Blog – Page 9 – 10 Shirley Road

Shirley Community Reserve Memo

13. Waipapa Papanui-Innes Community Board Area Report – June 2022
3. Community Support, Governance and Partnership Activity
3.1 Community Governance Projects
Activity: Shirley Community Reserve Activation
Detail: Staff are investigating options (Attachment A) for the activation of the site further to the Board’s site visit and follow up discussion of the Youth Audit Workshop.
On 18 May 2022, Council staff (local Community Development Adviser, Manager Parks Planning and Asset Management, Team Leader Visitor Experience) met with representatives from the Shirley Road Central group to discuss their ideas for the Shirley Community Reserve, and got an insight from the group on the local history of the site and surrounding area.
Timeline: Ongoing
Strategic Alignment: Improve and support community facilities and amenity in the Papanui-Innes Wards.
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2022/06/PICB_20220617_AGN_7648_AT.htm#PDF2_ReportName_36788

Attachments: A – Memo – Shirley Community Reserve
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2022/06/PICB_20220617_AGN_7648_AT.htm#PDF3_Attachment_36788_1

Date: 10 June 2022
From: Kelly Hansen, Manager Parks Planning and Asset Management
To: Waipapa Papanui-Innes Community Board
Reference: 22/701171
Shirley Community Reserve

1. Purpose of this Memo
1.1 The purpose of this memo is to collate and provide information and advice to the Waipapa Papanui-Innes Community Board on short term development suggestions for Shirley Community Reserve.

2. Origin
2.1 Following demolition of the earthquake damaged Shirley Community Centre in 2012, the Community Board has discussed various suggestions for redevelopment that have been raised through community engagement and a youth audit and have asked for advice on a number of ideas.

4. Key Points
Background

4.1 The community centre that was located on Shirley Community Reserve at 10 Shirley Road was demolished in 2012 as a result of earthquake damage.
A pre-school [Shirley Playcentre], playground, basketball half court, trees, and paths remain on site.
The Council has constructed a relocatable pump track, table tennis/picnic table, and an open grass area.

4.2 In June 2021, the Council approved $3 million funding for the rebuild of the Shirley Community Centre in FY 2029/30 – FY 2031/32 with the option to bring forward funding in an Annual Plan if plans are progressed.

4.3 A feasibility study is currently underway to estimate the construction costs for four potential options for a new community facility.
– 1. Mixed use hub incorporating a library, service centre, and community operated community space,
– 2. Community operated large community facilities building,
– 3. Community operated small community facilities building,
– 4. Outdoor options similar to Dallington landing.

4.4 Staff will prepare a report to the Council that incorporated all the work undertaken regarding the Shirley Community Reserve in recent years including both feasibility studies, community feedback, and the geotechnical information for the site.

4.5 The Community Board has allocated $15,000 in discretionary funds for some short term enhancement of the site until longer term decisions are made.

Toilets
4.6 Provision of toilets was suggested by two submitters in the 2020 community engagement exercise and the 2022 Youth Audit for the reserve.
4.7 Neighbourhood parks, such as the Shirley Community Reserve, cater for local communities.
They do not usually have toilets as they are generally only a short distance from users’ homes and people do not visit for long periods of time.

Signage
4.19 At its meeting of 18 March 2022, in response to a presentation in the public forum, the Community Board resolved:
Request staff work with Shirley Road Central to progress their idea for signage.
4.20 Current signage at the reserve is outdated, in poor condition, misleading, and therefore unwelcoming.
Modern, maintained signs subconsciously send our park users the message that the park is cared for. This can reduce anti-social behaviour.
4.21 A sign plan for the park will be developed by the Parks Unit Visitor Experience team by August 2022.
4.23 The signage plan will follow the guidelines provided in the Parks Unit Sign manual, the Parks and Reserves bylaw, and the requirements of Council branding.
Current use of the park will be considered.
Signs not compliant with the Council branding may be modified in consultation with any external groups.
4.24 After discussion with representatives from the Shirley Road Central group it was agreed the Visitor Experience Team would also investigate developing one or two interpretation boards.
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.
The Shirley Road Central group has provided reference material.
4.25 The existing damaged community centre user group sign will be removed and stored by the Parks Unit with potential to restore and re-use if a relevant re-use on the reserve is found.

Lights
4.26 Lighting the reserve was suggested through the youth audit as a way to improve safety.
4.28 Staff strongly recommend against lighting the park due to concerns about user safety and disturbance of neighbours.
4.29 It is a common perception that lights make a park safer, however, the opposite is often true.
Lighting encourages people to use a park at night when there is no passive surveillance occuring – there are no people walking past and neighbours have their curtains closed and attention focussed indoors.
Lighting makes park users visible and predictable and creates shadows and hidden areas for danger to lurk.
Lighting parks at night is contrary to the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).*
It creates a false sense of security and sends a potentially misleading message that the park is a safe place to use at night.
4.30 Lighting encourages night time activity that may disturb neighbours, e.g. basketball.
There are residential properties close to the Shirley Community Reserve.
Complaints about basketball noise and other evening activities could be expected.
Automatic light switch-off times may help but activity would likely extend beyond these times.

* [see “CCC Draft Annual Plan 2022-2023 Submission” post:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc-draft-annual-plan-2022-2023-submission/
– 3.1 Christchurch City Council – Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) | Research
– 3.2 Christchurch City Council – Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) | Comments
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CCCDraftAnnualPlan2022JoannaGould.pdf, Page 3]

Basketball court renewal
4.31 The condition of the [half] basketball court is currently rated as moderate (scored as 4 on a scale of 1-5 where 1 is good and 5 is poor).
Asset renewals are prioritised based on condition and community need with the poorest condition assets (scoring 5) prioritised first.
It is important to confirm any potential changes in location or size of the court as part of the reserve redevelopment before renewing the court.*
This would be done as part of a landscape plan for the whole reserve.
4.32 A new full court is estimated at approximately $90,000.

* There already is a full sized indoor basketball court at Avon Hub in Richmond & a full sized outdoor basketball court at MacFarlane Park in Shirley.
– Avon Hub, 77 North Parade, Richmond: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WuCiJnS4ZDyhdDnC9
– MacFarlane Park, Cnr Acheson Avenue & Skipton Street, Shirley: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TzQvfmvmwka8Gsaj6
“Avon Hub has a full sized indoor basketball court…”
https://www.easterncommunity.co.nz/facilities/avon-hub/
“Vandals stripped out most of the cable, smashed the gym floor and windows and badly damaged the Spartan Room.”
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gym-could-be-saved-at-badly-vandalised-former-shirley-boys-high-school-site/QTV5NXS24MYPCFC5QVD4WEZT6E/
“On 22 May [2022], the Avon Hub (formerly known as the Spartan Sport Hall, at the former Shirley Boys High School site on North Parade) was opened to the community by Eastern Community Sport and Recreation Inc”
https://wearerichmond.co.nz/healthy-richmond/avon-hub-now-open-in-former-spartan-sport-hall/
Youth Audit MacFarlane Park Basketball Court [2021]:
“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.
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.”
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/youth-audit-macfarlane-park/

Accessibility
4.35 Pathways provide access to the reserve for people with disabilities.
Any new developments would take accessibility into account.
Difficulty with access over the road gutter on Slater Street was raised during a site visit.
Bridge blocks over the gutter or a pedestrian cut down is estimated at $4-7,000 depending on the design and this work would be requested through the Transport Unit.

Activation
4.36 The results from the Youth Audit identified that the space is not currently used to its full potential.
Feedback received indicated that a series of activations would enhance the area whilst planning for the site is undertaken.
Suggestions were for community sport and recreation programmes, e.g. Ki O Rahi, play activations, and community family-focused events.
Two car boot sales and a skip day have already been held.
A series of activations would enhance the utilisation of the site and help facilitate future planning.
This would be done in conjunction with the local community.
The activation would cost approximately $10,000.

Reserve Planning
4.44 Planning for any reserve development will be dependent on the final decision on a community centre.
Ad hoc piecemeal development is to be avoided, a plan for the whole site will achieve the best outcome.
The reserve is suitable for a range of recreation opportunities and is of particular interest for facilities that have no other suitable location in the area, e.g. a skatepark (with unmet demand going back to 1993).*
Some funding is proposed for reserve development in FY26-29, subject to the community centre progressing and funding being confirmed in the next Long Term Plan.

* [10 Shirley Road/Shirley Community Reserve is in Richmond, not Shirley.
Currently the site is in the Innes Ward, but will be in the new Central Ward from October 2022.
Shirley MacFarlane Park Community Concept Plan
http://www.lucas-associates.co.nz/christchurch-banks-peninsula/shirley-concept-plan/
This is a community concept plan developed through a community planning process since 2005. MacFarlane Park and the Acheson Ave shops are in the physical centre of the study area and are the focus of this community concept plan because community feedback from the Shine event 2007 identified this as the main community concern and focus of their suggestions on ways to improve the neighbourhood.
(February 2008)
http://www.lucas-associates.co.nz/assets/Document-PDFs/Shirley-Concept-Plan.pdf]

5. Financial Implications
5.1 Budget Code: The Community Board have allocated $15,000 in discretionary funding towards the Shirley Community Reserve.
There is no other capital funding allocated for short term development.

6. Community Interest and Consultation
6.1 A range of views and suggestions for the reserve have been collected through a community engagement exercise in 2020, a Youth Audit in 2022, and various other community discussions.

7. Next Steps
7.1 Community Board reports are being prepared on the feasibility study for a community centre and proposed activation of the site.

“Shirley Centre Overview” Page

The former Shirley Community Centre at 10 Shirley Road/Shirley Community Reserve, was a historic building, used for ‘Cultural, Educational and Recreational Activities’.
Prior to the September 4, 2010, and February 22, 2011 earthquakes, the well-established centre was used by many community groups.
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.
Due to the building’s damage caused by the earthquakes, the facility was demolished in 2012 and has not been replaced since, in spite of the area’s growing population.
In 2022 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.
My vision is a new community hub at 10 Shirley Road.
A modern inclusive and accessible future-focused library, with learning/meeting spaces for all ages and stages of life.
This location is a very visible historic landmark at the beginning of Shirley Road.
Leaving it empty without a building, is a constant reminder of what we have lost, that we have been forgotten & have no community legacy for our future generations.

“Shirley Centre Overview” Page (on the left hand side menu)
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-overview/

– Centre Ideas (2018)
– Shirley Centre Q & A (2019)
– Shirley Centre Research (2019)
– “Where is our Community Centre” Petition
– Poto Williams Support Letter
– Duncan Webb Support Letter
– Shirley Centre Concept (2021)
– Shirley Centre Concept (Image)
– Learning Libraries Concept
– Instore Demonstration Concept
– Community Education
– Support Services
– Site History
– Original Building
– Community Facilities
– Design Considerations
– CCC Integrated Planning Guide
– George Penlington
– Benjamin Oakes Moore
– Charles Duggan
– Building Ideas
– Landscape Ideas

Board Update 17th June 2022

Today I updated the Waipapa Papanui-Innes Community Board with my research, after Councillor Pauline Cotter invited me during my verbal presentation to Council, for the Draft Annual Plan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYLGvBkONbw&t=209s

Since 2018 I have been advocating for a new building to be built at 10 Shirley Road/Shirley Community Reserve: https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/timeline/#2018
Every year I have done extensive research to support my submissions to the Christchurch City Council’s Annual/Long Term Plan.
When the Waipapa Papanui-Innes Community Board has a consultation “open for feedback” for residents to make a submission, I have provided research based ideas & comments in my submission.
I have also tried repeatedly over the years, to engage with the Board (elected members & staff) via email, asking to have a discussion/meeting regarding 10 Shirley Road/Shirley Community Reserve.
Public Forum (anyone, 5 minutes including questions), Deputation (approved by Chair, 10 minutes including questions) & verbal submissions on the Council’s Annual/Long Term Plan (resident, 3-5 minutes including questions) are not an opportunity for a proper discussion.

Below is the email trail outlining the events/effort required just so I could speak to the Board, after being invited by my Innes Ward councillor, Pauline Cotter.

From: Norrish, Emma
Sent: Wednesday, 11 May 2022
To: Joanna Gould; Cotter, Pauline
Subject: RE: 10 Shirley Road
Kia ora Joanna,
Thanks for the email, and well done on the presentation of your annual plan submission to Council (I was watching it online).
Regarding Pauline’s question about whether the Board has received this information, I know you have sent out numerous emails to us.
I have read them, and I would hope that other Board members have too.
We would be happy to have you present at one of our public forums, which are held at the start of our board meetings.
Our next one is next Wednesday 18th May at 9.30am.

From: Joanna Gould
Sent: Wednesday, May 11, 2022
To: Cotter, Pauline; Norrish, Emma
Subject: Re: 10 Shirley Road
Thanks Emma, much appreciated!
I would be happy to present at your public forum.
Can you let me know when the next Board meeting is that I can do this in person? Thanks

From: Norrish, Emma
Sent: Thursday, 12 May 2022
To: Joanna Gould; Cotter, Pauline
Subject: RE: 10 Shirley Road
Morning Joanna,
We are hoping to be back in person for our June meeting, which will be on Friday 17th June at 9.30am.

From: Cotter, Pauline
Sent: Monday, 16 May 2022
To: Joanna Gould
Subject: RE: 10 Shirley Road
Hi Joanna,
Thanks for this lovely email with the added personally history of your very strong connections to Shirley and particularly the old Centre.
I am so pleased you are coming to the Board to speak to us about this, and very much look forward to seeing you there on the 17th June.

From: Joanna Gould
Sent: Thursday, June 16, 2022
To: Pavey, Emma
Subject: Waipapa Papanui-Innes Community Board Meeting, Friday 17 June 2022
Hi Emma
Sorry for the late notice (I’m playing catch up after getting back from Wellington), I would like to speak briefly to the Board at the meeting tomorrow, during Public Forum.
After my verbal submission at Council for the Draft Annual Plan, Pauline invited me to come & speak to the Board, to update them re 10 Shirley Road/Shirley Community Reserve.
Could you please forward this email to the Community Board members for the meeting tomorrow.
Let me know if you have any questions.

From: Saunders, Mark
Sent: Friday, June 17, 2022
To: Joanna Gould
Cc: Pavey, Emma
Subject: Waipapa Papanui-Innes Community Board Meeting, Friday 17 June 2022
Kia ora Joanna,
Thank you for your interest in presenting to the Board.
We’ve conferred with the Chair, and noting the restriction in Standing Orders on presentations being received that are subject to a hearing process such as the Annual Plan is currently going through, it has been considered that it would not be appropriate for your presentation to come just at this time, but it’d be great if you could come back to us with the request after the Annual Plan process has been completed given it is in the middle of that hearing process that you’ve submitted to in this respect, thank you.

Waipapa Papanui-Innes Community Board Meeting, Friday 17 June 2022
– Agenda: https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2022/06/PICB_20220617_AGN_7648_AT_WEB.htm

As I was no longer able to speak as part of the Public Forum, I went along to listen to the Board meeting.
When I arrived, Chair Emma Norrish said I was able to speak as a Deputation in regards to the Board’s Area Report/Memo re Shirley Community Reserve.

– 13. Waipapa Papanui-Innes Community Board Area Report – June 2022
Memo from Kelly Hansen, Manager Parks Planning and Asset Management
Shirley Community Reserve
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2022/06/PICB_20220617_AGN_7648_AT.htm#PDF3_Attachment_36788_1
“4.3 A feasibility study is currently underway to estimate the construction costs for four potential options for a new community facility.
1. Mixed use hub incorporating a library, service centre, and community operated community space,
2. Community operated large community facilities building,
3. Community operated small community facilities building,
4. Outdoor options similar to Dallington landing.”

– YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2YKPxzbHIs
My deputation from 29:15 to 42:00

5. Deputations by Appointment Ngā Huinga Whakaritenga (Minutes)
5.4 Joanna Gould – Shirley Community Reserve
Joanna Gould spoke to the Board regarding the Shirley Community Reserve as a matter discussed in Item 13, the Community Board Area Report, with a related memo attached to that Report.
Ms Gould spoke to her attached supporting links, focusing on her case that Shirley Library should be relocated and upgraded to the Shirley Community Reserve (10 Shirley Road) site, among other needs and benefits for the community that could be fulfilled through the site.
After questions from members, the Chairperson thanked Ms Gould for her presentation.
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2022/06/PICB_20220617_MIN_7648_AT.PDF
Attachments A Joanna Gould’s Supporting Links (Page 6-7)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2022/06/PICB_20220617_MAT_7648.PDF#PAGE=6

Below is my email to the Board members:
Here are the links to my research that I will briefly cover during my Public Forum presentation:

1. “CCC Draft Annual Plan 2022-2023 Submission” Website Post
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc -draft-annual-plan-2022-2023-submission/
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CCCDraftAnnualPlan2022JoannaGould.pdf
Page 7: Learning Libraries Concept
Page 8: Shirley Centre Concept
Page 9: Instore Demonstration Concept

2. “Shirley Centre Concept 2021” Website Post
– ‘Shirley Centre Concept 2021’ Post (Overivew of .pdf): https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-concept-2021/
– PDF: https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/ShirleyCentreConcept2021JoannaGould.pdf

3. “Shirley Centre 10 Shirley Road” Facebook Page & Group
– Page: https://www.facebook.com/ShirleyCentre10ShirleyRoad/ (updated daily with research/ideas/organisations/shared posts)
– Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ (updated daily with community notices/shared posts for the residents in our communities)

4. “South Library Report” Website Post
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/south-library-report/

After making my deputation at Council regarding the South Library Report, I emailed Pauline the follow up questions:

4.1. “From a potential disaster/civil defence point of view, a standalone civic building at 10 Shirley Road, opposite our largest school (Shirley Primary) would also provide a central emergency location (with solar panels & rainwater harvesting system), away from The Palms (which closed for over six months due to earthquake repairs).”
– Fences and containers at Shirley Library, https://canterburystories.nz/collections/community/ginahubert/ccl-cs-22611
– “Building Community Resilience: Learning from the Canterbury earthquakes”, Appendix 2: Shirley Case Study Report, Page 73-85,
https://hauora.co.nz/assets/files/Resources/Final%20Report%20to%20HRC%20-%20Building%20Community%20Resilience.pdf

4.1 Question: Could the Council set up a new building at 10 Shirley Road that is able to be transformed into an “Emergency Operations Centre (EOC)” when needed?
https://ccc.govt.nz/services/civil-defence/about-civil-defence-emergency-management/

4.2. “5.6 It is not envisaged that further significant central government funding will be forthcoming and certainly not Capital funding to contribute to a major repair or rebuild.
Note, Council did receive operational funding from the Ministry of Education when South Library was opened for a few years to support targeted learning initiatives in partnership with the schools in the local area.
This funding did not contribute to the running costs or improvements to the facility itself.”
Page 39, https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2022/06/SACRC_20220601_AGN_7539_AT.PDF

4.2 Question: Could the Council approach the Ministry of Education for capital funding and/or “targeted learning initiatives” funding for the 10 Shirley Road building?
When I attended the Shirley Village Project focus group meetings, a Shirley Library staff member had been asked by Shirley Intermediate to help students with their literacy.
The 10 Shirley Road site is central to Mairehau High School, Shirley Primary School, Shirley Intermediate & the new Banks Avenue School, Richmond/Shirley/MacFarlane Park Kindergartens, plus Shirley Playcentre on the same site.

4.3. Shirley Centre Concept 2021:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/ShirleyCentreConcept2021JoannaGould.pdf
– 5.1 Shirley Centre | Original Building: Shirley Primary School
“The Shirley Primary School was erected in 1915 to the design of George Penlington, the Education Board Architect in Canterbury.”
– Page 5, 5.2 Shirley Centre | Original Building: George Penlington (CEB Architect for Shirley Primary & Richmond Schools)
“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. Some of the city’s foremost and celebrated colonial architects designed these institutional buildings:..George Penlington.”
https://mch.govt.nz/christchurchs-education-heritage-recognised
[this link above no longer works, here is a new link: https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED1304/S00110/christchurch-s-education-heritage-recognised.htm]
– Page 10, 10.1 Shirley Centre | Design Inspiration: George Penlington
“George Penlington (1865-1932), chief architect of the Canterbury Education Board, designed the building to meet New Zealand’s first school building code, which addressed post-First World War concerns about national health and hygiene by mandating standards for natural light and ventilation.”
https://issuu.com/masseypress/docs/chch_walkingarchguide_look_inside/15

4.3 Question: Could the Council & the Ministry of Education work together (funding & heritage information) to honour George Penlington’s legacy & the impact he had on our school buildings throughout Christchurch, by designing a building that reflects some of his design features & include his drawings/plans/photos within a new building?

South Library Report

South Library Te Kete Wānanga o Wai Mōkihi – Earthquake Repair Options
“The purpose of this report is to update Council on the findings of the pre-project investigation into the cost and scope of repair works required to address structural damage to the South Library from the 2010-2011 Canterbury earthquake sequence and bring this facility up to 100% NBS Importance Level 3; and endorse the staff recommendations.”
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2022/05/FPCO_20220526_AGN_7513_AT.htm#PDF2_ReportName_36726
This report was on the Christchurch City Council Finance and Performance Committee agenda for Thursday 26 May 2022, but was “adjourned to the Sustainability and Community Resilience Committee meeting at 9.30am 1 June 2022.”
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2022/06/SACRC_20220601_AGN_7539_AT.htm#PDF2_ReportName_36726

Deputations by Appointment Ngā Huinga Whakaritenga: 5.2 Joanna Gould
“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 are attached.
The Committee requested an updated NBS or engineering report on the Shirley Library.”
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2022/06/SACRC_20220601_MIN_7539_AT.PDF, Page 3
– Attachments: Deputation by Appointment 5.2 – Joanna Gould presentation slides
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2022/06/SACRC_20220601_MAT_7539.PDF#PAGE=17, Page 17-33
– 01.06.22, Item 5, Deputations by Appointment: https://councillive.ccc.govt.nz/video/10984, 13:20

According to this article ⁽¹⁾, the Shirley Library is the second busiest suburban library in Christchurch, with Fendalton first & South Library third.
South Library includes a library, service centre, board room, meeting rooms, learning centre & cafe. South Library to Tūranga = 3.8km
Shirley Library is also considered a suburban library, but there is no board room, meeting rooms or learning centre. Shirley Library to Tūranga = 4.7km
The actual floor space allocated to the Shirley Library, is less than half of the current building.
As the Service Centre (which includes NZ Post) & the Coastal-Burwood Governance Team are also located in this building.
The ReVision Youth Audit on the Shirley Library highlights some of the issues from our youth’s perspective. ⁽²⁾
Shirley/The Palms is already considered a ‘Key Activity’ area. Our population has significantly increased due to infill housing & more social housing. Yet there are no plans to upgrade the size or change the location of the current Shirley Library and Service Centre?
Greater Christchurch Our Space 2018-2048
Page 25, Key Activity Centres
Page 26, Higher Density Residential
Page 30, Future Development Areas
Page 36, 10-minute Neighbourhood for Key Centres
In the CCC Asset Management Plan Summary: Libraries ⁽³⁾, the South Library replacement cost is considerably less than the amount proposed in this report.
The Shirley Library replacement cost is more than the amount on budget in the proposed CCC Annual Plan, for the the rebuild of the Shirley Community Centre. ⁽⁴⁾
Shirley Library was built in 1995. South Library was built in 2003.
South Library has 3 times the capacity of Shirley Library, yet the population density for Shirley Library is higher. ⁽⁵⁾
Both the Shirley Community Centre & Shirley Library were included in the original CCC Facilities Rebuild programme. ⁽⁶⁾ South Library wasn’t included.
The CCC Libraries 2025 Facilities Plan ⁽⁷⁾ states that “Libraries will adhere to sustainable, long lasting design and ensure good return on investment. All planning will maximise the potential capacity of existing facilities, and take into consideration life cycle cost of new and existing building.”
“Shirley Library: Future need for more service capability. Space required to develop service for learning services to support need in the community.” Page 36
With the Shirley Library building being constructed in 1995, according to the Reference Building Type, there may be some issues in regards to the design/earthquake loads. ⁽⁸⁾
From a potential disaster/civil defence point of view ⁽⁹⁾, building a standalone civic centre at 10 Shirley Road, opposite our largest school (Shirley Primary) would also provide a central meeting place/emergency location (with solar panels & rainwater harvesting system), away from The Palms (which closed for over six months due to earthquake repairs). ⁽¹⁰⁾
In the South Library report under Defer the repair/rebuild, Disadvantages: “Despite its high use, it is not at the same standard as other libraries of similar size and function with the building services at/or near end of life.”
This statement applies more to Shirley Library than South Library. As in the South Library report, under Functionality: [South Library] “facility provides sufficient floor area”, which is not the case with the current Shirley Library.
The Local Government Community Well-being Act ⁽¹¹⁾ addresses four aspects: Social, Economic, Environmental & Cultural: “As the operational arm of government, councils deliver infrastructure vital to our economy, such as roads, three waters and housing infrastructure, cultural and social amenities such as events, parks, libraries…”
In my PowerPoint presentation, I’ve included images of the view from the current Shirley Libary, looking into The Palms car parking. ⁽¹²⁾
What impact do you think this view has on our communities wellbeing?
Do these images align with the Council’s Asset Management Plan for Libraries?
Residents have been asking since 2012 for a new building at 10 Shirley Road, to replace the former Shirley Community Centre that was demolished after the earthquakes. ⁽¹³⁾
There is still no suburban library in the Innes Ward. Yet the current Innes Ward boundaries have significantly decreased in size, as the population continues to grow.
Christchurch City Council Development Contributions Policy 2021
Page 6: 1.3.1 Strategic reasons “The Council’s vision statement, community outcomes and strategic priorities constitute the Council’s Strategic Framework which guide decisions made by Council with a focus on improving overall community wellbeing.”
1.3.2 Fairness and equity “Christchurch City Council has decided it will use development contributions as the primary method of funding growth-related infrastructure. This approach enables the cost of providing growth infrastructure to be funded primarily by those who cause and/ or benefit from that investment.”
Page 8: “The Council will fund the growth capacity of the following types of community infrastructure from development contributions for community infrastructure: Libraries.
Development contributions for community infrastructure are levied on a district-wide basis, meaning the development contribution charge will be the same regardless of development location within the Christchurch District.”
After reading this report on the South Library, I do not understand why the Council would prioritise the repair/rebuild of the South Library.
The South Library is still in operation. The Shirley Community Centre was demolished. The current Shirley Library isn’t fit for purpose & does not meet the needs of our growing population.
This proposal doesn’t align with the Christchurch City Council’s policies on sustainability and environmental outcomes. ⁽¹⁴⁾ ⁽¹⁵⁾
There are suburbs across the city that are lacking community facilities. ⁽¹⁶⁾
The communities around Shirley Road have been waiting since 2012 for a new building to be built on 10 Shirley Road. Why has the Christchurch City Council deferred funding this until 2030/31? ⁽¹⁷⁾
In my view, the Council should not direct staff to engage with renewals, while existing rebuilds have not been completed.

References:
⁽¹⁾ https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/128047707/earthquake-repairs-spell-18month-closure-of-popular-christchurch-library
⁽²⁾ https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2021/12/YTAC_20211201_AGN_5468_AT.PDF, Page 20-37
⁽³⁾ https://ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/The-Council/Plans-Strategies-Policies-Bylaws/Plans/Long-Term-Plan/LTP-2021-final/Asset-Management-Plan-AMP-Libraries-LTP-2021-2031.PDF, Page 66
⁽⁴⁾ https://ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/The-Council/Plans-Strategies-Policies-Bylaws/Plans/Long-Term-Plan/LTP-2021-final/LTP-2021-Final-Activity-Plan-Community-Development-and-Facilities.PDF, Page 21
⁽⁵⁾ https://ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/The-Council/Plans-Strategies-Policies-Bylaws/Plans/Long-Term-Plan/LTP-2021-final/Asset-Management-Plan-AMP-Libraries-LTP-2021-2031.PDF, Page 70, Libraries Sites
⁽⁶⁾ https://ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/The-Rebuild/Community-facilities/CommunityFacilitiesTranche1.pdf
⁽⁷⁾ https://christchurchcitylibraries.com/2025/Libraries2025FacilitiesPlan-2008.pdf
⁽⁸⁾ https://ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/The-Rebuild/Community-facilities/ShirleyLibraryL5.pdf, Page 7
⁽⁹⁾ “Building Community Resilience: Learning from the Canterbury earthquakes”
Appendix 2: Shirley Case Study Report, Page 73-85
https://hauora.co.nz/assets/files/Resources/Final%20Report%20to%20HRC%20-%20Building%20Community%20Resilience.pdf
⁽¹⁰⁾ https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/5587428/The-Palms-reopens-after-quake-repairs
⁽¹¹⁾ https://www.lgnz.co.nz/news-and-media/2019-media-releases/reinstated-well-beings-endorse-councils-community-focus/
⁽¹²⁾ https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/SouthLibraryEarthquakeRepairOptionsReportJoannaGould.pdf, Page 13
⁽¹³⁾ https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/where-is-our-community-centre-petition/
⁽¹⁴⁾ https://ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/The-Council/Plans-Strategies-Policies-Bylaws/Policies/ChristchurchCityCouncilSustainabilityPolicy2008-sustainabilitychristchurch.pdf
⁽¹⁵⁾ https://ccc.govt.nz/the-council/plans-strategies-policies-and-bylaws/policies/accessibility-policies/equity-and-access-for-people-with-disabilities-policy/
⁽¹⁶⁾ https://smartview.ccc.govt.nz/map/layers/communityfacility#/@172.65355,-43.50796,14
⁽¹⁷⁾ https://ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/The-Council/Plans-Strategies-Policies-Bylaws/Plans/Long-Term-Plan/LTP-2021-final/LTP-2021-Final-Activity-Plan-Community-Development-and-Facilities.PDF, Page 21

South Library Te Kete Wānanga o Wai Mōkihi – Earthquake Repair Options: Minutes
– Committee Comment:
1. Amendments were put forward that provided additional details to the Officer
Recommendations, along with extending Council consideration of the development and costings on design from Q1 2023 to Q2 2023 and assessing options for a temporary facility during the rebuild phase.
2. The Committee requested that when Officers come to Council with the concept design and costings in Q2 2023, that information about extending temporary strengthening of the building is provided as a comparator and made publically available, along with cost implications and associated risks.
– Officer Recommendations:
That the Sustainability and Community Resilience Committee:
1. Direct staff to progress the design for a rebuild of the South Library Facility on its
existing site.
2. Endorse the development of a concept design and costing for consideration by Council in Q1 2023.
3. Note that the advancement of the project to construction will require additional funding in Annual Plan 2023-2024 and or a Long Term Plan adjustment.
– Amendment moved by Councillor Scandrett and seconded by Councillor Coker
That the Sustainability and Community Resilience Committee:
1. Direct staff to progress the design for a rebuild of the South Library Facility on its existing site.
a. Include the public throughout the design process, seeking ideas and then feedback
prior to endorsement of the concept design.
b. Request that the rebuild is done to high sustainability standards including carbon
emissions and water use, both during the construction and operation of the library.
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2022/06/SACRC_20220601_MIN_7539_AT.PDF, Page 6

‘10 Shirley Road’ Pages & Blog Posts:
– CCC Draft Annual Plan 2022-2023 Submission
– Shirley Centre Concept 2021
– CCC 10 Shirley Road Consultation Feedback
– Poto Williams Support Letter
– Duncan Webb Support Letter
– “Where is our Community Centre” Petition
– Proposed Pump Track for Shirley
– Timeline

News Articles:
– Council votes to rebuild South Library in Christchurch (6 June 2022)
– Rebuilding South Library cheaper than repair (6 June 2022)
– Popular Christchurch library to be demolished and rebuilt (1 June 2022)
– Concept plans to be drawn-up for new South Library and Service Centre (1 June 2022)
– Council staff propose to demolish and rebuild busy Christchurch library (20 May 2022)
– Rebuild on the cards for quake-damaged South Library and Service Centre (20 May 2022)
– Large investment portfolio for sale next to popular Christchurch shopping centre (21 March 2022)
– Earthquake repairs spell 18-month closure of popular Christchurch library (16 March 2022)
– New owners take over Christchurch’s The Palms shopping mall (23 November 2021)
– Christchurch shopping centre sale highlights New Zealand’s compelling retail investment fundamentals (23 November 2021)
– Study to determine feasibility of Christchurch community centre (16 July 2021)
– Renewed calls to rebuild Shirley Community Centre (1 December 2020)
– Brief closure heralds service boost for Shirley Library and Service Centre (9 March 2020)
– Green light for pump track (24 September 2019)
– Law change reinforces Councils’ community focus (8 May 2019)
– Reinstated well-beings endorse councils’ community focus (8 May 2019)
– Call For Community Facility Grows (10 May 2018)
– Is Shirley Christchurch’s forgotten suburb? (4 May 2018)
– Christchurch suburb overlooked since the earthquakes, community leaders say (30 April 2018)
– Community centre builds delayed (26 October 2016)
– Community Centre in Shirley Stalled (19 July 2016)
– $40m to rebuild community, heritage facilities in Chch (4 September 2014)
– Councillors back Shirley community site (16 August 2013)
– New community centre planned for Shirley (16 August 2012)
– The Palms reopens after quake repairs (8 September 2011)

Shirley Centre Concept 2021

PDF: Shirley Centre Concept 2021 by Joanna Gould

Page 1: Shirley Centre | Overview
– 1.1 Shirley Centre | Overview: Shirley Centre at 10 Shirley Road
– 1.2 Shirley Centre | Overview: Learning Libraries Concept
– 1.3 Shirley Centre | Overview: Research/Ideas/Submissions

Page 2: Shirley Centre | Location
– 2.1 Shirley Centre | Location: Suburbs surrounding 10 Shirley Road, Innes Ward Deprivation Index, SmartView Community Facilities
– 2.2 Shirley Centre | Location: Projected Population, CCC District Planning Maps 25 & 32
– 2.3 Shirley Centre | Location: CCC & Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust, Kāinga Ora (Housing New Zealand)

Page 3: Shirley Centre | CCC District Plan
– 3.1 Shirley Centre | CCC District Plan: Planning Maps for 10 Shirley Road
– 3.2 Shirley Centre | CCC District Plan: Zones and Designations for 10 Shirley Road
– 3.3 Shirley Centre | CCC District Plan: Other Notations
– 3.4 Shirley Centre | CCC District Plan: Natural and Cultural Heritage

Page 4: Shirley Centre | Site History
– 4.1 Shirley Centre | Site History: Shirley Road History
– 4.2 Shirley Centre | Site History: Significant Park Trees
– 4.3 Shirley Centre | Site History: Dudley Creek
– 4.4 Shirley Centre | Site History: Chancellor Street Heritage Houses
– 4.5 Shirley Centre | Site History: Dudley Character Area
– 4.6 Shirley Centre | Site History: Shirley Playcentre (back right corner of the Shirley Community Reserve)

Page 5: Shirley Centre | Original Building
– 5.1 Shirley Centre | Original Building: Shirley Primary School
– 5.2 Shirley Centre | Original Building: George Penlington (CEB Architect for Shirley Primary & Richmond Schools)
– 5.3 Shirley Centre | Original Building: Shirley Community Centre
– 5.4 Shirley Centre | Original Building: NZ Society of Genealogists – Canterbury Branch

Page 6: Shirley Centre | CCC Community Facilities
– 6.1 Shirley Centre | CCC Community Facilities: CCC Community Facilities Network Plan
– 6.2 Shirley Centre | CCC Community Facilities: Christchurch City Libraries
– 6.3 Shirley Centre | CCC Community Facilities: St Martins Community Centre
– 6.4 Shirley Centre | CCC Community Facilities: Redcliffs Village Library
– 6.5 Shirley Centre | CCC Community Facilities: Sumner Centre

Page 7: Shirley Centre | Learning Libraries
– 7.1 Shirley Centre | Learning Libraries: CCC Architectural Awards
– 7.2 Shirley Centre | Learning Libraries: Community Education & Support Services in Learning Libraries
(Community Education: “Well-being WOF/Tool Kit”, Community Education: “While You Wait”, Community Education: “Climate Change 101”)

Page 8: Shirley Centre | Concept

Page 9: Shirley Centre | Design Considerations
– 9.1 Shirley Centre | Design Considerations: Universal
– 9.2 Shirley Centre | Design Considerations: Cultural
– 9.3 Shirley Centre | Design Considerations: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) & Sensory Processing
– 9.4 Shirley Centre | Design Considerations: Biophilic
– 9.5 Shirley Centre | Design Considerations: Environmental & Sustainable

Page 10: Shirley Centre | Design Inspiration
– 10.1 Shirley Centre | Design Inspiration: George Penlington
– 10.2 Shirley Centre | Design Inspiration: Benjamin Oakes Moore
– 10.3 Shirley Centre | Design Inspiration: Māori Culture: Te Pae Māhutonga
– 10.4 Shirley Centre | Design Inspiration: Māori Culture: Te Whare Tapa Whā
– 10.5 Shirley Centre | Design Inspiration: Māori Culture: Whakairo (Carving)

Page 11: Shirley Centre | Building Ideas
– 11.1 Shirley Centre | Building Ideas: Building
– 11.2 Shirley Centre | Building Ideas: Interior

Page 12: Shirley Centre | Landscape Ideas
– 12.1 Shirley Centre | Landscape Ideas: Current Site Map
– 12.2 Shirley Centre | Landscape Ideas: Internal Courtyard (centre of the First Floor)
– 12.3 Shirley Centre | Landscape Ideas: Natives Garden (by Dudley Creek)
– 12.4 Shirley Centre | Landscape Ideas: Wellbeing Sensory Garden (front left)
– 12.5 Shirley Centre | Landscape Ideas: Basketball Area (front right)
– 12.6 Shirley Centre | Landscape Ideas: Playground