Category: Reports

‘Crossway Church’ Proposal

1. Crossway Community Church History
2. Crossway Deputation to Shirley/Papanui Community Board (17 July 2013)
3. ‘Councillors back Shirley Community Site’ News Article (16 August 2013)
4. Shirley/Papanui Community Board Information Exchange (6 August 2014)
5. Christchurch City Council Elected Member Update (24 March 2015)
6. Shirley Community Facility Meeting Feedback (30 April 2015)
7. Shirley Community Facility Rebuild Staff Report (19 August 2015)
8. Shirley/Papanui Community Board Staff Report (6 July 2016)
9. Crossway Community Centre Submission Report (22 March 2016)
10. ‘Community centre in Shirley stalled’ News Article (19 July 2016)
11. Shirley Community Centre Feasibility Report and Business Case (8 August 2019)

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)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2015/08/SPCB_19082015_AGN.PDF

1. Crossway Community Church History
“Crossway Community Church was formed through the amalgamation of the parishes of Shirley Methodist and St Columba Presbyterian Churches.
Shirley Methodist Church was founded in 1866 and St Columba Presbyterian in 1916, so both have a long history of worship and witness in the Shirley-Richmond area.”
https://crosswaychurch.org.nz/about-us/

2. Crossway Deputation to Shirley/Papanui Community Board (17 July 2013)
https://resources.ccc.govt.nz/files/TheCouncil/meetingsminutes/agendas/2013/July/ShirleyPapanui17July2013CONFIRMEDMINUTES.pdf
(Part A – Matters Requiring a Council Decision, 1. Deputations By Appointment, Page 1)
“Public–Private Partnership Proposal for Community Facility Shirley/Richmond Area
Jill Hawkey, Strategic Planning Coordinator, and the Reverend Joohong Kim, Minister of Crossway Community Church, attended to present a deputation regarding a proposal for a public-private partnership between the Christchurch City Council and the Methodist/Presbyterian Church to establish a new community facility for the Shirley/Richmond area.
BOARD CONSIDERATION
The Board considered the information provided to them by Jill Hawkey and agreed that a shared community facility in the Shirley/Richmond area is needed as there are groups currently requiring space to resume community activities.
Staff tabled correspondence from the Acting Chief Executive Officer to Jill Hawkey, which acknowledged that the proposal for a community facility had considerable appeal and should be presented to the Shirley/Papanui Community Board as the first stage in Council giving it consideration.
BOARD RECOMMENDATION
The Board supports in principle the proposal by Crossway Community Church to establish a public private partnership and recommends that the Council:
(a) Grant a long term lease for the former Shirley Community Centre site at 10 Shirley Road to Crossway Community Church.
(b) Note the Crossway Community Church (with the support of its parent bodies, the Methodist Church of New Zealand and the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand) proposes, through engagement with the local community and stakeholders, to design and build a new multipurpose community facility available for both the church and wider community.
(c) Note that the Church intends to fund the capital project and manage and operate the facility according to an operational plan agreed under the public-private partnership within available funding.
(d) Note the importance of the geotechnical investigation for the proposed site at 10 Shirley Road and requests that the Council undertake an urgent geotechnical investigation.
(e) Consider this proposal by Crossway Community Church.”

3. ‘Councillors back Shirley Community Site’ News Article (16 August 2013)
https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/9048840/Councillors-back-Shirley-community-site
“Christchurch City councillors are backing in principle a proposal by the Methodist Church to build a new community facility in Shirley that could also serve as their place of worship.
Reverend Joohong Kim, a minister of the Crossway Community Church, yesterday told councillors the quakes had left the Shirley/Richmond bereft of community facilities.
Kim said his church had settled its insurance claim and had funds available to invest in a new building. It wanted to spend that money on a new facility, preferably on the site of the old Shirley Community Centre in Shirley Rd, which could serve both its needs and the needs of the local community.
It was willing to pay for the cost of constructing the facility and the running of it, if the council was willing to grant a long-term lease on the land.
Shirley-Papanui Community Board chairman Chris Mene said the community board unanimously supported the Crossway Community Church’s proposal for a public/private partnership.
Deputy Mayor Ngaire Button said the Shirley community had huge needs and to a large extent they had suffered in silence over the past three years.
“There is just no community space there. I really hope you support this.”
But Cr Yani Johanson said he was concerned the proposal had not gone through proper council channels.*”

* see ‘Procurement Policy’, ‘How to tender for a contract’ & ‘Unsolicited proposals’
https://www.ccc.govt.nz/the-council/tenders-and-contracts/

4. Shirley/Papanui Community Board Information Exchange (6 August 2014)
https://resources.ccc.govt.nz/files/TheCouncil/meetingsminutes/agendas/2014/August/ShirleyPapanuiUNConfirmedMins6Aug14.pdf
(8. Elected Members’ Information Exchange, Page 4)
“The Board decided to request an update on the proposed Crossway Church development on the site of the former Shirley community centre and that all relevant updated information be communicated to all relevant parties.”

5. Christchurch City Council Elected Member Update (31 March 2015)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2015/03/CHED_31032015_AGN.PDF
(Communities, Housing and Economic Development Committee, Page 32)
“Project: Shirley Community Centre. A meeting was held on 17/02/15 between CCC PM, representatives of church groups proposing to establish a facility on the site of old Community Centre, and the CCC Asset Owner.
At this meeting the church provided background on their work to date and the mechanics of their offering.
CCC PM is now gathering information internally to understand status from a property and community support point of view.
Feedback received as part of this will inform whether or not further stakeholder consultation is required.
The end output will be a recommendation report by the Asset Owner to the Community Board and Council regarding the Church Group’s offering.
An update is to be provided to the Community Board via a seminar sitting on 1 April, but it is highly unlikely that the recommendation report will be available at that time.”

6. Shirley Community Facility Meeting Feedback (12 June 2015)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2015/08/SPCB_19082015_AGN.PDF
(Shirley Community Centre Feedback Table, Pages 30-32)
Letter to Meeting Attendees (30 April 2015) from John Filsell, Recreation and Sports Manager, Recreation and Sports Unit, Christchurch City Council.
“Thank you all for joining us at the community meeting on 30 April 2015 to discuss the Shirley Community Facility.
This was an opportunity for Council officers to listen to the views of the community on the Shirley Community Facility and a proposal from Crossways to build and operate a new facility on the site.
The points of interest presented at the meeting were recorded. I have summarised them and they are presented in the table below.
By far the most common message was the need to act and act soon. It was felt that it has been over four years since the quake and the need for a community facility has grown.
From here we intend to consider all the feedback received and refresh our understanding of all the other existing information. We will aim to get a thorough understanding of what Council and others are doing in neighbouring areas.
Using this information I report back to the Shirley Papanui Community Board identifying options and seeking a decision on how we move forward.”

7. Shirley Community Facility Rebuild Staff Report (19 August 2015)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2015/08/SPCB_19082015_AGN.PDF
(Staff Report, Pages 17-28)
1.1 The purpose of this report is to seek approval to release a Request for Proposal (RFP) to the open market inviting proposals for the development and operation of a Community Centre or similar at 10 Shirley Road, the site of the former Shirley Community Centre.
1.2. This report follows a Council decision on 15 August 2013, and further consultation with the Community.
1.3. Specifically, at the meeting of the Council on 15 August 2013 it was resolved that Council:
Ask Staff to prepare a report on the proposal of Crossway Community Church to establish a public-private partnership, noting the request to grant a long term lease for the former Shirley Community Centre site at 10 Shirley Road to Crossway Community Church.
1.4. While this report discusses the proposal from the Crossway Community Church, as a result of community consultation staff consider it would be appropriate to provide an opportunity for all parties to present proposals on how any establishment of a Community Facility at 10 Shirley Road should occur.

Staff Recommendations
3.1. That the Shirley/ Papanui Community Board recommend to Council that it instruct Council Officers to prepare and release a Request for Proposal (RFP) to the open market inviting proposals for the development and operation of a Community Centre or similar at 10 Shirley Road.

4.2. The following reasonably practicable options have been considered:
– Option 1 (preferred option): Request For Proposal (RFP).
Under this option an RFP would be released to the open market asking respondents to put forward a proposal as to how best a Shirley Community Facility should be re-established at 10 Shirley Road.
The RFP document would signal an openness to a wholly third party funded and managed facility, a wholly Council funded (using $2.52m from Community Facilities Rebuild Tranche 1) and managed facility or any mixture of approaches.
– Option 2: Straight application of Tranche 1 funds.
Under this option no RFP would be released and Council staff would instead proceed with consultation to inform design of a wholly Council funded facility at 10 Shirley Road utilising the Tranche 1 allocation of $2.52m.
The operating model for the community facility would be determined separately.
– Option 3: Straight acceptance of Crossways proposal.
Under this option Council staff would receive delegation to directly progress a lease with Crossways Church who are proposing to fund and manage a replacement Community Facility at 10 Shirley Road.
– Option 4: Do not rebuild a replacement facility at 10 Shirley Road.
Under this option no replacement facility would be established on 10 Shirley Road. The $2.52m of funding allocated in Tranche 1 would either be used to establish a Shirley Facility on an alternate site or returned to the fund for allocation elsewhere as appropriate.

5.6. The Crossways Group first formally met with Christchurch City Council Staff on the 22nd of March 2013 regarding the possibility of leasing Council land to build a facility to replace churches lost in the earthquakes.
At that meeting Council staff outlined site information and requirements, identified key stakeholder groups that would need to be consulted, and recommended Crossways submits a proposal to the City Council.
5.7. On the 24th of April 2013 the Crossways Group met with representatives of the Delta Trust and Shirley Community Centre Society Incorporated. Crossways outlined their desire to seek a lease of the former Shirley Community Centre site, 10 Shirley Road, from Council to a group of interested organisations who would fund the erection of a building on the site to incorporate Church facilities, a hall, and meeting rooms etc. and this Centre could be managed by representatives from the involved organisations.
5.8. Following the meeting of 24 April 2013, the Shirley Community Centre Society Incorporated (SCCSI) sent a letter to the Crossways Group thanking them for the meeting, asking to be kept in contact regarding further developments, but advising that the SCCSI was not prepared to formally commit to the proposal at that point.
5.9. On the 17th of July 2013 the Crossways Group made a deputation to the Shirley/Papanui Community Board. In a letter dated 23rd of July 2013, setting out the agreement that the Board reached following the deputation, Crossways were advised that:
The board supports in principle the proposal by Crossway Community Church to establish a public-private partnership.
5.10. Following the Community Board’s agreement, the Crossways Group proposal was presented via deputation to the Council at the meeting of 15 August 2013.
At that meeting the motion was declared carried, that the Council:
a) Ask Staff to prepare a report on the proposal of Crossway Community Church to establish a public-private partnership, noting the request to grant a long term lease for the former Shirley Community Centre site at 10 Shirley Road to Crossway Community Church.
b) Note that the Crossway Community Church (with the support of its parent bodies, the Methodist Church of New Zealand and the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand) proposes, through engagement with the local community and stakeholders, to design and build a new multipurpose community facility available for both the church and wider community.
c) Note that the Church intends to fund the capital project and manage and operate the facility according to an operational plan agreed under the public-private partnership within available funding.
d) Note the importance of the geotechnical investigation for the proposed site at 10 Shirley Road.
5.11. Crossways held a “community consultation” meeting on November 21st 2013 inviting identified community stakeholders.
At this meeting the Crossways Group outlined their proposal and
sought feedback both on the general approach and also stakeholder’s requirements for a multipurpose facility.
5.12. The Crossways Group received a variety of feedback on their proposal at the meeting of 21 November 2013, both for and against.
5.13. After refining their proposal as a result of feedback to date, representatives of the Crossways Group again met with Council staff to discuss potential lease arrangements and ground improvements.
Council staff suggested that it would be helpful to have some initial concept plans to review and to provide reassurance that the proposed structure would be a genuine multipurpose facility rather than solely a place of worship with meeting rooms added.
5.14. At a meeting on 28 August 2014, the Council resolved to:
“33.1 Approve the Tranche 1 prioritised programme.
33.2 Approve funding as amended in total from the Facilities and Infrastructure Improvement – New Borrowing Allowance comprising:
$29,087,059 for Community Facilities and
$11,703,596 for Heritage Facilities
33.3 Apply proceeds of any insurance claim for these facilities to the Facilities and Infrastructure Improvement – New Borrowing Allowance.”
5.15 Within the Tranche 1 programme as approved, $2.52m was allocated to a new Shirley Community Centre.
5.16 Council staff held a community meeting on 30 April 2015 regarding Shirley Community Facilities.
This included a discussion regarding the Crossways proposal as well as a wider feedback discussion on community requirements for facility/ies in Shirley.

8. Shirley/Papanui Community Board Staff Report (6 July 2016)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2016/07/SPCB_20160706_AGN_685_AT.PDF
(10. Shirley Community Facility – 10 Shirley Road, Pages 39-52)
1.1 The purpose of this report is for the Shirley/Papanui Community Board to receive the information contained within and to instruct staff on how to proceed regarding the reinstatement of a Combined Community Facility at 10 Shirley Road.
1.4 Subsequently at the Council meeting of 10 September 2015, it was resolved on the motion of Councillor Cotter, seconded by Councillor Jones, that the Council instruct Council Officers to prepare and release a Request for Proposal (RFP) to the open market inviting proposals for the development and operation of a Community Centre or similar at 10 Shirley Road.

9. Crossway Community Centre Submission Report (22 March 2016)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2016/07/SPCB_20160706_AGN_685_AT.PDF
(Crossway Community Centre, Community Facility – 10 Shirley Road Submission Report 22/03/2016, Page 53-115)
1. Proposed Crossway Community Centre Site Plan, Preliminary Concept, Building Layout (Page 68 & 69)
2. Required Council Contribution (Page 71):
– Site Remediation
Council to fully fund cost of ground improvements required to construct the proposed building on the site.
Council to fund cost of capping the spring located on the site.
Council to fund on site stormwater attenuation and treatment if required as part of the consenting process.
– Council Grant towards Cost of Construction
– Ongoing Contribution
To assist with keeping room hire fees affordable for the community, Council is requested to meet the cost of ground rent, rates and water for the facility.
– Grounds
Because the site is a public park and significantly larger than the requirements of the community centre, it is requested Council continues to maintain the playground and grounds surrounding the building including removal of rubbish and emptying of public rubbish bins.
3. “There are no other space in the Shirley area at present which could be considered to be the ‘hub’ of the community providing affordable indoor and outdoor spaces for community groups and people to gather.” (Page 74)
4. 6.1 Cost Estimate (Page 81)
Quantity Surveyor’s Estimate
Construction of the Building
Siteworks, drainage, services connections
Furniture, fittings and equipment
Contingency and Escalation
Consents & Consultant Fees
TOTAL $4,670,000 (2016)
This estimate excludes ground improvements, capping well, stormwater attenuation and treatment as Crossway is requesting Council meet the cost of these items.
This Quantity Surveyor’s estimate is designed to give an initial indication of how much the building could be constructed for.
The building is yet to be designed in any detail.

10. ‘Community centre in Shirley stalled’ News Article (19 July 2016)
https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/59766419/norwest-news-july-19-2016
“The rebuild of the Shirley Community Centre has stalled after a private funding plan was rejected.
The Crossway Community Church proposed to the Shirley-Papanui Community Board that a collaboration between the church and the city council be used to fund and maintain the new centre.
The church would have invested $2.5m to the new centre and the city council $1.5m.
The board rejected the proposal with a 4-3 vote at a recent meeting.
Board chairman Mike Davidson said he was ‘uncomfortable’ with the level of investment needed by the city council to make it work with the church.
Cr Pauline Cotter also shared this sentiment, saying she was not happy with the terms of the agreement.
The plan now is to replicate some of the learnings the board had while getting the St Albans Community Centre off the ground.
‘It will probably start with a working party to find out what the community wants and needs. From there, things start to take off pretty quickly,’ Mr Davidson said.
He could not give a definitive time frame around when a working party would be formed, but the board is looking at its options to start sooner rather than later.”
(Front Page & Page 5)

11. Shirley Community Centre Feasibility Report and Business Case (8 August 2019)
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Shirley_Community_Centre_Feasibility_Report_and_Business_Case_August_2019.pdf
“On the 24 April 2013, the Crossways Group met with representatives of the Delta Trust and Shirley Community Centre Society Incorporated.
Crossways outlined their desire to seek a lease of the former Shirley Community Centre site from Council to a group of interested organisations who would fund the erection of a building on the site to incorporate Church facilities, a hall, and meeting rooms, etc. and that this Centre be managed by representatives from the involved organisations.
They followed this up with a deputation to Council in July 2013.
Council rejected their application with a view to gaining further information before decisions were made.”
(Introduction, Page 3)

“In September 2015 the Community Board instructed staff to develop a request for proposal for 10 Shirley Road.
One proposal was received and that was from the Methodist Church of NZ (Crossways Group).
This was for an approximately $4.7M facility, seeking $1.5M from Council.
The Option was assessed, and the Community Board with Crossways sought advice on a length of term 33 years with a 16 year right of renewal.
In the end, Council decided not to grant the lease for the development of a Crossways Community facility on this site.
Much of the rationale for the objections to the proposal seem to be based on Church ownership issues, and a lack of clarity or master planning for the area.
There also seemed to be a clear lack of understanding of partnership language by both organisations, Council was unclear as to its future role and Crossways had not been able to clearly articulate its ability and willingness to be inclusive of the community.
The mechanisms to make the project appealing to the wider community were not present and their application instead described in detail the Church operating system and hierarchy.
The background discussions paint a picture of some unease with a Church led project on the Council site and some residents in the community needed convincing of the value of this approach.
There is a significant history to this project with the Methodist Church and Council’s Shirley/Papanui Community Board deputation’s, letters reports and Community Board recommendations.
There are comments that the Crossways group were able to allay many of the fears of local groups at that time through open dialogue and discussion.
At the same time, the Council completed a community consultation process.
The work was undertaken by Open Strategies in November 2017.
Its report provides a unique window into what local residents identified as needed in a new community facility.
It contrasted in many ways with the proposal then submitted to the Shirley Papanui Community Board by Crossways.”
(History and background to 10 Shirley Road, Page 6-7)

13.1 Appendix 1. Key Informant Interviews
Meeting Jill Hawkey: Methodist Church, 24th January 2019 (Page 36)
– Re the Crossways project in the end they have formed a group with the Shirley Community Trust/Methodists. They connected with the Methodist Baptists so that the North Avon Church run Delta Trust is a part of the project and will be important in terms of community programming given the size of their programme footprint. A good result in the end and Delta do good things in the community.
– Its important that the Shirley Community Centre does not interrupt but instead complements the activity already underway.
– Collectively there are a number of active Church related programmes in the area.
– That said it does raise the question that there is perhaps less non-church provision and this could be a gap.

13.2 Appendix 2. Chronology – 10 Shirley Road
June 2017, Council Annual Plan 2017 – 18 (Page 41)
That the Council:
Bring the rebuild of Shirley Community Centre forward to the 2018/19 year, from 2021/22 and 2022/23 years, as part of the 2018-2028 Long Term Plan process to demonstrate the Council’s commitment to providing appropriate community facilities in this area.
Subsequently this decision was reprioritised, and funding for the rebuild of the Shirley Community Centre was pushed out to 2021/2022 and 2022/23 years.

Shirley Community Reserve Feedback

Christchurch City Council
Waipapa Papanui Innes Central Community Board
Shirley Community Reserve Consultation
https://letstalk.ccc.govt.nz/SCR
Open for feedback from 17 July to 14 August 2023

“Earlier this year, the Waipapa Papanui Innes Central Community Board made the Shirley Community Reserve a key priority in their community board plan. Together, we want to develop a meaningful, dynamic and fun space for everyone, so that the reserve becomes a destination of choice for the community – a safe space, a place that enhances wellbeing, and provides a place for social connection.

The options that we’ve developed take into consideration feedback received by the Shirley community in 2020, as well as what we’ve seen works well around Ōtautahi Christchurch.
– Option 1. Leaving the space as it is.
– Option 2. A recreation space with a full basketball court, renewed playground, planting, a picnic and BBQ area, a community garden and a walkway.
– Option 3. Creating a community hub that’s open to partnerships with local organisations.”

My ‘Shirley Community Reserve Consultation’ feedback:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ShirleyCommunityReserveConsultation2023JoannaGould.pdf

Rank the options that best capture your ideal community reserve:
1. A community hub
2. A recreation and play space
3. Keep the space as it is

Based on your selection, tell us what’s important to you, for us to consider:
Option 1. Leaving the space as it is.
No. Why?
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’.”
Does not restore the service available pre-earthquake on what was a popular, heavily used site.
Unlikely to be acceptable to the Community.
9. Shirley Community Facility Rebuild – 10 Shirley Road (2015)
5. Background (Page 19) & 9.9 Legal Implications (Page 27)
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2015/08/SPCB_19082015_AGN.PDF

Option 2. A recreation space with a full basketball court, renewed playground, planting, a picnic and BBQ area, a community garden and a walkway.
No. Why?
Most of these suggested ‘additions’/activities already exist at the Shirley Community Reserve, or in nearby suburbs.

– Residents have plenty of opportunities to connect with & utilise the existing local green spaces, through Christchurch City Council parks/walking trails/fruit trees, school grounds, community gardens, birdsong trails, Dudley Creek/Esplanade Reserve & the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/local-green-spaces/

– Full Basketball Court: there is already a half basketball court on site.
1. Shirley Community Reserve, Richmond (Half Court)
https://goo.gl/maps/912h2UUc99K2dRQG6
2. Avon Hub, Richmond (Full Indoor Court)
https://goo.gl/maps/unZcBWFDRTsBNUFE9
3. MacFarlane Park, Shirley (Full Outdoor Court)
https://goo.gl/maps/SF5CGR7i6fhZiBc47

– Community Garden: there are already well established local community gardens in the surrounding suburbs.
1. MacFarlane Park Community Garden, Shirley
https://shirleycommunitytrust.org.nz/activity/community-garden/
2. Dallington Community Garden
http://www.ccga.org.nz/garden-directory/dallington-community-garden/
3. Delta Community Garden, Richmond
http://www.ccga.org.nz/garden-directory/delta-community-support-trust/
4. Richmond Community Garden
http://www.ccga.org.nz/garden-directory/richmond/
5. Packe Street Park and Community Garden, Edgeware
http://www.ccga.org.nz/garden-directory/packe-street/
6. St Albans Community Garden
https://www.facebook.com/groups/sustainable.stalbans.christchurch/

– Walkway: there is already a CCC Walking Trail located at the back of the Shirley Community Reserve, that starts in the Shirley Shopping Centre, located at the corner of Hills & Shirley Road.
https://smartview.ccc.govt.nz/map/layers/walkingtracks#/@172.65369,-43.50847,15

Option 3. Creating a community hub that’s open to partnerships with local organisations.
Yes. Why?
– Community Hub Support
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/community-hub-support/
What is in a community hub?
“A community hub is a building or space that is: open and accessible to the local community & providing services that the local community wants and needs.”
1. ‘Shirley Road Central’ Group & ‘Where is our Community Centre?’ Petition
2. Letters of Support from Local Christchurch MPs
3. Richmond Residents & Business Association/We are Richmond
4. Shirley Village Project
5. Christchurch City Council Citizen Hub Strategy
6. Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study
7. Local Government New Zealand

– Christchurch City Council Citizen Hub Strategy
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc-citizen-hub-strategy/
– Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-community-facility-feasibility-study/
– Christchurch City Council Community Facilities Network Plan
– Third Place | https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/third-place/
– Bumping Spaces | https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/bumping-spaces/
– Placemaking | https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/placemaking/
– Shirley Centre Concept | https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-overview/

Community Hub Support

What is in a community hub?
“A community hub is a building or space that is: open and accessible to the local community & providing services that the local community wants and needs.”
https://localtrust.org.uk/news-and-stories/blog/community-hubs-the-importance-of-developing-a-sustainable-business-model/

What is the role of a community hub?
“Community hubs are opportunities to create lively spaces and deliver often missing critical social infrastructure…When developed correctly, they can serve as a place to bring people and ideas together under one roof…The reach of these community hubs extends beyond the structural walls of the buildings; they can reconnect people with their neighborhoods by creating spaces that integrate social and functional needs.”
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2023/02/02/developing-community-hubs-to-drive-purpose-and-profit/

‘Shirley Road Central’ Group & ‘Where is our Community Centre?’ Petition
– Why ‘Shirley Road Central’? 10 Shirley Road is central to connecting communities in Shirley, Dallington, Richmond, Edgeware, St Albans & Mairehau.
Why the suburbs of Shirley, Dallington, Richmond, Edgeware, St Albans & Mairehau? When you draw a 2km radius from 10 Shirley Road, these are the suburbs included in this area.
https://www.shirleyroadcentral.nz/shirley-road-central/
– “Our communities lost our well used and well loved community centre at 10 Shirley Rd, following the February 2011 earthquake. We need a new community facility to serve the wider communities of North Richmond, Shirley, Mairehau, Edgeware and St Albans east of Cranford Street. We the undersigned, request that Christchurch City Council work with us to rebuild our beloved community centre as soon as possible.”
‘Shirley Road Central’ group members collected signatures/comments through an online ‘Change’ petition & in person via door knocking, outside local schools & onsite at ‘activation’ events like ‘Skip Day’, held at 10 Shirley Road.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/where-is-our-community-centre-petition/
– “The library at the Palms is outdated and too small, it lacks meeting spaces and is not central to all local schools and bus routes.
Our communities are ethnically and socially diverse. We have areas of social deprivation, and others of relative well being. We have increased social housing, and increased high density, infill housing. As our population grows, the demand for community facilities grows also. Church facilities can be a barrier for some of our secular community members. School facilities are often limited in the times they are available. Private venues are too expensive.
https://www.shirleyroadcentral.nz/the-future-for-shirley-road-central/
– ‘Pop up’ activities to ‘activate’ the 10 Shirley Road site have had little success. Events like ‘Skip Day’ & the ‘Car Boot Sale’ organised by the ‘Shirley Road Central’ group, required many people to be involved in the planning & running of these events. More hours were invested in planning/meetings, than the actual duration of the event. Events had to be postponed or cancelled due to the weather.
– “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’ group, 12th May 2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhAT6iATaE8

Letters of Support from Local Christchurch MPs
– “The Richmond, Avonside, Dallington and Shirley Locals have a brilliant concept in their application to provide a Library and Education space and this new Community Centre could also provide a range of opportunities for the locals…A space for after school activities and holiday programmes and possibly a venue for hire.
The Community Centre could also house NGO’s as well as drop in sessions for local organisations who could provide advice and assistance to those in need including Wellbeing/Health and Youth Clinics.
A Community Centre is a place where you are bringing everyone in the community together of all ethnicities and therefore I fully support this application.”
Hon Poto Williams, Member of Parliament for Christchurch East
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/poto-williams-support-letter/
– “I write in support of further exploration of the community centre concept proposed for 10 Shirley Road.
While this is not in my electorate the area serviced by such a centre would cross into Christchurch Central and benefit my constituents.
I have read the support letter provided by MP for Christchurch East, Hon Poto Williams, and I am happy to add my support to her views and encourage council to consider exploring the idea further, such as commissioning a feasibility study for full review including the future of the current Shirley Library.”
Dr Duncan Webb, Member of Parliament for Christchurch Central
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/duncan-webb-support-letter/

Richmond Residents & Business Association/We are Richmond
– “The current library is situated inside the Burwood/Pegasus ward outside of Innes and Central although it is seen as a Shirley Richmond Amenity.
A large sector of our community wants this relocated to 10 Shirley Road as a true public non partisan community facility we do not want nor need another community organisation or church based facility.
We need a place that ALL people feel free to come to and be part of and a library/service centre is the best example of this.
Our community needs the type of facility that Halswell and Sumner do more than they do, but yet we are left with a building shoved in the back of a mall requiring a full time security guard, not delivering the services other libraries do because they do not have the space.
We as a community are fully prepared to take what money there currently is and fund raise for more money to situ a modern, exciting, community focused facility at 10 Shirley Road to replace the number of amenities that we have been stripped of.
A citizen lead hub facility incorporating the library and service centre would support/inform/direct people out into the activities in the community and current community lead facilities (Avebury, Richmond Community Garden, Delta, Shirley Trust, etc etc).
We need to get people out of their houses and engaging with others in the community.”
Hayley Guglietta (Email from Hayley to Ali Jones, former Papanui-Innes Community Board Chairperson, 4th April 2019)
– “There is much debate about the need for a Community Centre as we knew it pre-earthquake. Some of the services provided at the old centre have been absorbed by other agencies and do not need replicating at a new amenity. There have been reviews and reports presented to Council discussing the amenities we have and those we need. Although these have not been released to the general public as yet, one would assume that these include social, recreation, pastoral care elements and take into account the composition of the population.
There is a groundswell of support for a (new) library to provide an amenity that would serve the Richmond/Shirley communities. Libraries have changed markedly in the last decade and now provide opportunities for interaction amongst age groups, ethnic groups, interest groups, etc through the way they are designed and staffed. While they still address their original core function of providing information and leisure reading opportunities, modern technological developments have had a major impact on how libraries achieve that core function.
Perhaps it is time for the Richmond Community to come together and discuss the needs and determine some action so that, eventually, we get an amenity at 10 Shirley Road which recognizes the past but focuses on our needs in the future.”
David Duffy (current Chairperson), 22nd May 2019
https://wearerichmond.co.nz/rrba/what-to-do-with-10-shirley-road/

Shirley Village Project
– Shirley Village Project Feasibility Report and Implementation Plan
5th February 2018, Steve Jones-Poole, Shirley Community Trust
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Shirley-Village-Project-Feasibility-Report.pdf
– Youth Audit 10 Shirley Road
“10 Shirley Road performed averagely in the Youth Friendly Spaces Audit, scoring a total of 42% and received a poor Net Promoter Score of -37.5.”
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/youth-audit-10-shirley-road/
– Youth Audit Shirley Library
“The Shirley Library performed below average, in the Youth Friendly Spaces Audit, scoring a total of 64.5% and producing a Net Promoter Score of -50.”
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/youth-audit-shirley-library/
– Youth Audit MacFarlane Park
“The MacFarlane Park Basketball Court performed averagely in the Youth Friendly Spaces Audit, scoring a total of 59.5% and producing a Net Promoter Score of 0.”
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/youth-audit-macfarlane-park/
– “Many of the issues identified in the Youth Audits for Shirley Library & 10 Shirley Road, could be addressed by creating a new central ‘Community Hub’ at the Shirley Community Reserve, that would complement the existing community facilities in MacFarlane Park & surrounding suburbs.
More youth living in the suburbs surrounding Shirley Road: Shirley, Dallington, Richmond, Edgeware, St Albans & Mairehau, could benefit from the positive aspects of the 10 Shirley Road site highlighted in the Youth Audit above.”
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-youth-audits/
– Community Led Development Plan for Shirley
“The needs and wishes of Shirley residents have been recorded in various surveys and events over many years. We’ve looked back as far as 2000 at existing reports, surveyed residents in 2018 and 2021, and collected feedback at various community events in 2022 and 2023.”
https://www.shirleyvillage.org/community-plan

CCC Citizen Hub Strategy
– “We currently operate a very “bricks and mortar” service arrangement, where different Council services have developed stand-alone service locations and approaches (often all in the same neighbourhood).
– The review has found that this siloed legacy service model is no longer fit for purpose. Customers increasingly expect joined up services, easy one-stop transactions, and channel choice in how they engage with us.
– We are proposing a shift to integrated service delivery arrangements whereby Council physical services are grouped together in convenient locations for citizens to access – a Citizen Hub with no wrong doors.
– A set of design principles have been developed to guide improvement opportunities and the future state model. An implementation approach whereby council libraries will form the base for integrated, multi-discipline citizen hubs is proposed.”
– Libraries: Shirley (Burwood Ward, 5 Council libraries: Parklands, New Brighton, Aranui, Shirley, Linwood in the Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board area)
Service Desks: Shirley (Burwood Ward, 2 Council service centres: Shirley, Linwood in the Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board area)
Governance Services: Shirley (Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board)
(Location map for Christchurch City Council Libraries, Service Desks and Recreation and Sports Centres, Page 19)
– There are 3 Christchurch City Council services (Library, Service Centre & Governance) co located in the Shirley Library and Service Centre building, located in The Palms carpark.
But there is no suburban sized Library or Service Centre in the entire Innes Ward.
(Location map for Christchurch City Council Libraries, Service Desks and Recreation and Sports Centres, Page 19)
– The Shirley Community Centre, has not been ‘replaced’, not even ‘like for like’.
In 2015 when this Strategy was written, why wasn’t a new integrated service delivery Citizen Hub option considered, at 10 Shirley Road, Shirley Community Reserve, site of the former Shirley Community Centre?
21: Shirley Community Centre, Replace. Section 38 (claim insured value).
26: Shirley Library, Cosmetic repairs.
Christchurch City Council Facilities Rebuild Plan – Tranche 1
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2022/06/SACRC_20220601_MAT_7539.PDF#PAGE=25
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc-citizen-hub-strategy/

Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study
“As a result of the 2011 earthquakes there was a community groundswell to reinstate the destroyed Shirley Community Centre.
The Community Facility at 10 Shirley Road was a significant provider of a range of community activity and had been for a long time.
The way it did this and the range of groups based there was a credit to community development and initiative in the area.
On this basis, there was a logic in considering a replacement and updated facility.”
“- Table 4. Deprivation by Area Units (6 and above): Here we see Richmond South, Edgeware and Shirley have higher levels of deprivation (6 and above) as a percentage of total population, much higher than the Christchurch Average.
– Location of Provision: There is no direct provision of Council facilities within the defined facility catchment area (Shirley, Richmond, Edgeware and Mairehau) and much of what is provided is Church based, with the area being home to a number of strong Church based Trusts. There does appear to be a gap in the area identified on the boundary of Shirley and Richmond.
– 6.4.1 Asset data Across Council Owned Community Facilities: This suggests current provision is lower than the city-wide average in terms of community facilities.
– 6.4.2 Community Provision (Non-Council): There seems a gap (or at least less provision) of non-Church community space across the Community Board, especially as we see the current range of facilities available is split between ‘Community’ and ‘Church-based’ Trusts.
– 7.3 Community Needs Analysis for Richmond: Lack of low cost, creative and fun activities for after-school and school holidays. Mental health needs (adults through to children identified as a gap). Need for improved playground facilities across Richmond targeting pre-schoolers and small children.
– 8. Need and Gap Assessment, Summary of Need: With an aging population, it is important to also consider what has been lost that would be of value to older adults.
Secular Bumping space (for casual interactions and cross-over between activities and areas) for adults like that provided in libraries.
– 9. Discussion, Fit with Christchurch City Council Network Plan: Providing hubs and focal points are important network plan outcomes.
– Potential Activity for the 10 Shirley Road Site: With the provision of the correct infrastructure this site could be reborn as a new interpretation of a contemporary community centre. The location of 10 Shirley Road is perfect for this as there is no other Trust close by and yet the location is important to Shirley, Edgeware, Mairehau and Richmond.
– 10. Options: An important consideration in this options analysis is how to achieve a sustainable outcome, not just for the community but for Council. One other factor is how to ensure any provision aligns with what is currently and likely to happen in the foreseeable future.
– Table 9. Governance options toward increased activation of 10 Shirley Road: Unfavourable treatment of one Trust over others, Not one Trust that spans these two neighbourhoods, Would be either Church or Non-church aligned, That trust would not necessarily hold the vision (Community Plan) for the whole area.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-community-facility-feasibility-study/

Local Government New Zealand
“How much is your library worth to your community?
We’re delighted to share with you new research we’ve undertaken with FrankAdvice on the value of public libraries. The report explores both the role of libraries as community hubs, their value as a vehicle for public service delivery, and their contribution to community wellbeing.
Public libraries are vibrant community hubs that enhance community wellbeing and social cohesion.
They’re also important places where local government and central government can deliver key local services – ones specific to their communities needs and wants.
The findings paint a clear picture that councils need more support to deliver the services that central government increasingly relies on public libraries to provide. The report also showcases great examples of services libraries across the motu provide to enhance community wellbeing.
We’ll encourage councils to consider how they can enable and resource public libraries to evolve their services and better enhance community wellbeing.
And we’ll use this research to engage with the Government on ways it can better support public libraries to deliver value to communities.”
https://www.lgnz.co.nz/news-and-media/2023-media-releases/research-reveals-libraries-are-huge-contributors-to-community-wellbeing/
Summary: https://www.lgnz.co.nz/assets/PDFs/Value-of-public-libraries-executive-summary.pdf
Research Paper: https://www.lgnz.co.nz/assets/FFLG/Frank-Advice-Libraries-as-a-vehicle-for-service-delivery.pdf?vid=5

Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study

The ‘Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study’ report by Global Leisure Group Limited, 8th August 2019, was provided at part of the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ (https://letstalk.ccc.govt.nz/SCR/SCR-FAQ), for the ‘Shirley Community Reserve’ consultation in July/August 2023.
‘Where can I read the original feasibility study?’:
https://letstalk.ccc.govt.nz/download_file/view/109/502

I had a meeting with consultant/author Peter Burley in February 2019.
(see Peter’s notes: 13.1 Appendix 1. Key Informant Interviews, Page 39-40)
This is the first time I have seen this report.
His notes from our meeting, aren’t completely accurate with what I actually said.
We spoke for over two hours. I appreciated the time he gave me, as I’ve only had 5-10 minutes through public forum/deputation with my local Community Board & 5 minutes through verbal submissions at Council for the Annual or Long Term Plan.
During our meeting, Peter said: “If your websites are still around in 10 years time & the Christchurch City Council find & read them, they will realise they should have built what you have suggested, back then.”
After our meeting, I emailed him my notes/research/ideas:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ChchCommCentreNetworkPlanJoannaGould.pdf

‘Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study’
Global Leisure Group Limited, 8th August 2019
https://letstalk.ccc.govt.nz/download_file/view/109/502

– Activating Community Space/Facilities requires an integrated approach where partnerships with community and corporate/commercial organisations and council (all areas) are considered together.
Engagement across councils planning, asset management, traffic and transport, community capability building, youth, arts, cultural, recreation, disability, sport, health, open space planning, events, libraries are encouraged.
– Community Facilities need to be as unique in their design as their communities.
There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution recommended in the literature for the provision of Community Facilities, in fact, the literature supports the exact opposite, as Community Facilities need to reflect the unique needs of the communities they serve.
– A ‘Community Focal Point’ (CFP) is a means of enhancing community life by providing a ‘heart’ in each neighbourhood.
The entire space is designed to enable and encourage community connections, in a relaxed, inclusive and welcoming environment that is enjoyable to be in.
Figure 1. Neighbourhood Focal Point Approach to Community Facility Provision (Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 9)

Table 4. Deprivation by Area Units (6 and above)
– Here we see Richmond South, Edgeware and Shirley have higher levels of deprivation (6 and above) as a percentage of total population, much higher than the Christchurch Average.
– These factors need to be considered in any analysis of the cost of access to community facilities.
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 16)

Location of Provision
– There is no direct provision of Council facilities within the defined facility catchment area (Shirley, Richmond, Edgeware and Mairehau) and much of what is provided is Church based, with the area being home to a number of strong Church based Trusts.
– There does appear to be a gap in the area identified on the boundary of Shirley and Richmond.
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 17)

6.4.1 Asset data Across Council Owned Community Facilities
This suggests current provision is lower than the city-wide average in terms of community facilities.
6.4.2 Community Provision (Non-Council)
There seems a gap (or at least less provision) of non-Church community space across the Community Board, especially as we see the current range of facilities available is split between ‘Community’ and ‘Church-based’ Trusts.
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 18)

Expressed Needs and Demand, 7.1 Research Undertaken by Open Strategies
A range of activity was lost when the community facility at No. 10 Shirley Road was removed post-earthquake.
The Open Strategies report identifies at least 29 different user groups (Appendix 3).
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 21)

7.3 Community Needs Analysis for Richmond
– Lack of low cost, creative and fun activities for after-school and school holidays.
– Mental health needs (adults through to children identified as a gap).
– Need for improved playground facilities across Richmond targeting pre-schoolers and small children.
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 22)

8. Need and Gap Assessment, Summary of Need
– With an aging population, it is important to also consider what has been lost that would be of value to older adults.
– Secular Bumping space (for casual interactions and cross-over between activities and areas) for adults like that provided in libraries.
– With increases in younger populations in some areas continued and increased provision could include:
School and pre-school age play, game and playground area space, linked in particular to young people population growth mainly in Shirley and Edgeware.
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 24)

9. Discussion, Fit with Christchurch City Council Network Plan
Providing hubs and focal points are important network plan outcomes.
9. Discussion, Breaking out of the box
– They make the point that often open space becomes a location for community centres (of a single-use type) and not a multi-use type.
– The space at 10 Shirley Road is an ideal location to consider in this way…it has a rich history of provision of community services, firstly as a school then as a community facility.
– Although there are some who would want permanent activities locked onto the site; given its proximity to transport and its high visibility it would be a shame for it to be locked into one type of use when it has opportunity to be a flexible and changing community space for the whole community and different interest groups at different times.
– Its high visibility is particularly attractive to young people.
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 26)

Potential Activity for the 10 Shirley Road Site
– With the provision of the correct infrastructure this site could be reborn as a new interpretation of a contemporary community centre.
– It would not in this configuration be all things to all groups and it would not replace indoor community activity of a nature that was present in 10 Shirley Road before the earthquakes…
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 27)

Potential Activity for the 10 Shirley Road Site
– …the site could act as an extension location for other community bases spreading activity across the community rather than asking people to come into a facility.
– The location of 10 Shirley Road is perfect for this as there is no other Trust close by and yet the location is important to Shirley, Edgeware, Mairehau and Richmond.
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 28)

10. Options
– …it is not a question of whether to put a facility back on the site or not.
It is more complex than that if we consider the need for any provision to be well managed and meet the needs of the community we must then also consider not only the bricks and mortar components but governance and management.
– …the more appropriate question is how we can ensure the delivery of Community Services in the area to meet gaps in provision and to provide a sustainable solution to capture long term opportunities for community activities to occur.
– An important consideration in this options analysis is how to achieve a sustainable outcome, not just for the community but for Council.
– One other factor is how to ensure any provision aligns with what is currently and likely to happen in the foreseeable future.
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 29)

11. Ownership, Governance and Management Review, Governance and Trusts as vehicles to drive Community Outcomes
– One key issue is how to gain a level of co-ordination of efforts across these neighbourhoods.
– Implicit in this is the need for focal points. In one sense the facility at 10 Shirley Road was this focal point prior to the earthquakes, but now the focal points have become more localised into specific neighbourhoods…
– …the Shirley Community Trust has become focused into the MacFarlane Park area…
These areas all have similar issues and can be considered holistically in any future Neighbourhood plan for the area.
– The Shirley Village Project umbrellas almost 25-30 organisations in this area and some of the work of Trusts in the area is about co-ordinated activity specifically around the Community Facility on Acheson Avenue.
– …the Richmond neighbourhood with a significant amount of work going into building a sense of community in the housing estates beside Avebury House and in the areas around Delta and Crossways.
– The umbrella entity in this case Richmond Community Action Network (RCAN), supported by Delta Trust, fulfils a similar role as the Shirley Village Project in bringing groups together at the community level.
– Each Trust and its umbrella collectives in the area has a limited reach that naturally extends to the boundary of the neighbourhood they serve…
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 31)

Table 9. Governance options toward increased activation of 10 Shirley Road
Option ‘Support an existing Trust’, Negatives of approach:
– Unfavourable treatment of one Trust over others
– Not one Trust that spans these two neighbourhoods
– Would be either Church or Non-church aligned
– That trust would not necessarily hold the vision (Community Plan) for the whole area
Option ‘All comers’ Approach’, Positives of approach:
– Perceived as fair
– Council is not partisan
Option ‘All comers’ Approach’, Negatives of approach:
– Council will need to manage the community planning process on behalf of community groups
– Councils role does not cover Welfare, Crime, Social and Housing areas directly
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 33)

12.2 Operating and Cash Flows
…community responsibility for organising, coordinating and funding the activation programmes and events.
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 34)

13.1 Appendix 1. Key Informant Interviews, Meeting: 23rd January with Stacey Holbrough: Community Development Advisor – Papanui, CCC
– Re the Community Centre rebuild. When I first started I thought they needed a building, a whanau family space and outdoor equipment and core seating…
– or if the library was to move out from the Palms a relocation of the service centre and library to this site making it a real community ‘bumping’ space…
– With Shirley primary across the road there is a real synergy and easy win to get kids across the road…
– My logic is: I see other buildings not being utilised; and it’s about bang for buck and would it be better to have the space being used and not a pretty building that is a monument…
– Knowing the way the Council model works currently we would have a building under-utilised…
– There is a community perception that others gained back their community centres and what has happened for us at Shirley Community Centre site.
– Currently everyone gets a little bit of funding but there is no strategy its diffuse, better to concentrate energy to activate more community delivery/capacity.
– Work on wicket projects that make a difference based around the major community facilities as hubs.
– In terms of community centre spaces my gut feel is we have old and new stock but with no sense of belonging they are a bit white elephant, not user friendly.
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 35)

13.1 Appendix 1. Key Informant Interviews, Meeting Jill Hawkey: Methodist Church 24th January 2019
– Its important that the Shirley Community Centre does not interrupt but instead complements the activity already underway.
– That said it does raise the question that there is perhaps less non-church provision and this could be a gap.
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 36)

13.1 Appendix 1. Key Informant Interviews, Phone Conversation Wed 30th Jan 2019: David Cosgrove. Divisional Development Manager for AMP Capital, NZ
The Palms Shopping Complex is owned by AMP Capital (Sydney) [has been sold again, since this report was written].
– There was an attempt with the past owners to purchase land and to start a process that might have led to the re-positioning of the Council owned facilities (Library, Service Centre and Committee/Meeting and Staff Office Space).
This work happened around 2005-6.
– We as the new owners [The Palms has been sold again, since this report was written] have not had any communication with Council about this project.
– We do have a reasonably large land holding in the area (had approximately 52 properties in and around the Palms and we have sold some to the south leaving us with about 35 properties mainly to the north where our expansion
ambitions are. [This land has been sold, since this report was written].
– For us development to the north is complicated because Council own three blocks of pensioner flats which would also need to be relocated as well.
– In the previous master planning there was a relocation of community facilities, bus exchange and pensioner housing, but as indicated nothing was actually achieved and the ownership of the Palms changed hands.
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 36-37)

13.1 Appendix 1. Key Informant Interviews, Meeting Thursday 7th Feb with Christine Lane, Community Governance Manager, CCC
– Our main concern (if a plan was developed to empower a local Trust like RCAN to activate more existing community space) is that we don’t know this group very well. – They need to have more of an involvement with us.
– Working with some of these organisations (eg Avebury House) as an example is difficult because they keep cycling staff. We don’t know the current managers at Avebury.
– Not keen for us to become the deliverer of community activity much better to work with others. We will have an interest in ideas round the use of the existing site but will want those also to come from community.
– As a community funder we need to be careful about how many different roles we take on as Council. The role of supporter, encourager and advisor/enabler are useful roles for us if we empower others to be deliverers.
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 38-39)

13.1 Appendix 1. Key Informant Interviews, Meeting 14th February – Joanna Gould
Independent person in the Community who has written on the subject and created detailed blogs and undertaken research.
As I’ve said above, this is the first opportunity I have had to read this report & Peter’s notes on ‘my comments’ aren’t completely accurate.
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 39)

13.2 Appendix 2. Chronology – 10 Shirley Road
Council Annual Plan 2017 – 18
That the Council:
Bring the rebuild of Shirley Community Centre forward to the 2018/19 year, from 2021/22 and 2022/23 years, as part of the 2018-2028 Long Term Plan process to demonstrate the Council’s commitment to providing appropriate community facilities in this area.
Subsequently this decision was reprioritised, and funding for the rebuild of the Shirley Community Centre was pushed out to 2021/2022 and 2022/23 years.
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 41)

13.3 Appendix 3. Open Strategies – Past Users Shirley Community Centre
Celebration of the past:
1. There were weekly leisure clubs for the elderly, who attended for friendship, companionship and exercise. The fact that the centre was ‘local’ made it easier for them to attend.
2. There were antenatal classes which were popular and had waiting lists. As well as residents learning during the classes, they often built enduring relationships with others.
3. There were opportunities for babies to enjoy music.
5. All classes were packed with people due to learning and social opportunities and links were created.
7. A home school group regularly met at the building.
9. Genealogy had their own room.
10. Parents centre had their own room.
12. A fly fishing club met there.
13. A knitters club met there.
14. The Centre was used by Senior Net.
17. Weight watchers ran meetings there.
18. Playcentre training was done in a classroom.
21. The old centre worked as a ‘drop-in centre’ due to a worker being there on a part time basis in the Foyer and other permanent groups based in the centre so the old centre felt continuously alive.
23. The centre encouraged people to meet there – building a sense of community through attending classes.
24. The group who ran the Centre dissolved recently.
25. The centre was welcoming to people and was used by both local groups as well as by groups from throughout Christchurch.
26. The centre had good parking and plenty of space.
27. It had history – residents had gone to school there.
29. The combination of building and green space was attractive to people so it is hoped that this combination can continue.
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 44)

13.4 Appendix 4. Consultation and Feedback from the Community (Trevor Cattermole) Surveys and relevant letter excerpts
– Cheann Carroll: “The Libraries in Palms has no facilities for community meetings.”
– Dr Clive and Wendy Howard-Williams: “as we live close to the old centre we were aware of its continual use to service the local community.”
– Mark Thompson: “I would submit that, to ensure the history of the area is not lost, something could be erected to acknowledge the history related to 10 Shirley Road. A final thought is regarding the green space, or park area.
If a new facility is constructed will there be garden, or outdoor areas for the public to relax in. There certainly seems like a lot of options, the site is in a great location, is currently popular, and will no doubt be well used in the future.”
– Sophie Allen: “Potentially a community centre could be a good base for an environment centre”.
– David Hollander: “I certainly think the centre would be well used (if the popularity of the old centre is any guide), and I also think there is a real need for such a facility in our part of town.”
– Andrew Driver: “There’s a lot of unhappiness in the area, and nothing for the 50-64 age groups which I’m in. Also nothing for people like me who for medical reasons can’t drive.”
(Shirley Community Facility Feasibility Study, Page 45)