run by managers and overseers.
The district’s settlers were mostly English and Scottish, but some Irish families also settled, as well as – in the 1870s – a significant group of Poles from eastern Germany. A small village of shops and one or two churches had begun to grow up by that time along what would later become known as Shirley Road.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shirley,_New_Zealand
– “When our First Four Ships arrived in Lyttelton late 1850, the area that was to become known as Shirley attracted the settlers immediately.
By 1863, after most of the marsh had been drained, the area experienced a boom of smaller dairy/grazing farms and market gardens opening.
One of the biggest land owners were the Rhodes family who leased their land out. They chose to live in their nearby home of Elmwood, now the site of Heaton Normal Int. School (named after Sir Heaton Rhodes) on Heaton Road.
At that time, the Rhodes Estate stretched across the suburbs of Marshlands (Rhodes Swamp), Mairehau (named after Rose Mariehau Rhodes), Shirley and Elmwood.
It is unclear where John and Susannah Buxton – saddlers – actually lived but their son Joseph (pictured) owned land that sat on what is now known as Quinn Street.
On Susannah’s death bed, she asked her son to gift his land to the community so a church could be built. Her wish was granted.
On the 10th April 1868, the Shirley Methodist Church opened its doors.
The community had decided to honor Susannah by naming the church after her in using her maiden name of Shirley. Slowly the name spread and influenced the rest of the community.”
https://www.peelingbackhistory.co.nz/shirley-susannah-buxton-1807-1867/
– “Shirley. Named after Susannah Buxton, née Shirley, (1806?-1867). Mrs Buxton was the wife of John Buxton (1805?-1887), a saddler, and mother of Joseph Shirley Buxton (1833-1898), a gentleman of Merivale. Her son owned a large area of land on the corner of Quinn’s Road and St Albans Road.”
https://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Heritage/PlaceNames/ChristchurchPlaceNames-N-Z.pdf, Page 70
– “Mr. Joseph Shirley Buxton, who was long a personality in Christchurch, and an old Colonist of over forty years’ standing, was born at Wootton, Bedfordshire, England, in 1833, served his apprenticeship as a saddler with his father, and came to Lyttelton in 1858 by the ship “Westminster.”
https://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-Cyc03Cycl-t1-body1-d3-d57-d11.html
– “Shirley. Mr I. F. Buxton tells me that Shirley was named after his later father, Joseph Shirley Buxton, and was applied to a large area of land owned by him.
The area in question has recently been subdivided, but the name is now applied to a much larger district.
Such an explanation is most valuable, as the personal side of the matter would soon be forgotten. Shirley in this case may be a family name, or a reminiscence of a once-famous novel, or a place name in England – it is hard to say which.”
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19240112.2.57
– “Shirley Road. Named because it runs through Shirley which, in turn, is named after Susannah Buxton, née Shirley, (1806?-1867). Shirley Road is first mentioned in the Star in 1873.”
https://christchurchcitylibraries.com/heritage/placenames/christchurchstreetnames-s.pdf, Page 55
– 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

2. Social Housing Heritage
– “In 1905 the government introduced the Workers Dwelling Act which would allow for the purchasing of land and the construction of affordable homes for workers at what was to be modest rents.
34 designs were selected from 130 submitted by architects throughout New Zealand. Some of these homes were built in poorly selected locations away from public transport and at rents beyond the reach of many.”
“Richard Seddon, concerned at the number of homeless and substandard conditions, decided that the State should play a larger part in housing. Seddon came from England and had seen for himself good quality council housing available to low income families.
These homes could be leased with the right of renewal or could be purchased outright with the proviso that upon the death of the owner, ownership would return to the State. Seddon said it would give relief from profit hungry landlords…”
“When this early experiment was finished, over 640 homes had been built throughout the country.
In Christchurch, some of these homes were designed by some prominent local architects including Hurst Segar, Cecil Wood, Barlow and England.
Three pockets of these homes were built in Christchurch in 1918 to 1920, one being in Chancellor Street. This small group of homes run between Julius Terrace and Shirley Road.”
“Of the three pockets of these homes built in Christchurch, little remains of the other two, so Chancellor Street is unique in the fact that they are all still there and are in good hands. It would be interesting to know how many of these original 640 homes still exist throughout the country.”
‘Chancellor Street Today’ by Alan Williamson, Richmond Community News, February 2009
https://www.aveburyhouse.co.nz/uploads/4/7/2/0/47203855/rcn-066-february-2009.pdf
– “Richard John Seddon (22 June 1845 – 10 June 1906) was a New Zealand politician who served as the 15th premier (prime minister) of New Zealand from 1893 until his death. In office for thirteen years, he is to date New Zealand’s longest-serving head of government.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Seddon
– “Dudley is identified in the Christchurch District Plan as a Character Area. It has qualities that make it distinctive and appealing resulting in an attractive and memorable area. The distinctiveness is created through the combination of the character of houses and their surroundings.”
“Dudley has city-wide significance as an intact residential neighbourhood, strong landscape features, consistent house sizes and styles.”
“The original subdivision was comprehensively developed as a result of the construction of the St Albans Park and North Beach tram routes. Many of the original houses date from the early 20th century and are single-storey wooden villas and bungalows.”
“While there was damage to the area as a result of the Canterbury Earthquakes, the original subdivision of Dudley is relatively intact. The majority of sections across the area have not been further subdivided, retaining large sections with mature trees that sets up a regular spacing and pattern of houses, fencing and front gardens along the street.”
“Dudley Creek is a defining feature and important open space for this Character Area. Extensive recent work along the banks of the waterways in Dudley have opened up spaces that contribute to the amenity and value of the area for the community and residents. A feature of Dudley is how existing sections engage with the waterways. Houses face Dudley Creek and tributaries, vegetation is low but extensive and bridges, both vehicle and pedestrian, span the creek creating a strong visual and physical connection.”
https://ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/Consents-and-Licences/resource-consents/Forms/Character-Areas/Dudley-Design-Guide-2019.pdf
– “Interestingly this Dudley Character Area in Richmond, is in part thanks to Richard Seddon & “prominent local architects”: Hurst Segar, Cecil Wood, Barlow and England creating architectural designed social housing.
This Character Area is an important part of Richmond’s identity/heritage & should be protected, especially after so many buildings were lost after the earthquakes.”
http://riseuprichmond.nz/dudley-character-area/
Chancellor Street Heritage Houses
(overlooking Shirley Community Reserve)
“This former Workers’ Dwelling Act dwelling has historical and social significance as one of seven houses built on the east side of Chancellor Street in 1914 as part of the Chancellor Street Settlement under the Workers’ Dwellings Act 1905. The act and its successors established the first programme of public housing provision in New Zealand by central government.”
“New Zealand Premier ‘King’ Dick Seddon’s Liberal Government (1893-1906) wanted architectural variety, rather than uniformity, in the design of the workers’ dwellings. Local architects submitted entries to design competitions held throughout New Zealand and the dwellings were built by local contractors.”
“The Chancellor Street houses also form part of New Zealand’s heritage of state housing generally. The setting is the original 1914 rectangular land parcel with a small garden between the house and the roadway and a larger open space at the rear.”
– 72 Chancellor Street: https://goo.gl/maps/MQ1PE5QEhPyGs7o3A
https://districtplan.ccc.govt.nz/Images/DistrictPlanImages/Statement%20of%20Significance/Christchurch/HID%20112.pdf
– 70 Chancellor Street: https://goo.gl/maps/vQrotJHgSm2eczf49
https://districtplan.ccc.govt.nz/Images/DistrictPlanImages/Statement%20of%20Significance/Christchurch/HID%20111.pdf
– 66 Chancellor Street: https://goo.gl/maps/PPRMJDMoVzigGmgv8
https://districtplan.ccc.govt.nz/Images/DistrictPlanImages/Statement%20of%20Significance/Christchurch/HID%20110.pdf

3. Former Shirley Primary School Building
– “The Shirley Primary School was erected in 1915 to the design of George Penlington, the Education Board Architect in Canterbury.
The foundation stone was laid on 16th June 1915.
Sympathetic additions were made to the school building in 1924 and were presumably to the design of Penlington also. This comprised the four east-facing classrooms. Other than these additions, the building appears largely unaltered.
Shirley Primary School was typical of education buildings of this era in both plan and the provision of large windows to each classroom, but has some regional rarity in that it is constructed of brick. The building is prominent within the local streetscape because of its corner site and spacious setting.”
Building Record Form for Shirley Community Centre, 10 Shirley Road, Christchurch
https://quakestudies.canterbury.ac.nz/store/object/13346
– “This building was built as Shirley Primary School in 1915 to the design of Education Board architect George Penlington. With its hipped roof and symmetry, the overall flavour of this school building is Georgian. Its U-shaped plan, and large and regular fenestration, together hint at the Jacobean influence which was to be developed in Penlington’s later work. In addition, it provides evidence of Penlington’s skill in polychromatic brick construction.”
Register Record for Shirley Community Centre, 10 Shirley Road, Christchurch
https://quakestudies.canterbury.ac.nz/store/object/111836
– “Originally entered in the List as a Category 2 historic place (#7117) – Demolished 2012. This building was constructed in 1915 as Shirley Primary School.
It was built to the design of Education Board architect George Penlington.
The building’s hipped roof and symmetry gave the building an overall Georgian air, whilst its U-shaped plan and large and regular fenestration hinted at the Jacobean influence which was to be developed in Penlington’s later work.”
Canterbury earthquakes: Christchurch Q to Z: Shirley Community Centre (former Shirley Primary School) 10 Shirley Road, Christchurch.
https://www.heritage.org.nz/places/lost-heritage
– George Penlington, Canterbury Education Board Architect, including Shirley Primary & Richmond School
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/george-penlington/
– “Cantabrians have long been proud of the region’s education heritage, but they have extra reason to pay respect to the city’s remaining historic educational treasures…”We do tend to forget about our educational buildings. But it is so unusual to have such a concentration of our colonial beginnings in one small area and they tell us so much about our social history,” says Heritage consultant and chair of ICOMOS New Zealand Jenny May.
Some of the city’s foremost and celebrated colonial architects designed these institutional buildings: William Armson, Thomas Cane, Collins and Harman, Benjamin Mountfort, George Penlington, Samuel Hurst Seagar and Cecil Wood.
Although some of these buildings have been lost, they were a significant part of the city’s architectural as well as social heritage.”
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED1304/S00110/christchurch-s-education-heritage-recognised.htm
– Building Yesterday’s Schools: An analysis of educational architectural design as practised by the Building Department of the Canterbury Education Board from 1916 – 1989, by Murray Noel Williams.
“One development, unique to Canterbury, was that for a short period, from 1924-29, a local pressure group, the Open Air Schools’ League became so powerful that it virtually dictated the CEB’s design policy until the Board architects George Penlington and John Alexander Bigg reassumed control by inflecting the open-air model into the much acclaimed veranda block.”
https://ir.canterbury.ac.nz/handle/10092/9591

4. Former Shirley Community Centre
– “The Shirley Community Centre is located in a park like setting on the corner of Shirley Rd. In May 1977 the building and site became surplus to Ministry of Education requirements.
In October 1977 Christchurch City Council was appointed to control and manage the site pursuant to the Lands and Domains Act 1953.
The site was set aside for use as a Community Centre and the running of the Centre was handed over to the Shirley Community Centre Society, which had been established earlier in the year to lobby for the building to be used as a Community facility. The centre opened for hire in March 1978, as a ‘place for cultural, educational and recreational activities’.
Over the next almost 25 years funding from the City Council, fundraising and volunteer work from members of the Society and the local community have restored this building to a pleasant, well appointed Community Centre the local community can be proud of. It is well used by both local and citywide community groups, clubs and some commercial ventures, and is largely self-funding.”
http://archived.ccc.govt.nz/Council/CommunityPlans/Shirley-Papanui/2001/CommunityCentreIdealVenueForGroupsClubs.asp
– Christchurch City Libraries, Shirley Community Centre, Earthquake Damage Photos
https://www.flickr.com/photos/christchurchcitylibraries/
Search = Shirley Community Centre, or try this link:
https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=29328098%40N06&view_all=1&text=shirley%20community%20centre
– The Shirley Community Centre building was a Category 2 historic place (#7117) & demolished in 2012, due to earthquake damage.
“Facilities Rebuild Tranche 1, 21. Shirley Community Centre. Replace. Section 38 (claim insured value).”
https://ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/The-Rebuild/Community-facilities/CommunityFacilitiesTranche1.pdf
– Since 1915, this location at 10 Shirley Road/Shirley Community Reserve, has been an important part of our communities identity.
First as the original Shirley Primary School, then as the Shirley Community Centre, until the building was demolished in 2012, due to earthquake damage.
This historic landmark has been a ‘place of learning’ on Shirley Road for over 100 years & still is today with the Shirley Playcentre onsite.
Leaving it empty without a community building, is a constant reminder of what we have lost, that our communities have been forgotten & we have no community legacy for the future generations.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-overview/
NZ Society of Genealogists, Canterbury Branch
– “10 Shirley Road was the home for NZ Society of Genealogists – Canterbury Branch, for 21 years from February 1990 until the February 2011 earthquakes. We were hoping that a new Community Centre would be built on the same site to serve the local community in many ways, and possibly return ‘home’.”
Fiona Lees, NZ Society of Genealogists – Canterbury Branch, Convenor
“Our city has special needs with what we have been through in the last decade, where the community have shown how strong they can be supporting each other, and desperately need safe and welcoming meeting places to suit all needs.”
Pages 61-62, Letter from Fiona Lees, Convenor
NZ Society of Genealogists, Canterbury Branch
Pages 63-70, NZSG Canterbury Branch, 50th Anniversary – February 2018, includes photos of Shirley Community Centre
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2020/11/PICB_20201120_AGN_4525_AT.PDF
– “Established in 1968, that makes the [NZ Society of Genealogists] Canterbury regional branch the oldest in New Zealand…For Lees, that passion was wanting to know more about where she came from and what influences made her the person she is today.”
https://www.odt.co.nz/star-news/star-christchurch/genealogy-passion-and-addiction-christchurch-woman

5. Environment
Shirley Community Reserve
“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 unless and until the reserve classification is changed.
This involves a process set out in the Reserves Act 1977, providing for notification and objections by the public.
It also appears the land could not simply sit ‘vacant’ with the reserve stats unchanged, as that would also be inconsistent with the reserve purpose.”
9. ‘Shirley Community Facility Rebuild – 10 Shirley Road’ Report
5. Background (Page 19) & 9.9 Legal Implications (Page 27)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2015/08/SPCB_19082015_AGN.PDF
Significant Shirley Community Reserve Park Trees
There are 8 Significant Park Trees (Protected Vegetation) along the northern & eastern boundary of the Shirley Community Reserve.
Shirley Playcentre
Since 1915 this site has been a ‘place of learning’, as the original Shirley Primary School, then with the Shirley Community Centre & today the Shirley Playcentre is on this site (back left corner of the Reserve, from Shirley Road).
61 Chancellor Street: https://goo.gl/maps/oqMKT7MQJawX1YAN7
“Shirley Playcentre operates under the guidance of the Canterbury Playcentre Association. The playcentre is a parent cooperative with parents encouraged to be involved in all aspects of the playcentre’s programme and management.
Shirley Playcentre is located in the Shirley Community Reserve.
The community has become increasingly transient and culturally diverse due to the changes in employment in the local area.
Since the 2012 ERO report, the playcentre’s main focus has been to upgrade the outdoor environment.
Parents have made links with the local community to extend children’s learning opportunities. Adults make good use of the community gardens and the local stream to support children’s learning in natural science.
The playcentre works closely with the nearby school. Children take part in school programmes and are regularly visited by groups from the school.”
https://ero.govt.nz/institution/70118/shirley-playcentre
Dudley Creek
– “Dudley Creek, which flows through Bishopdale, Papanui, Shirley and Richmond before entering the Avon River was named after him [Dr Charles Dudley 1810 – 1881].”
https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/dr-charles-dudley/
– Dudley Creek runs along the southern boundary of the Shirley Community Reserve, 10 Shirley Road.
https://riseuprichmond.nz/dudley-creek/
Dudley Creek Flood Remediation
– “Detailed flood modelling and in the upstream zones of Dudley Creek, waterway widening, silt removal and infrastructural remediation will improve the existing waterways. In addition to this ecological and landscape values will be enhanced, including improving in-creek eel and fish habitats, new riparian and tree planting and improved pedestrian pathways. These interventions are carefully designed not to inhibit flood capacity at times of peak flow, and simultaneously provide an inviting and accessible waterway corridor for local residents and visitors when the creek is at its natural low flow level.”
https://www.wsp.com/en-NZ/projects/dudley-creek-flood-remediation
– https://ccc.govt.nz/services/water-and-drainage/stormwater-and-drainage/stormwater-projects/flooding-newsletters-and-works-notices-2/
– ‘Getting All The Multidisciplinary Ducks In A Row – Stream Waterway Design’ by Murphy A (Beca), Smith I (Beca), McMurtrie S (EOS Ecology), Keesing V (Boffa Miskell)
https://www.waternz.org.nz/Attachment?Action=Download&Attachment_id=1895
Dudley Creek Esplanade Reserve
– Path from Slater Street to Shirley Shopping Centre (corner of Hills & Shirley Road).
https://goo.gl/maps/Ji5haPVwJxgBF1167
– “I’m always amazed when I find little pockets of Christchurch that are wee gems like this – I think unless we live or work in an area we never really get to know other parts of the city all that well.”
https://christchurchdailyphoto.com/2018/09/06/dudley-creek-planting-near-hills-road/

Local Green Spaces

Residents have plenty of opportunities to connect with & utilise the existing local green spaces, through Christchurch City Council parks/walking trails/fruit trees, school grounds, community gardens, birdsong trails, Dudley Creek/Esplanade Reserve & the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor.

Many residents are unaware of what is available in their ‘local backyard’, which is where the Christchurch City Council can help to inform & educate residents.
– Inform: through https://www.ccc.govt.nz/ (Environment, Rec & Sport, Parks & Gardens, Council tabs), https://smartview.ccc.govt.nz/ & Tree Planting Guide etc.
– Educate: through our local Christchurch City Libraries with the help of our local ‘information specialists’ librarians: learning spaces, guest speakers, park rangers, non fiction books, displays, landscape design, garden tours, seed libraries, plant swaps, ‘learning through action’ school programme etc.

This is one of the many reasons why a new ‘community hub’ (library/learning spaces/community centre) at the Shirley Community Reserve is important, to connect locals with the existing green spaces & facilities in their ‘local backyard’.

The Shirley Community Reserve is centrally located at 10 Shirley Road, Richmond, connecting the communities around: Shirley, Dallington, Richmond, Edgeware, St Albans & Mairehau.

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)’. It also appears the land could not simply sit ‘vacant’ with the reserve status unchanged, as that would also be inconsistent with the reserve purpose.

Since 1915 when the original Shirley Primary School was built, the 10 Shirley Road site has historically been a ‘place of learning’ as a ‘place for cultural, educational and recreational activities’.

Community Education: “Climate Change 101”
Climate change is a big picture issue. How can we break it down into achievable practical day to day tasks/changes to the way we live in Christchurch?
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/community-education/

“What if We Built Our Communities Around Places?
Placemaking inspires people to collectively reimagine and reinvent public spaces as the heart of every community.”
“Every place already has a story to tell — placemaking just brings that story forward.”
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/placemaking/

Landscape Ideas for the Shirley Community Reserve:
Natives Garden, Wellbeing Sensory Garden, Basketball Area & Playground
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/landscape-ideas/

StoryWalk(R): Promoting literacy, reading, health, exercise, and movement in communities and neighbourhoods. Connecting books about trees/birds/climate change to local park trails.
https://letsmovelibraries.org/storywalk/

Earlier this year the Christchurch City Council consulted on the ‘Ōtautahi Christchurch Urban Forest Plan’, which “provides a long-term vision and strategy to maximise the health and sustainability of the city’s urban trees and forests and the benefits we receive from them.”
https://ccc.govt.nz/the-council/haveyoursay/show/572
https://ccc.govt.nz/environment/trees-and-vegetation/urbanforest

My submission: #50581, Page 275-278: https://ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/Consultation/2023/02-February/Urban-Forest-Plan-submission-table-for-public-20230601.pdf

1. Christchurch City Council Parks
In Richmond, we have access to the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor, Avebury Park, Richmond Village Green, Richmond Park, Petrie Park, Dudley Creek Esplanade Reserve & the Shirley Community Reserve.
– Parks: https://smartview.ccc.govt.nz/play/parks#/@172.65369,-43.50847,15
– Location Map: https://smartview.ccc.govt.nz/map/layers/parks#/@172.65369,-43.50847,15
– Accessible Parks: https://www.ccc.govt.nz/parks-and-gardens/accessible-parks
– Sports Parks:
MacFarlane Park (Shirley), https://goo.gl/maps/QhThPt1nuTxAm8UE7
Richmond Park (Richmond), https://goo.gl/maps/13AEMPazxMbRxmhg8
St Albans Park (St Albans), https://goo.gl/maps/98f3mpMW1tPiV1xR8
Westminster Park (Mairehau), https://goo.gl/maps/cc8c5m19k7KD393e8
Walter Park (Mairehau), https://goo.gl/maps/jVh8C8fEskeZKGXz7
– Basketball Courts:
Shirley Community Reserve, Richmond (Half Court), https://goo.gl/maps/912h2UUc99K2dRQG6
Avon Hub, Richmond (Full Indoor Court), https://goo.gl/maps/unZcBWFDRTsBNUFE9
MacFarlane Park, Shirley (Full Outdoor Court), https://goo.gl/maps/SF5CGR7i6fhZiBc47

2. Christchurch City Council Walking Trails
– There is a CCC Walking Trail that starts in the Shirley Shopping Centre, located at the corner of Hills & Shirley Road.
– Through the Dudley Creek Esplanade Reserve: 159 Slater Street, Richmond, path from Slater Street to Shirley Shopping Centre (corner of Hills & Shirley Road).
https://goo.gl/maps/Ji5haPVwJxgBF1167
– Then follows the Dudley Creek through the back of the Shirley Community Reserve, along Julius Terrace, across a footbridge to Stapletons Road.
– The landscaping work that was done, as part of the Dudley Creek Flood Remediation, has created a picturesque ‘inviting and accessible waterway corridor’.
(See ‘Dudley Creek Flood Remediation’ https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/historic-landmark/ & https://riseuprichmond.nz/dudley-creek/)
https://smartview.ccc.govt.nz/map/layers/walkingtracks#/@172.65369,-43.50847,15

3. Christchurch City Council Fruit Trees
Fruit Trees: https://smartview.ccc.govt.nz/play/trees#/@172.65369,-43.50847,15
Location Map: https://smartview.ccc.govt.nz/map/layers/trees#/@172.65369,-43.50847,15

4. School Grounds
“The Shirley Community Reserve is central to our 14 local education providers, all are within 3km of the 10 Shirley Road site.”
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/local-education-providers/
Collaborate with the Ministry of Education, to add trees to school fields as protection from weather & fruit trees for children/local community to eat.
“Enviroschools is an environmental action based programme where young people are empowered to design and lead sustainability projects in their schools, neighbourhoods and country.”
https://enviroschools.org.nz/regions/canterbury/

5. Community Gardens
– MacFarlane Park Community Garden, Shirley
https://shirleycommunitytrust.org.nz/activity/community-garden/
– Dallington Community Garden
http://www.ccga.org.nz/garden-directory/dallington-community-garden/
– Delta Community Garden, Richmond
http://www.ccga.org.nz/garden-directory/delta-community-support-trust/
– Richmond Community Garden
http://www.ccga.org.nz/garden-directory/richmond/
– Packe Street Park and Community Garden, Edgeware
http://www.ccga.org.nz/garden-directory/packe-street/
– St Albans Community Garden
https://www.facebook.com/groups/sustainable.stalbans.christchurch/

6. Birdsong Trails
– Dudley Creek Trail, Richmond (2018)
“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.”
https://riseuprichmond.nz/dudley-creek/
– Richmond Wayfinding Signage Ideas (2020)
“‘Medium’ Ideas: Bird House & Bird Feeder on a post. Low cost project, great way to involve children & families. These could be painted so they are very visible & attract attention. Easy to identify the next stop on the trail.
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, info about each bird/sound recordings/habitat etc.”
The Green Lab Richmond Community Projects Joanna Gould, Page 1
– “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.”
“The route was determined by those with keen knowledge of local histories, and a later stage of creating QR codes linking to site information along the way is planned.”
https://thegreenlab.org.nz/richmond_community_wayfinding/
– MacFarlane Park Trail, Shirley (2022)
“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 [Shirley Community] 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.
Already looking to extend the Birdsong Trail, the Trust is working with some experts from Lincoln University who could plant five varieties of harakeke. These will provide food for the birds and in time, could be used for teaching weaving and tikanga classes.”
https://shop.topflite.co.nz/blogs/news/good-egg-the-shirley-community-trust

7. Dudley Creek
– “Landscape and natural features: Dudley Creek is a defining feature and important open space for this Character Area. Extensive recent work along the banks of the waterways in Dudley have opened up spaces that contribute to the amenity and value of the area for the community and residents.”
Christchurch City Council Character Area Dudley Design Guide (2019)
https://ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/Consents-and-Licences/resource-consents/Forms/Character-Areas/Dudley-Design-Guide-2019.pdf, Page 2
– https://dcmurban.com/urban-design-public-spaces/dudleycreek
– https://seipp.co.nz/projects/dudley-creek-bridges/
– https://seipp.co.nz/projects/dudley-creek-flood-remediation-bypass-outlet/
– https://newsline.ccc.govt.nz/news/story/dudley-creek-bypass-nearing-completion
– Dudley Creek Esplanade Reserve: 159 Slater Street, Richmond, path from Slater Street to Shirley Shopping Centre (corner of Hills & Shirley Road).
https://goo.gl/maps/Ji5haPVwJxgBF1167
– “I’m always amazed when I find little pockets of Christchurch that are wee gems like this – I think unless we live or work in an area we never really get to know other parts of the city all that well.”
https://christchurchdailyphoto.com/2018/09/06/dudley-creek-planting-near-hills-road/

8. Dudley Character Area
“Vegetation and street amenity: Established vegetation including trees, shrubs, hedging and lawns within front and rear gardens are a feature of Dudley.
Mature street trees especially on Dudley Street and along the waterways contribute significantly to the Character Area by creating micro-climates, shade and an attractive appearance.”
“Generally an intact original subdivision with generous section sizes and a general spaciousness.”
“Balance of house and garden size: A feature of Dudley is the consistent balance between house and garden size…with modest house footprints, generous separation between houses and gardens that contain substantial vegetation.”
Christchurch City Council Character Area Dudley Design Guide (2019)
https://ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/Consents-and-Licences/resource-consents/Forms/Character-Areas/Dudley-Design-Guide-2019.pdf, Page 2 & 3

9. Dudley Street Trees
“Dudley Street Oak: The trees are Quercus x heterophylla, aka Bartrams oak, which are rare in both the Christchurch and NZ context. Arguably, they also constitute the single most significant feature in the Dudley Street Character Area.”
https://goo.gl/maps/2hcH5BeRCvAtVh5i9

10. Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor
https://www.ccc.govt.nz/parks-and-gardens/regenerationareas/otakaro-avon-river-corridor/
https://www.ccc.govt.nz/parks-and-gardens/explore-parks/residential-red-zone/
http://riseuprichmond.nz/red-zones-future-ideas-map-by-joanna-gould/
http://riseuprichmond.nz/red-zone-futures-heritage-dr-christine-whybrew-from-heritage-new-zealand/
http://riseuprichmond.nz/draft-oarc-regeneration-plan-tell-our-stories/
http://riseuprichmond.nz/draft-oarc-regeneration-plan-visitor-experience/

Shirley Youth Audits

In 2021, Shirley youth were invited to participate in Youth Audits at 3 locations: Shirley Library, MacFarlane Park Basketball Court & 10 Shirley Road/Shirley Community Reserve.

Below are links to a summary post & original report for each:
– Youth Audit Shirley Library [Burwood Ward]
– Youth Audit MacFarlane Park [Basketball Court, Shirley]
– Youth Audit 10 Shirley Road [Shirley Community Reserve, Richmond]

The audits were conducted by ReVision, organised by Shirley Village Project & funded by the Department of Internal Affairs.

“ReVision have tools to support young people to audit places and spaces that are or will be used by young people to ensure that it is youth friendly, and tools to help planners, managers, architects and designers use Youth Relevant Design to create youth-friendly places and spaces.”
http://www.youthvoicecanterbury.org.nz/revision.html

“A plan for Shirley will document the local community’s vision and priorities.
It is particularly important now to guide how we might use the resources available to us through the Department of Internal Affairs’ Community Led Development Programme over the next five years.”
https://www.shirleyvillage.org/community-plan

Youth Audit Tool
“Funded by Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) for an initial trial, Youth Audits for…Shirley Library, and MacFarlane Park are now complete [2021].”
“Feedback from Council staff and community partners have highlighted the value of input at an early stage of facility design/redesign, and that the Youth audit it is a valuable tool for obtaining youth perspectives on a project (something that has been historically difficult to obtain).”
Attachments: Canterbury Youth Audit Tool – Audit Check Card (Page 18), ReVision Report – Shirley Library (Page 20) & ReVision Report – MacFarlane Park (Page 38)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2021/12/YTAC_20211201_AGN_5468_AT.PDF

Youth Audit Shirley Library [Burwood Ward]
The Shirley Library performed below average, in the Youth Friendly Spaces Audit, scoring a total of 64.5% and producing a Net Promoter Score of -50.

Youth Audit MacFarlane Park [Basketball Court, Shirley]
The MacFarlane Park Basketball Court performed averagely in the Youth Friendly Spaces Audit, scoring a total of 59.5% and producing a Net Promoter Score of 0.

Youth Audit 10 Shirley Road [Shirley Community Reserve, Richmond]
10 Shirley Road performed averagely in the Youth Friendly Spaces Audit, scoring a total of 42% and received a poor Net Promoter Score of -37.5.

Many of the issues identified in the Youth Audits for Shirley Library & 10 Shirley Road, could be addressed by creating a new central ‘Community Hub’ at the Shirley Community Reserve, that would complement the existing community facilities in MacFarlane Park & surrounding suburbs.

More youth living in the suburbs surrounding Shirley Road: Shirley, Dallington, Richmond, Edgeware, St Albans & Mairehau, could benefit from the positive aspects of the 10 Shirley Road site highlighted in the Youth Audit above.

Youth Audit MacFarlane Park

For the full report, click on this link below:
ReVision Youth Friendly Spaces Audit Report | MacFarlane Park Basketball Court (2021)

1. Executive Summary (Page 3)
On August 3 and August 7, 2021, the MacFarlane Park Basketball Court was audited by young people on its youth-friendliness. Using the Youth Relevant Design Check Card and Youth Friendly Spaces Audit, young people audited the MacFarlane Park Basketball Court on its safety, appeal, accessibility, resourcing, and youth-friendliness.

The MacFarlane Park Basketball Court performed averagely in the Youth Friendly Spaces Audit, scoring a total of 59.5% and producing a Net Promoter Score of 0.

The youth auditors really like how the space sums up the community vibe of Shirley.
The basketball court is centrally connected to other places that local youth access and is surrounded by bus stops that cater for the central bus network.
They enjoy using the space to spend time with friends and play sports. It currently caters for their needs but does need some work to have better practicality.
The main area young people thought could be improved and gave feedback on is the current state of the basketball courts which need cosmetic and practical upgrading for youth to enjoy.
In addition, the general area around the court would benefit from more lighting, more seating around the area, an improved water fountain, and a bin nearby to accommodate the basic needs of an outdoor youth-friendly space that can be enjoyed by everyone.

4.2.1 What do you like about this space? (Page 9)
The most common theme that came through the scorecard regarding what people like about the space is that MacFarlane Park is easily accessible and a great place to hang with friends.
One reason for this is that the park is the closest thing nearby for youth, “It’s the only thing around here so it’s this or nothing” and the young people felt you’ve got to “make the most of what you’ve got.”
The youth auditors highlighted that they enjoy the basketball court as a way to pass time without the use of technology.

4.2.3 What would you change about this space that is easy to do? (Page 9 & 10)
A common change young people want to see is improving the ‘life’ of the basketball court.
The concrete needs leveling because of constant puddles appearing during wet weather which can cause slips and other accidents.
The hoops need replacing which includes the backboards, double rim hoops, and access to the netball hoops to increase the versatility of the space.
The need for a versatile court came from one young person who expressed “I used to come here to practice netball but now I don’t” because of the court only being set up for basketball.
Youth also identified a need for benches as there is an insufficient amount of seating, and the bench that is currently there is inaccessible due to the leaking water fountain creating a “bog” that never dries and attracts wasps during the summer months.
Lighting also came up as there is not enough when it becomes dark. The auditors agreed that it is unsafe at late hours and lighting would significantly improve this.
Signage needs to be added as well as it can be confusing for people to find the space. This could include signs by the gate to the courts or by the corner of the block.

4.2.4 What would you change about this space if you could change
anything? (Page 10)
Better toilets, rubbish bins, and additions of other youth-friendly activities is a recommendation given out by the young people.
Young people want toilets that are closer to the basketball courts as there is no clear path to the nearest toilet block, especially when it rains.
They all mentioned that the toilets are not well lit, and they feel unsafe with one auditor stating, “I feel like I’m gonna die when I go in there”.
The bins are also something that everyone said needs to be changed. Recently, the bin placed near the playground was removed in favour of a smart bin that is placed by the toilet block.
Young people felt that this was the wrong call as it makes no sense for it to be far away from the social hotspot of the park.
Auditors also suggest adding a half-pipe for skateboarders. They felt that not only would it add another activity for youth to enjoy but would improve the overall vibe of the space to make it even more inviting for all youth of Christchurch and would give Shirley a treasure in the area.

4.3.1 Safety (Page 11)
Overall, the youth auditors feel safe when they access the MacFarlane Park basketball courts.
When asked if they feel welcome in the space, it was unanimous from the auditors that they do feel welcome.
However, when it gets dark the general consensus is that young people do not feel safe.
They have attributed this due to the lack of lighting in this space.
The auditors generally came by foot to the space and adequate lighting would drastically change their future sense of safety.

4.3.2 Appeal (Page 11 & 12)
A space is more appealing when young people are able to be engaged in the space.
During the focus group, youth auditors said that the space met their needs and is appealing.
One of the auditors mentioned that even though the space is simply a park, ifs they went without bringing anything they would still be able to enjoy their time.
The main use of the space is obviously the basketball court, so they are aware they need to bring a basketball or netball to use the courts.
The first improvement would be to resurface the basketball court. In its current state, young people have mentioned the impracticality that it brings.
The court could also be redesigned to add lines to be used for other ball sports to make the space more versatile and appealing to a wider range of youth.
Other recommendations that arose were to replace the basketball hoops with interchangeable hoops that can also be used for netball.
One auditor mentioned how in the past this was possible, but these hoops were removed and can no longer be changed.
Fixing the water fountain and installing benches will also help improve the appeal of the space as the water is currently leaving a puddle that never dries.

4.3.3 Accessibility (Page 12)
Young people commented that the space is easily accessible to the general public due to its central location in the neighbourhood and it acts as a hub for the community.
The location is close to other spaces that young people go to such as The Palms Mall, Shirley Library, shops, and their homes.
The space is surrounded with a number of bus stops that connect to the main lines like the Orbiter.
The main comment for improvement is that the space needs more clear signage to help non-locals find their way.
The recommendation of resurfacing the concrete arose again due to the concrete by the entrance of the space being prone to puddles that inhibits access.
They also raised the issue of a lack of safe spaces to leave their bikes and scooters.

4.3.4 Well-Resourced (Page 13)
The youth auditors said that the space lacks some basic resources such as bins, benches, and a proper path to the toilets.
The most direct path is going through the grass, and this is an issue during wet weather with mud building up that can cause slipping.
Even during daylight hours, the toilets are dark, and youth feel unsafe to use them.
They are in bad condition due to their uncleanliness and general atmosphere.
Youth feel that the space is close to shops where they can access food and they do not mind the walk to these shops.

4.3.5 Youth-Friendly (Page 13 & 14)
The youth auditors talked about how MacFarlane Park and the basketball courts have a real Shirley vibe, “we are a low income kinda area and so it’s not posh”.
Shirley is basic but has a very community-oriented and connected vibe.
Youth and other residents will always bump into people they know.
Changes that the youth auditors identified were to introduce a skate ramp, like a half-pipe where youth and other residents can use their skateboards and scooters to complement the basketball court and playground.
For artists, auditors suggested a mural wall similar to the giant spray cans at the Youth Space on the corner of Lichfield and Manchester Street where youth can showcase their talents and give them a canvas where they would be allowed to do so.

5. Recommendations (Page 14-16)
5.1 Revamp the Basketball Court
In its current state, the court is prone to puddles and is not being used to its full potential due to the fading lines and inability to swap between the basketball hoops and netball hoops.
5.2 Add Lighting to the Space
The space drastically needs lightning to improve its overall safety and accessibility to all hours of the day, not just for youth, but all users of the space.
5.3 Increase Signage
The space may be familiar to Shirley youth, but youth from other areas will struggle to find the space.
5.4 Improve the Amenities of the Space
Changes could look like: Adding more benches, Fixing the water fountain, Improving the bathroom (e.g., cleaning, lightning, dedicated pathway), Adding a bin closer to the space & Adding bike and scooter stands/
5.5 Introduce New Activities
Changes could look like: Adding a skate park, Adding a half-pipe & Adding an art wall and area for graffiti art.