Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee.
Work in post-disaster Christchurch has officially swung
from recovery and demolition, to rebuild, the Government said
today.
Domestic and international media were given a guided bus tour
of the ever-shrinking cordoned-off, inner city red zone by
Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee.
Although the frustration of some Cantabrians about the time
it was taking to turn around the city was "entirely
understandable", Mr Brownlee said, attention had turned to
the $30 billion rebuild.
Businesses and property owners set to reopen in the CBD,
including a high-end apartment hotel and a private training
college, today spoke of their excitement at being some of the
first to come back to the inner city.
Last year was a time of demolition, while 2013 is the year of
the rebuild, Mr Brownlee said.
The minister again highlighted the enormity of the task,
while also pointing out what's already been achieved.
Work on key projects included in the central city blueprint
released last July was already underway, he said.
The builders of the new convention centre would be selected
later this month, with the Crown expected to have secured
full ownership of the site by September.
The owners of 47 commercial CBD properties have already
agreed to sell to the Crown as the purchase of city land for
new developments gathers pace.
Early construction on the Avon River precinct will start in
April, while work on a bus interchange is planned to begin
early next year.
The rebuild was a "realistic vision", Mr Brownlee said, and
Christchurch remained on track to become the "best small city
in the world".
Mr Brownlee also announced a new kids competition to help
develop a new playground.
Competition packs have been distributed to every Canterbury
school and early childhood centre, and schools have already
begun registering to take part in the Amazing Place project.
"This is a fantastic way for the next generation to take
ownership of a piece of Christchurch's multi-billion dollar
redevelopment," Mr Brownlee said.
"The children of greater Christchurch have been through an
awful lot, and been exceptionally brave and resilient over
the past two years. Having endured so much they deserve a
real stake in the new Christchurch - an amazing place they
can call their own."
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.