Feedback – Page 2 – 10 Shirley Road

Community Board Plan Priorities Feedback

“2023-25 Community Board Plan Priorities – Waipapa Papanui Innes Central
We’re developing our 2023–2025 draft Community Board Plan and we’d like to hear your feedback.
This plan outlines our vision and priorities for the Waipapa Papanui Innes Central community and will guide our decisions on local activities, projects and facilities over the next three years.”
Our Priorities:
1. A Connected Transport Network in Papanui-Innes-Central (road, cycleways, paths)
2. Safety initiatives across Papanui-Innes-Central
3. Revitalisation of Petrie Park
4. Phillipstown Hub
5. Flooding
6. Intensification
7. Downstream Effects Management Plan (DEMP)
8. Shirley Community Reserve
9. Papanui Youth Facility
https://ccc.govt.nz/the-council/haveyoursay/show/580
Open for feedback: 8 March 2023 to 26 March 2023

My full feedback on the ‘2023-25 Waipapa Papanui Innes Central Community Board Plan Priorities’:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2023-25CommunityBoardPlanPrioritiesWaipapaPapanuiInnesCentralFeedbackJoannaGould.pdf

8. Shirley Community Reserve
2023-25 Waipapa Papanui Innes Central Community Board Priority
“Shirley Community Centre was a well-used facility in the Shirley Community Reserve. The facility was damaged in the 2010/2011 Canterbury earthquakes and subsequently demolished in 2012.
A pre-school, playground, half basketball court, trees, and path remain on the site along with a relocatable pump track and table tennis/picnic table which has since been added. We have heard from several residents suggesting options to consider for enhancing the reserve. These will be explored through robust engagement with the community.

What the board will do:
• Engage with the community to realise the vision for the future of Shirley Community Reserve.
• Explore partnership opportunities to support the community to fulfil its vision.
• Encourage the community to be active and participate in any decision-making that may influence the outcomes of Shirley Community Reserve.
• Consider the goals of the Ōtautahi Christchurch Climate Resilience Strategy and the Ōtautahi-Christchurch Urban Forest Plan in all decision making.
• Advocate for crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) principles to be considered in the project.
• Advocate for funding to be brought forward in the long term plan if appropriate.

We will measure our success by:
• Any work carried out on the reserve will mirror the community vision.
• CPTED principles are applied to the project.
• The reserve is a destination of choice for the community, a safe space that enhances wellbeing and provides a place for social connection.”

8. Shirley Community Reserve – Feedback

Background Info:
The 10 Shirley Road site has historically been a ‘place of learning’ since 1915 when the original Shirley Primary School was built.
This building later became the Shirley Community Centre a ‘place for cultural, educational and recreational activities’.
The heritage building was 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

The land at 10 Shirley Road 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…It also appears the land could not simply sit ‘vacant’.”

9. Shirley Community Facility Rebuild – 10 Shirley Road (2015)
4.3.4. Option 4: Do not build a Community Facility at 10 Shirley Road
Does not restore the service available pre-earthquake on what was a popular, heavily used site. Unlikely to be acceptable to the Community.
5.2. Christchurch City Council owns the land at 10 Shirley Road.
It is a total of 9,042m2 and is reserve land held “in trust for local purpose (site for a community centre)”.
5.3. $2,520,000 was allocated for construction of a new Shirley Community Facility as part of Tranche 1 of the Community Facilities Rebuild.
5.4. Crossways Church, a combination of three local congregations, have put forward a proposal to provide a replacement Community Facility at 10 Shirley Road.
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2015/08/SPCB_19082015_AGN.PDF

“Funding of $2.57 million has been made available in the Christchurch City Council Long Term Plan in the 2016/17 financial year for the rebuild of the Shirley Community Centre.”
8. Shirley/Papanui Community Board Area Update
2.2 Shirley Community Centre Rebuild
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2016/08/SPCB_20160831_AGN_689_AT.htm

Item 12 Proposed Shirley Community Centre Rebuild (2016)
https://youtu.be/8IyNUERFLwo
“Request that the Community Board talk with staff around potential options for a regeneration plan in this area under the Greater Christchurch Regeneration Act 2016.”
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2016/09/CNCL_20160908_MIN_480.PDF

7.4 Shirley Community Centre 10 Shirley Road (2019)
“…use the site as an open air community hub or a “longer term gap filler approach” funding has been secured for a pump track and landscaping, with the potential for other outdoor activity features over time.”
10. Community Facilities Network Plan, Page 36
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2019/07/SOC_20190731_AGN_3438_AT.PDF

‘Pop up’ Activities to ‘activate’ the site have had little success. Organisers need to understand the demographics for these communities & where the gaps/needs are.
Events like ‘Skip Day’ & the ‘Car Boot Sale’ organised by Shirley Road Central, required a lot of people to be involved in the planning & running of these events.
More hours were invested in planning/meetings, than the actual duration of the event & postponements happened due to the weather.

Since the redevelopment of our four remaining local schools & the work Shirley Community Trust are doing, children/youth have public/school facilities & after school opportunities in our communities.
The reserve is used mostly by the parents/children of Shirley Primary School, at drop off/pick up times.
Currently the Shirley Community Reserve has nothing to offer the adults in our area, who are at home during the day.
We have a larger population of adults 30-64 years: https://www.shirleyroadcentral.nz/suburb-stats/.
Our youth population has decreased, after two of our local high schools were rebuilt in another Ward.

Community Support:
“Today at the Christchurch City Council Long Term Plan submissions hearing, Shirley Road Central Incorporated, presented their verbal submission advocating for a new civic centre to be built on 10 Shirley Road.
The Where is Our Community Centre? petition was presented to Council, with over 1,200 signatures.
Letters of Support from Poto Williams, MP for Christchurch East & Duncan Webb Labour MP for Christchurch Central.”
Shirley Road Central, 12th May 2021
https://www.youtube.co/watch?v=qhAT6iATaE8
https://www.shirleyroadcentral.nz/the-future-for-shirley-road-central/

“Your Ideas Wanted for 10 Shirley Road”
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/your-ideas-wanted-for-10-shirley-road/, 58 submissions received
Q. How would you like to use 10 Shirley Road?
A. Community Centre/Hub/Library
https://ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/Consultation/2021/06-June/Consultation-analysis-report.pdf
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc-10-shirley-road-consultation-feedback/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc-10-shirley-road-engagement-feedback/

“10 Shirley Road was the home for NZ Society of Genealogists – Canterbury Branch [Est. 1968], 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’.”
“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

Shirley Library:
The current Shirley Library is located in the carpark of The Palms (Burwood Ward).
Shirley Library is considered a ‘suburban’ library, but there is a limited book selection, no board room, meeting rooms or learning centre (flexible spaces).
– ‘Suburban’ library: Catchment ranges from 1.5km to 3km radius; services population range from 15,000 – 40,000.
Services could include a variety of activities and flexible spaces.
UDS – Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy and Action Plan 2007.
– ‘Neighbourhood’ library: Catchment ranges from 1km to 1.5km radius; serves population from 10,000 to 12,000 people. Services could include small, broad-spanning collections and a range of activities.
“…(2015) Council/ECan planning with mall owners in Shirley, with a view to possible relocation and upgrade of this library as a ‘suburban’ library.”
This implies that the current Shirley Library is actually a ‘neighbourhood’ library.
https://christchurchcitylibraries.com/2025/Libraries2025FacilitiesPlan.pdf
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.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/south-library-report/
There are currently no local ‘suburban’ Christchurch City Libraries in the Innes or Central Ward.
Innes Ward: https://ccc.govt.nz/culture-and-community/statistics-and-facts/community-profiles/papanui-innes-central/innes-ward/
Central Ward: https://ccc.govt.nz/culture-and-community/statistics-and-facts/community-profiles/papanui-innes-central/central/

Shirley Library is still considered the second busiest suburban library in Christchurch, even without dedicated learning spaces & meeting rooms.
“It [South] is the third-busiest suburban library, behind Fendalton and Shirley, with 4552 weekly visitors.”
https://i.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/128047707/earthquake-repairs-spell-18month-closure-of-popular-christchurch-library
Shirley Library has become our community centre by default, since the Shirley Community Centre was demolished in 2012, as our residents are continuing to ‘vote’ with their feet.

Youth Audit Tool (Page 13) & ReVision Youth Friendly Spaces Audit Report: Shirley Library (Page 20)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2021/12/YTAC_20211201_AGN_5468_AT.PDF
“The Youth Audit Tool is an asset created by the youth sector of Christchurch, and offers a low-cost, robust methodology for capturing youth voice in the development of places and spaces around the city.”
As a parent of a teenager (diagnosed with ADHD, Autism & Sensory Processing Order), I’m concerned that the ‘Canterbury Youth Audit Check Card’ (Page 18) doesn’t include youth who are neurodivergent or have disability issues.
6. ReVision Youth Audit Shirley Library
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CCCDraftAnnualPlan2022JoannaGould.pdf, Page 6

Redevelopment of 10 Shirley Road, Richmond & Shirley Community Reserve:
Civic Centre/Citizen Hub
Library, Service Centre, Meeting Rooms, Learning Spaces for Community Education & Support Services:
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-overview/
Shirley Centre: Identity | Well-being | Learning
“You Are Here”: a place to be, within our communities.
Community Education & Support Services in Learning Libraries
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/centre-ideas/ (2018)
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/building-ideas/ (2021)
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/landscape-ideas/ (2021)
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/playground-ideas/ (2023)
Latest Research/Ideas/Posts:
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/review-into-the-future-for-local-government/
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/review-into-the-future-for-local-government-update/
– https://www.facebook.com/ShirleyCentre10ShirleyRoad

CCC 10 Shirley Road Engagement Feedback

“The Waipapa/Papanui-Innes Community Board wants to hear your ideas and aspirations on the future use of 10 Shirley Road (former Shirley Community Centre site).”
https://ccc.govt.nz/the-council/consultations-and-submissions/haveyoursay/show/334
Open for feedback: 18th September 2020 – 12th October 2020

“We have asked and talked to you about this before, and we acknowledge the work that has been done. We are asking again because we want to get this right, and we recognise the community landscape has changed considerably, especially over the last 2-3 years. Due to Council’s financial situation it is not expected in the short term that funding will be available, however the Board would like to see the site being used by the community. We want to find new ways of doing things that are innovative and look at alternative funding options and possible partnerships…Before the earthquakes there was a well-established community centre at 10 Shirley Road. Sadly, due to damage in the 2010/11 earthquakes the centre was demolished in 2012. There have already been several community conversations with feedback collated around a replacement facility. Over the last 10 years the Richmond and Shirley community has developed, with several locally managed community facilities emerging and some still emerging. We want to work alongside the community as we move into future planning for the good of the wider community.”

Waipapa/Papanui-Innes Community Board Agenda, 20 November 2020
8. Waipapa/Papanui-Innes Community Board Area Report – October 2020
Attachments: B – Engagement feedback for 10 Shirley Road site
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2020/11/PICB_20201120_AGN_4525_AT.PDF, Page 23 – 28
Page 29 – 58: Written Submissions from residents/groups
Page 59 – 60: Richmond Residents and Business Association/We are Richmond
Page 61 – 63: Convenor, NZ Society of Genealogists – Canterbury Branch
Page 64 – 70: NZSG Canterbury Branch 50th Anniversary February 2018
Page 71 – 80: Joanna Gould, Shirley Centre 10 Shirley Road (my submission)
Page 81: Joanna Byrne, Amazing Mairehau
Page 82: Frida Inta
Page 83 – 85: Sue Lang, Shirley Recreational Walkers

“2.2 At the close of engagement we received 58 submissions, including from the following groups:
2.2.1 Amazing Mairehau
2.2.2 Delta Community Support Trust
2.2.3 NZ Society of Genealogists
2.2.4 Richmond Residents and Business Association
2.2.5 Shirley Recreational Walkers”

“To assist the Waipapa/Papanui-Innes Community in hearing ideas and aspirations from the community regarding the future use of 10 Shirley Road a questionnaire was delivered to approximately 800 properties within the vicinity of the site.”

“We received 29 submissions [out of 58 submissions] supporting the replacement of the Community Centre at this location. A number of these submissions also asked that a library be included in the building.”

Feedback Suggestions:

1. Community Gardens/Food Forest?
We already have two well established local community gardens:
– https://www.facebook.com/groups/macfarlaneparkcommunitygarden/ (by Jebson Street, public toilets & water available)
– https://www.facebook.com/RichmondCommunityGardenAvebury/ (by Avebury House, public toilets & water available)
A food forest needs to be connected to community gardens/schools. Trees need to come with care instructions & promote when fruit is ready to eat. Who will be responsible to water/feed/prune/treat against diseases/harvest the fruit?
Christchurch City Council SmartView: Fruit Trees
– https://smartview.ccc.govt.nz/map/layers/trees#/@172.65369,-43.50847,16

2. Permanent Pump Track?
Shirley Primary School Facebook Page, Landscaping Update Stage 2 (across the road from the 10 Shirley Road site)
“There will be an obstacle course and an asphalt track around the outside of the [school] field for scootering. There will also be tunnels and two basket swings.”
https://www.facebook.com/157397280992606/posts/3792997170765914

3. Upgrade Playground, New Picnic Tables/Seating/Water Fountain/Public Toilets?
These suggestions can all be incorporated into a new landscape design, to complement a new centre being built at 10 Shirley Road.

CCC 10 Shirley Road Consultation Feedback

PDF: CCC 10 Shirley Road Consultation by Joanna Gould | October 2020

Do you currently use 10 Shirley Road?
How would you like to use 10 Shirley Road?
How can we make the most of the things already at 10 Shirley Road?

Q. How would you like to use 10 Shirley Road?
A. Build a new Shirley Centre. Why?

Civic managed facility, citizen hub, new purpose built/bigger Shirley Library with Learning/Meeting Spaces, located within the Innes Ward, which currently has no suburban Christchurch City Library. At 30 June 2018, there were an estimated 24,700 people living in Innes ward. This was 6.4% of Christchurch City’s population. (https://ccc.govt.nz/culture-and-community/statistics-and-facts/community-profiles/papanui-innes/innes-ward)

‘Residential feel’ to fit into the neighbourhood & incorporate some heritage design as this location is next to the Dudley Character Area. (https://ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/Consents-and-Licences/resource-consents/Forms/Character-Areas/Dudley-Design-Guide-2019.pdf)

Multifunctional space that can cater for a wide range of “cultural, educational and recreational activities” that bring people from the surrounding communities: Shirley, Mairehau, St Albans, Edgeware & Richmond, together.

Inclusive: day & night opening hours, available 6 or 7 days, adjustable learning/meeting spaces, that can be booked & utilized by everyone, residents can just be in the space (home away from home, communities living room) without having to attend an activity/event.

Accessible: Onsite & street parking, location has bus stops on Shirley Road, multiple bus routes arriving/leaving at regular intervals.

Alternative Waipapa/Papanui Innes Community Board meetings location, so Innes ward residents can have easier access to participate. (https://www.ccc.govt.nz/the-council/how-the-council-works/elected-members/community-boards/papanui-innes/)

Civic Education: How does the Council work? What are the different Units for? How does the Community Board work? What do the different roles in Council/Community Board do? How do I engage with Council/Community Board? (https://ccc.govt.nz/the-council/how-the-council-works)

CCC “Have Your Say” Consultation info/submission help sessions. (https://ccc.govt.nz/the-council/consultations-and-submissions/haveyoursay/)

Civic Defence: Emergency Location, community & home education sessions, emergency help/eco features: solar panels & rainwater harvesting system. (https://ccc.govt.nz/services/civil-defence/about-civil-defence-emergency-management)

Justice of the Peace (JP) Clinic: Witness signatures and documents, certify document copies, hear oaths, declarations, affidavits or affirmations as well as sign citizenship, sponsorship or rates rebates applications. (https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/justice-of-the-peace-jps/)

Citizens Advice Bureau: Help people to know and understand their rights and obligations and how to use this information to get the best outcomes. Satellite clinic? Weekly sessions? (https://www.cab.org.nz/location/cab-christchurch-city)

Centre “Shielded Site”: Tool for victims of abuse to ask for help, without fear of it showing up in their browser’s history or an abusive partner ever seeing it. Send a confidential message through our “Shielded Site” feature. (https://shielded.co.nz/)

NGOs Connect: Connecting residents with local Community Trusts/Support Services/Community Support Workers.

CINCH Connect: Online community directory of clubs, community organisations and continuing education course providers. Outreach to the residents in our communities to introduce themselves. (https://www.cinch.org.nz/)

Volunteering Canterbury: Whether you are looking to volunteer individually or in a group, in a long-term position or a one-off project, events & training. (http://volcan.org.nz/)

TimeBank: database of local skills that residents can use to find help, a way of trading skills in a community. (https://www.lyttelton.net.nz/timebank)

Sustainable “Foodscaping”: In Geneva, Switzerland where communities have worked together, neighbours consult and plan what each will grow so they can share and trade food. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foodscaping)

Appetite for Life: Canterbury based 6 week weight management and healthy lifestyle programme. (https://www.appetiteforlife.org.nz/)

Green Prescription: Funded by the Ministry of Health & managed by Sport Canterbury that supports people to lead active healthy lives. (https://www.activecanterbury.org.nz/health-professionals/green-prescription.aspx)

Spin Poi: Improving health and wellbeing through spinning poi. We support individuals and organizations across the globe with our evidence-based programs, specializing in improving quality of life for seniors. (https://www.spinpoi.com/)

Activities for Older Adults: location for Free Sunday Walks, Walk ‘n’ Talk & Leisure Clubs. (https://ccc.govt.nz/rec-and-sport/activities-for-older-adults)

GenConnect: Technology-oriented intergenerational programmes are a way to breach the generation gap by providing an opportunity for interaction. (https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/genconnect/)

GrandFriends: to match up grandparent-less families with older people, building across generations. (https://www.grandfriends.nz/)

Human Library: The Human Library® is a bookstore of human beings, to better our understanding of diversity in order to help create more inclusive and cohesive communities across cultural, religious, social and ethnic differences. (https://humanlibrary.org/)

Learning English as a Second Language: connecting families from our local schools (Mairehau High School, Shirley Intermediate School, St Albans School, St Francis of Assisi Catholic School, Mairehau Primary School, Shirley Primary School, Banks Avenue School) in the community. (https://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Resources/education/ESOL/)

Ministry of Awesome “Coffee & Jam” Outreach: Starting point for entrepreneurs, startups, and innovators in Christchurch. Delivering support, guidance, capability training, and networks that entrepreneurs need to succeed. (https://ministryofawesome.com/events/#coffee-and-jam)

Limitless: Equipping for lives of passion & purpose programme, empower every young person to spend time doing work they are passionate about. (https://www.limitless.org.nz/)

Careers NZ: Plan your career, job profiles, career ideas, cv writing, job hunting, study and training, with help from WINZ Shirley office? (https://www.careers.govt.nz/)

Drive: Guiding your teen through the learning to drive journey, tools and tips to get your teen confident in the driver’s seat. (https://parents.drive.govt.nz/)

Cycle Safe in the Community: Cycle maintenance and helmet fitting, Basic cycling skills, Road rules, On road cycling, Christchurch cycling groups? (https://ccc.govt.nz/transport/getting-to-school/resources-for-schools/cyclesafe/)

KiwiAble: Getting more people with a disability involved in sport, recreation and leisure by breaking down barriers to participation. (https://ccc.govt.nz/culture-and-community/inclusive-christchurch/kiwiable/)

Wellbeing Community Education: What is Wellbeing? Wellness Warrant of Fitness, Wellbeing Methods: Yoga, Stress Management, Walking, Posture, Goal Setting, Meal Planning. (https://ccc.govt.nz/rec-and-sport/rec-and-sport-centres/health-wellbeing/wellbeing/)

Mental Health Advocacy and Peer Support (MHAPS): Assist people who experience mental distress, mental illness and/or substance addiction through their choice of services towards recovery. (https://mhaps.org.nz/)

Reading in Mind: Provides selected books and other resources (e-books, DVDs and CDs) on a wide range of mental health and wellbeing topics. (https://www.pegasus.health.nz/your-health/useful-links-resources/reading-in-mind/)

StoryWalk: Combines family fun, exercise, and literacy into one great community activity. Installed around the Shirley Community Reserve & along the Dudley Creek Trail? (https://letsmovelibraries.org/storywalk/)

Pre-school Activities: Babytimes, Storytimes, Sensory Storytimes, Preschool Outreach, Learning Parties. (https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/preschoolers-events/)

Triple P Positive Parenting Programme: Focuses on positive parenting practices and addresses childhood behaviour problems. (https://www.earlystart.co.nz/programmes/triple-p-positive-parenting/)

Shirley Playcentre: Located in the Shirley Community Reserve. Connect new children/families to the area, as the community has become increasingly transient and culturally diverse. Parent cooperative with parents encouraged to be involved in all aspects of the playcentre’s programme and management. (https://www.playcentre.org.nz/centre/shirley/)

Learning Through Action: Conservation of water, ecosystems, sustainability of resources, organic waste cycle, biodiversity, impacts of pests, geology, outdoor survival, waste management and native trees and plants. (https://ccc.govt.nz/the-council/learning-resources/learning-through-action)

Sustainable Christchurch: Sustainable Living for Future Living Skills, Energy Efficient, Grow Your Own Food, Conserve Water, Reduce Your Rubbish, Smarter Homes, Sustainable Transport, Sustainable Communities. (https://ccc.govt.nz/environment/sustainability/sustainable-christchurch/)

DogSmart: DogSmart in the Community, DogSafe Workplace Training, Reading to Dogs. (https://ccc.govt.nz/services/dogs-and-animals/dogsmart-education-programme/)

After School Activities: 3D Printing, Lego Mindstorms, Lego Stop-Motion, Studio Time, Minecraft Club, STEAM Lab. Science Alive? (https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/after-school-clubs-and-programmes/)

Code Club: Code Club Aotearoa: A nationwide network of free volunteer-led coding clubs for kiwi kids. Code Club for Adults?. (https://codeclub.nz/)

KidsFest Event Provider: Location for KidsFest activities & events, during the winter school holidays. (https://www.kidsfest.co.nz/)

Resident Initiated Groups: Opportunity for residents to create groups based on interests with like minded people. Location for online Facebook group meetups in person.

https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/imagine/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-community-centre-ideas/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/this-is-what-a-librarian-looks-like/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-q-and-a/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/where-is-our-community-centre-petition/

“The public library is the one place, potentially the only civic place, where people are welcome to come no matter their background, their politics, their beliefs. People who are disenfranchised, have mobility issues, are socially isolated, the very old and the very young, it can be the only comfortable place to be – and their ideas are welcome.”
“We are becoming a bastion of wellbeing and welcome for people,” says Kat Cuttriss, Hutt City Libraries manager and chair of Public Libraries of New Zealand.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/books/113926856/how-new-zealand-libraries-are-adapting-to-the-21st-century

“Urban planners seeking to stabilize neighborhoods are focusing on the critical role that “third places” can play in strengthening our sense of community. Third places have a number of important community-building attributes. Depending on their location, social classes and backgrounds can be “leveled-out” in ways that are unfortunately rare these days, with people feeling they are treated as social equals. Informal conversation is the main activity and most important linking function. One commentator refers to third places as the “living room” of society.
Many city planning efforts to reinvigorate metropolitan neighborhoods now include specific steps to create third places, especially public spaces, to try and break down social siloes.”
https://www.brookings.edu/blog/up-front/2016/09/14/third-places-as-community-builders/

“Libraries are not the kinds of institutions that most social scientists, policymakers, and community leaders usually bring up when they discuss social capital and how to build it. But they offer something for everyone, regardless of whether they’re a citizen, a permanent resident, or even a convicted felon – and all of it for free. Doing research in New York City, I learned that libraries and their social infrastructure are essential not only for a neighborhood’s vitality but also for buffering all kinds of personal problems – including isolation and loneliness…Social infrastructure provides the setting and context for social participation, and the library is among the most critical forms of social infrastructure that we have. It’s also one of the most undervalued…Our communities are full of children whose future, will be formed in the places where they go to learn about themselves and the world they’ll inherit. They deserve palaces. Whether they get them is up to us.”
Palaces for the People: How To Build a More Equal and United Society by Eric Klinenberg
https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/sep/24/palaces-for-the-people-at-the-library-everyone-is-welcome

CCC Draft Annual Plan 2020-2021 Feedback

PDF: CCC Draft Annual Plan 2020 by Joanna Gould | April 2020

“To truly address these 21st-century problems, our society needs 21st-century solutions. We need to build a new civic infrastructure—one where fairness, justice, and economic and educational opportunity prevail, and where all people are engaged as stakeholders in civic and community life. We all have a stake in creating the strongest possible foundation for the greatest possible participation of ordinary people in civic life. It is time to build a 21st-century civic infrastructure—one that supports the permanent capacity for community change and equality of opportunity. When we build it, all can come.”
https://ssir.org/articles/entry/building_an_intentional_and_inclusive_civic_infrastructure

Two years ago I wrote this post https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/imagine/, after creating my https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ website, “to collate my research and ideas for my submission to the Christchurch City Council 2018 Long Term Plan, for the rebuild of the Shirley Community Centre, 10 Shirley Road, Christchurch.”

Since then I have gone on to create my https://www.riseuprichmond.nz/ website, which includes research/ideas for the https://www.riseuprichmond.nz/otakaro-avon-river-corridor/ & my https://www.getcreativechristchurch.nz/ website, which includes research/ideas for the https://www.getcreativechristchurch.nz/toi-otautahi-christchurch-arts-strategy/.

The above .pdf is my feedback for the “CCC Draft Annual Plan 2020-2021”, which covers my research/ideas/suggestions for the Christchurch City Council, especially at this time while in COVID-19 lockdown, to help support individual/social well-being & civic infrastructure in Christchurch moving forward. (Page 12: CCC Draft Annual Plan 2020-2021 | Suggestions)

Page 3-5 of the .pdf highlights parts of the Canterbury Wellbeing Index & how I see the Government/Council/NGOs could share resources & use civic infrastructure to address well-being & social issues in our communities.

Page 6 of the .pdf highlights the different well-being models, our 1st place (home)/2nd place (work)/3rd place (social), opportunities in our social places for connections & networks, opportunities for the Government/Council/NGOs to work together in our civic facilities to provide community education for all.

I see the following gaps in the Christchurch Community Facilities Network Plan: Page 9-12 of the .pdf, that could provide opportunities for community education to all Christchurch residents:

Shirley Centre: Page 7 & 8 of the .pdf, inclusive centre at 10 Shirley Road, library with learning spaces, available for anyone in the community to use. (https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/centre-ideas/)

Sutton’s Place: arts/crafts community with learning spaces for local/overseas teachers to provide classes/workshops/retreats, opportunity to learn about W. A. (Bill) Sutton and his teaching/artworks and house/garden. (https://www.getcreativechristchurch.nz/suttons-place/)

Māori Heritage Park: indoor/outdoor learning spaces for Māori architecture/arts/crafts, opportunities to learn about the Māori language/culture/stories/legends and Elsie Locke’s life, writing & her legacy to Christchurch. (https://www.getcreativechristchurch.nz/maori-heritage-park/)

River Bank Centre: research/design/technology hub with learning spaces to inspire/educate with STEAM, opportunity to see startup/innovation businesses and to learn about Richard Bedward Owen and why he was called ‘River Bank’ Owen. (https://www.getcreativechristchurch.nz/river-bank-centre/)

These centres are based on the link between creativity and well-being, and could address: occupational health, social health, mental health, emotional health, & environmental health, in collaboration with the Govt Ministry’s (Health, Education, Social Development, Tourism etc.)/Christchurch City Council/NGOs.

Just as we have seen the exponential growth of one person infected with the COVID-19 virus, I can see the positive ripple affect one person can have in their home/work/social places if the Government/Council/NGOs work together to provide community education in our civic facilities throughout NZ.

CCC Shirley Community Reserve Feedback

https://ccc.govt.nz/the-council/consultations-and-submissions/haveyoursay/show/252

Do you support the landscape plan for the Shirley Community Reserve pump track and multi-use concrete table?: No
Do you have any comments on the plan?: I do support Shannon’s request for a permanent pump track to be located within MacFarlane Park, which is why I got involved and emailed the Papanui-Innes Community Board.
I do not support the landscape plan or the proposed temporary “modular” pump track being purchased/installed on 10 Shirley Road.
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/proposed-pump-track-for-shirley/
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/papanui-innes-skate-facilities/
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc-shirley-community-reserve-consultation/

Petition: Shirley Primary School students asked for a skate park in MacFarlane Park, not Richmond. Shirley residents have been asking the Papanui-Innes Board since 2001 for this facility, and up until now their requests have been ignored.
After the Board’s decision to accept the Council report, the student who presented the petition was quoted in the local newspaper: “temporary [modular] pump track is not the option he wants”.

Consultation: This consultation does not address the issue: that Shirley will still have no local skate facilities, for local children who are unable to travel outside of their neighbourhood. (1)
The consultation info asks two leading questions for a desired outcome, and doesn’t include any info regarding the actual location (Shirley Community Reserve = 10 Shirley Road, former Shirley Community Centre), costs, or noise/safety issues, so residents can make an informed decision.

Location: Shirley Community Reserve is in Richmond. The reserve does not have toilets. The closest toilets are at Jebson Street, by the flying fox at MacFarlane Park South Playground. This location is also where I suggested a permanent track could be made by adapting the path that goes around the flying fox. It is also the location of the Shirley Community Garden, and the main thoroughfare for Shirley children walking to and from Shirley Primary School. (2)

Type of Track: “Project Brief: Tracks can be permanent or modular design. In this case a modular design is preferred allowing for future relocation.” (3)
The Board has the opportunity to finally provide Shirley children with a permanent skate facility in their local MacFarlane Park, but the original Council report was based on a “modular” pump track design only.
“A location near Jebson Street beside the flying fox, toilets and Shirley Community Gardens was also considered, however, this has a separation of 25m between residents and the [modular] pump track. Further noise information would be required if this site was preferred over the site near Emmett Street.” (4)

Noise Issues: “The Environmental Health team have recommended that Council engage an independent noise engineer to test a modular pump track at Burwood and use readings to suggest a suitable distance [40m] between the proposed [modular] pump track and residents to ensure compliance with the District Plan.” (3)
I accept that the proposed “modular” pump track cannot be located in MacFarlane Park, Shirley, due to the above noise issues/setback required, relating to the 11 modular track section joins.
But a permanent track is basically a very bumpy asphalt footpath and wouldn’t have the same restrictions/setback requirements. Noise from the flying fox hasn’t been an issue, so why would there be a problem with noise from a permanent track?

Safety Issues: “Motorists running red lights on a signalised pedestrian crossing Shirley Rd [between Shirley Community Reserve and Shirley Primary School] have posed a major threat to pupils.” (5)
The Board has been aware of safety issues with the lights/crossing on Shirley Road since 2017, when I emailed my concerns/suggestions (which included delaying the pedestrian crossing signal change phase).
Local children in Shirley know there is an “invisible boundary line”, they are free to play unsupervised, as long as they don’t cross the major roads and stay within MacFarlane Park.
The proposed pump track will be mainly used after school and on the weekends, when the crossing lights (red light runners) from Shirley Primary to 10 Shirley Road, will not be supervised by a teacher.
If the proposed location is approved by the Board, Shirley children will be forced to cross a busy main road, Shirley Road, with known safety issues.

Environmental Issues: “[Christchurch City Council] have declared climate change emergencies and pledged to take urgent action to reduce their carbon emissions.” (6)
The Board is considering purchasing a “modular” pump track which is imported from overseas. The local businesses that created the #detour Gap Filler project on Manchester Street, could create a permanent skate track in MacFarlane Park, less expensive and less carbon emissions.

Shirley Community: “An east Christchurch suburb overlooked since the earthquakes is close to breaking point, community leaders say. Papanui-Innes Community Board chairwoman Ali Jones told a council submissions hearing on Monday Shirley was in dire need of new community facilities, but had been largely left out of the Christchurch City Council’s draft 10-year budget. “Our ward has been forgotten in many ways, particularly the Shirley area – an area that is in the east but not in the east we hear so much about.” “The community is close to breaking point. They need a place to meet, to gather, to mend.” (7) 30th April 2018

Papanui-Innes Community Board Plan 2017-2019:
“Strong Communities | Board Priorities: (for the next two years) Develop a ten year plan for the area at 10 Shirley Road for community use. The plan will be considered in the Long Term Plan. The rebuild of a community centre on the land at 10 Shirley Road is designed and commenced.
Strong Communities | We will measure our success by: Development of a ten year plan for the area at 10 Shirley Road and consideration in the Long Term Plan. This may include, among other items, a children’s playground, community gardens and a community centre. A community board community working party commencing to work with technical staff to design and begin the rebuild of a community facility at 10 Shirley Road.
Prosperous economy | Board Priorities: (for the next two years) Successful rebuild of the 10 Shirley Road.
Prosperous economy | We will measure our success by: Commencement of the rebuild of the 10 Shirley Road Community Centre.” (8)

As a community we need to ask ourselves whether we want temporary facilities as part of our children’s childhood memories?
Or whether we should be investing in building permanent facilities? Facilities that enliven our community, and rise up a sense of identity and well-being through the memories created, when our children connect with our community spaces.

Links:
(1) http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0303/S00015/new-skate-facility-planned-for-mcfarlane-park.htm
(2) MacFarlane Park South Playground https://goo.gl/maps/gGXTAKXf5hmvJrwy7
(3) 2018/19 Capital Endowment Fund Application Decision Matrix: https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2019/03/CNCL_20190328_AGN_3367_AT.htm#PDF3_Attachment_22966_2
(4) Modular Pump Track Shirley Report: https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2018/12/PICB_20181207_AGN_2446_AT.htm
(5) https://www.star.kiwi/2017/08/red-light-runners-thwarted-by-signal-phase-change/
(6) https://www.ccc.govt.nz/news-and-events/newsline/show/3614
(7) https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/103484014/christchurch-suburb-overlooked-since-the-earthquakes-community-leaders-say
(8) https://www.ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/The-Council/Community-Boards/Plans/Papanui-Innes-Community-Board-Plan.pdf

Where would you prefer the multi-use table to be located?: Other location (please describe below)
Comments – Please be as specific as possible: There has been much debate online and in the local papers questioning the cost and safety issues (concrete table near playground, wayward ping pong balls near a busy main road) of this proposed multi-use table.
Since these debates, a wooden picnic table has been anonymously placed in the Shirley Community Reserve.
The seating/picnic table that the resident original asked the Board for, has been kindly donated by someone in our community.
There is no need to purchase this concrete multi-use table and concrete seating.