Category: Ideas

South Library Submission

South Library and Service Centre building – user survey
“Your feedback will help shape design, feel and functionality, as we explore plans for rebuilding South Library | Te Kete Wānanga o wai Mōkihi and Service Centre.”
https://www.ccc.govt.nz/the-council/haveyoursay/show/526

PDF: https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/CCCHaveYourSaySouthLibrary2022JoannaGould.pdf

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

– “Designed by architects Warren and Mahoney, and officially opened on 23 August 2003.”
https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/south-library/

– “The former Central Library, New Brighton Library and South Library were all designed by Warren and Mahoney.”
https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/warren-and-mahoney/

– “This single-storey building was designed to serve a wide range of community needs. Among these were a traditional library, a council service centre, meeting rooms, a learning centre with an IT suite servicing local schools, and an independent café. The brief was developed through consultation with the local community which expressed a strong preference for an informal building that was responsive to the environment and acknowledged the building’s unique site, bounded as it is on one edge by Heathcote River. The core concept for the building was then developed with the help of The Natural Step, and it later become a pilot for the development of the Christchurch City Council’s Target Zero Strategy. Sustainability features make the complex one of the most environmentally friendly buildings in Christchurch providing substantial long-term benefits for the community.
Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) Features: Water use, Material selection, Waste minimisation & Site ecology”
https://warrenandmahoney.com/portfolio/south-christchurch-library-and-service-centre

– Opportunity to revisit/learn from the original building’s research, design & planning decisions

– Opportunity to use this project as a ‘Case Study’ learning experience for local engineering & design students to be involved

South Library and Service Centre | Exterior
– Iconic landmark building, park setting with significant trees & Heathcote River
– Free onsite/off street car parking
– New natives gardens closer to the building, to attract birds lower down to eye level, for library visitors to enjoy watching
– New outdoor seating, better connection with the park setting & river
– Repurpose moat, new water feature or rainwater garden
– “Your Wellbeing Garden”: https://christchurch.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S37C1134651
– “The Nature Fix”: https://christchurch.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S37C975540

South Library and Service Centre | Interior
– Current interior is very grey & feels quite dark/oppressive in the middle of the building
– Lack of visibility/sight lines throughout the Library Space, height of bookshelves, ‘white space’ areas needed
– Currently Librarians aren’t very visible in the Library Space, if you need to ask for help
– Noise issues associated with Café & Children’s collection, more acoustic treatment needed, help people with sensory processing
– Relocate Café to Children’s collection area, so the Café isn’t the first area you see when walking into the library, identity crisis
– Relocate Fiction collection to Café area, so you do see books as soon as you walk into the library
– Create new Intergenerational outdoor seating area, incorporating play area, connected to the Café & Children’s collection areas
– More variety of seating/table options: adjustable tables, extra large long table for people wanting to spread out or be together
– ‘Quiet’ spaces, arranged near the windows to enjoy the view
– ‘Work’ spaces, for people who are using the library to work from: mobile workers, self-employed, freelancers, tutors etc, so they don’t disturb other library users with their phone calls/discussions
– ‘Open Door’ policy for Meeting Rooms & Learning Spaces, make rooms/spaces available for free to library users (if not already booked), similar to McDonald’s Meeting Rooms
– Obstacle course getting from the Entrance to the Non Fiction collection
– Bookable exhibition space by Non Fiction collection, is hidden by the bookshelves, needs to be relocated to a more visible location
– New windows to replace Bookable exhibition space, currently this area is disconnected from the park setting/river view
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/design-considerations/
Incorporate into the Interior Design: Universal, Cultural, Māori Culture: Te Pae Māhutonga, Māori Culture: Te Whare Tapa Whā, Māori Culture: Whakairo (Carving), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) & Sensory Processing, Biophilic, Environmental & Sustainable
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/instore-demonstration-concept/
Community Education & Support Services in Learning Libraries (see Page 4 of .pdf)
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/community-education/
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc-10-shirley-road-consultation-feedback/

South Library and Service Centre | Visitor Experience
– Internal Doors: “Welcome” in different languages
– If you are new to Christchurch or the area, when you walk in the entrance, ‘what is the purpose of this building?’
– ‘Where is the Community Board meeting held?’
– ‘Where do I go to join the Library?’
– Foyer or “Square” area, can be overwhelming, lacks focus/direction, ‘where am I?’, ‘where do I go from here?’
– Install new central U shaped “Welcome” info/help desk, Self “Returns” on left hand side, Self “Issues” on right hand side
– Relocate “Public Computers” (only used 30% of the time) to the area towards the left of the “Welcome” desk, visible location by the Service Centre & doubles as a waiting area, extra desk space available for BYOD (power points/charging facilities)
– Relocate “New Books” & “Magazines” to the area towards the right of the “Welcome” desk, visible location by Self “Issues”
– Relocate “Reserves” bookshelves opposite the Self “Issues”, to make it easier to locate & pick up your reserves
– Relocate “Recent Returns” Non Fiction books to the beginning of the Non Fiction collection, easier to find than current location
– Remove seating/tables from in between Non Fiction collection, not easy to get past or view books on lower bookshelves
– Create Visual Coloured Coded Building Layout Map
– Create Visual Coloured Coded Wayfinding signage, age appropriate for adults & children, make it easier to direct people to the different areas or help them to independently find their way, consider those with disabilities
– Create Visual Coloured Coded Learning Spaces Programme (‘What’s on this week?’ & ‘What’s on today?’)
– Use Bilingual signs: Install signs in both English and Māori, encourages people to learn & use Te reo Māori
– New “Public Toilets”: unisex, inclusive, accessible, self contained toilet/basin/dryer/fold down changing table, less confusing which ‘gender/sex’ toilet to use, make it easier for parents/caregiver changing babies & toileting young children
– StoryWalk: Combines family fun, exercise, and literacy into one great community activity, https://letsmovelibraries.org/storywalk/

“Review into the Future for Local Government”

“Review into the Future for Local Government”
https://www.futureforlocalgovernment.govt.nz/

“Review into the Future for Local Government”: Interim Report
https://www.futureforlocalgovernment.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/DIA_16724_Te-Arotake-Future-of-Local-Government_Interim-report_22.pdf

The wellbeing dimension (Page 17-24)
“The future wellbeing of New Zealand communities depends at least in part on effective local governance. Under the Local Government Act 2002, one of the purposes of local government is to promote social, economic, environmental and cultural wellbeing in local communities.
This review is being conducted to determine how local authorities might need to evolve in order to deliver on that purpose over the next 30 years.
Under current local governance arrangements, local authorities make significant contributions to local wellbeing, but neither they nor central government on their own can address the most significant wellbeing issues facing local communities, or to address all of the challenges that might emerge in the future.
A more collaborative approach will be necessary in future to meet these challenges and create conditions in which communities can thrive over the next three decades.
The vast bulk of local government spending is focused on infrastructure, the environment, and facilities and services – including…facilities such as libraries, and community and recreation centres.
These facilities and services play critical roles in local wellbeing. They provide for basic needs; keep people healthy and safe; allow people to move around and connect with each other; enable work and business activity; support family, neighbourhood and community connections; and create environments in which people can exercise and relax. An attractive, well-functioning physical and natural environment can lift mood, reflect identity, create a sense of belonging, and attract skills, tourism and commerce.”

LIANZA “Libraries and the Future of Local Government Review Panel”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViiMtWcPlys

Below is my email to the “Review into the Future for Local Government” Panel:

Hi

Last night I watched the LIANZA “Libraries and the Future of Local Government” public panel discussion & listened to Gael Surgenor speak about the review.
https://www.librariesaotearoa.org.nz/korero-blog/library-and-the-future-of-local-government-review-panel-27-june

Below is an overview of my “Learning Libraries” concept (Library with Learning Spaces: Community Education & Support Services):
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-concept-image/


“In community building, the third place is the social surroundings separate from the two usual social environments of home (“first place”) and the workplace (“second place”).
Examples of third places would be environments such as churches, cafes, clubs, public libraries, bookstores or parks. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_place
In his influential book The Great Good Place, Ray Oldenburg (1989, 1991) argues that third places are important for civil society, democracy, civic engagement, and establishing feelings of a sense of place.
Third places, then, are “anchors” of community life and facilitate and foster broader, more creative interaction.”

We have many in our communities who don’t have a ‘second place (work)’: stay at home parents, caregivers, retirees, unemployed, people unable to work due to chronic illness, people working from home etc.
Some due to their circumstances don’t feel like they have a safe and relaxing ‘first place (home)’.
This is why it is so important that our ‘third places (social)’ are welcoming, inclusive & accessible for everyone in our communities.

“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

“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

“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

“Tangata ako ana i te kāenga, te tūranga ki te marae, tau ana.
A person nurtured in the community contributes strongly to society.”

When we know who we are (identity), what we need to be healthy (well-being), and the importance of a growth mindset (learning), this causes a positive ripple effect in our businesses, communities and economy.

“Inā kei te mohio koe ko wai koe, I anga mai koe i hea, kei te mohio koe. Kei te anga atu ki hea.
If you know who you are and where you are from, then you will know where you are going.”

– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/CCCDraftAnnualPlan2020JoannaGould.pdf
Page 3-5: Canterbury Wellbeing Index
Page 6: Original Learning Libraries Concept

The Christchurch City Council has set the bar high on how to create architectural award winning libraries & community centres.
What if Christchurch City Council also set the example for what happens inside?
What happens inside the library has more impact on our communities. How?
By creating Learning Libraries: citizen hubs where community education is the centre & the learning spaces are utilised by the Govt/CCC/Organisations as a central outreach to the residents in the surrounding communities.
Learning Libraries are ‘schools in the community for everyone, all ages & stages of life are welcome.’
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/learning-libraries-concept/

Instore demonstrations work with the flow of people in a supermarket & are positioned accordingly. Shoppers usually have one of three reactions:
1. Participate (stop & engage with demonstrator),
2. Engage (walk passed & take what is handed to them by the demonstrator),
3. Observe (watches & listens by shelves close to the demonstrator)

The same principles would work if we integrated support services into our library learning spaces:
1. Participate: support services can invite residents to learn more about their services or hold weekly/monthly meetings.
2. Engage: support services ‘demonstrators’ become a familiar face, in residents local ‘safe’ place, more accessible ‘bumping’ space.
3. Observe: residents are now aware of this support service, they might not need their help at this time or they might remember this support services & refer someone else to it.
Residents might not be comfortable approaching ‘demonstrators’ in a public place & may reach out to the support service in private.
Some residents who have trust issues, will need to see the support service or ‘demonstrator’ more than once, before they decide it is ‘safe’ to ‘participate’ or ‘engage’.
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/instore-demonstration-concept/

– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/community-education/

If “Reading is the gateway skill that makes all other learning possible.” (Barack Obama), why is it so hard for people who struggle to read, to get the help & support they need?
There are tools available (like the different coloured plastic in this video), so why aren’t we sharing this knowledge in our Christchurch City Libraries?
https://fb.watch/dXA5h3M_WF/

– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/support-services/

“The accessible physical space of the library is not the only factor that makes it work well as social infrastructure.
The institution’s extensive programming, organized by a professional staff that upholds a principled commitment to openness and inclusivity, fosters social cohesion among clients who might otherwise keep to themselves…
Why have so many public officials and civic leaders failed to recognize the value of libraries and their role in our social infrastructure?
Perhaps it’s because the founding principle behind the library—that all people deserve free, open access to our shared culture and heritage, which they can use to any end they see fit—is out of sync with the market logic that dominates our time…
Their core mission is to help people elevate themselves and improve their situation. Libraries do this, principally, by providing free access to the widest possible variety of cultural materials to people of all ages, from all ethnicities and groups.”
“Palaces for the People: How To Build a More Equal and United Society” by Eric Klinenberg

Libraries are usually the first place new people to an area will go to for information/help, as they are often centrally located in our communities & accessible by public transport.
Our librarians are information specialists. They are often the first public servant our babies meet & our children grow up knowing that it’s ok to ask a librarian for help.

I’ve been advocating since 2018 for a new building to be built on 10 Shirley Road, after our former Shirley Primary School/Shirley Community Centre was demolished in 2012 due to earthquake damage.
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/where-is-our-community-centre-petition/
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/poto-williams-support-letter/
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/duncan-webb-support-letter/

The former Shirley Community Centre 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.
The Shirley Library (built in 1995), has become our community centre by default & is located in the carpark of The Palms mall (Burwood Ward).
The building is smaller than most ‘suburban’ libraries in Christchurch, with the Shirley Library, Service Centre/NZ Post & Coastal-Burwood Governance unit sharing this space.
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/RichmondResearchJoannaGould.pdf
Page 1-2: Identity, Well-being, Learning, Shirley Library & 10 Shirley Road

– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-overview/
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/design-considerations/
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/ShirleyCentreConcept2021JoannaGould.pdf

There is no suburban library in the Innes Ward. The ward boundary size will decrease in the October 2022 elections, due to the population increase in social housing & infill housing in these areas.
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CCCDraftAnnualPlan2022JoannaGould.pdf
Page 6, ReVision Youth Audit Shirley Library
Shirley Library is still considered the second busiest suburban library in Christchurch, even without dedicated learning spaces (limited after school/holiday programmes) & 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

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).
The Palms was closed for over six months due to earthquake repairs. Fences and containers at Shirley Library: https://canterburystories.nz/collections/community/ginahubert/ccl-cs-22611
– https://hauora.co.nz/assets/files/Resources/Final%20Report%20to%20HRC%20-%20Building%20Community%20Resilience.pdf
“Building Community Resilience: Learning from the Canterbury earthquakes”, Appendix 2: Shirley Case Study Report, Page 73-85
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/south-library-report/

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?

Please let me know if you have any questions,

Joanna Gould

https://www.facebook.com/ShirleyCentre10ShirleyRoad/
(updated daily with research/ideas/organisations/shared posts)

P.S. I forgot to sending this link in my email, to my Shirley Centre research from 2019, on why a new building at 10 Shirley Road is important, a need not a want:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ShirleyCentreResearch2019JoannaGould.pdf

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?